National Workshop on Localization of Sustainable Development Goals in Gram Panchayats

Why is in news? A Three-day National Workshop on Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs) in Gram Panchayats

A three-day National Workshop on Localization of Sustainable Development Goals in Gram Panchayats through Adopting Thematic Approaches: Theme 1: Poverty Free and Enhanced Livelihood Gram Panchayats is being organised during 14 – 16 November, 2022 at CIAL Convention Centre, Kochi, Kerala.

The workshop is being organised by the Ministry of Panchayat Raj, Government of India in close collaboration with Local Self Government Department (LSGD), Government of Kerala and Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA), Thrissur, Kerala.

This well-structured workshop aims to create awareness on the national level importance of addressing

(1) Marginalisation – inclusion and access to basic services, social safety nets and protection systems – leveraging National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) through Panchayats, and

(2) Livelihoods – the role of Panchayats in addressing income inequality & poverty, eradicating extreme poverty and improving employment opportunities for poor, vulnerable and marginalized sections and

(3) Building resilience of vulnerable communities against the sudden shocks brought about by disasters and extreme climate events.

The National Workshop endeavours to achieve following objectives:

Creating a space for peer-learning for Gram Panchayats by exchange ideas and experience sharing with other States

Facilitating dialogue between elected representatives of Panchayats and policy makers, Civil Society Organisations, NGOs, Domain Experts

Strengthening implementation strategy on Theme 1: Poverty Free and Enhanced Livelihood Gram Panchayats

Releasing Kerala State Roadmap on SDG localisation in Panchayats

Disseminating and deliberating innovative ideas around Theme 1 (Poverty Free and Enhanced Livelihood Gram Panchayats).

Vision of the Theme 1 - “A poverty free Panchayat, that ensures there is social protection so that none slip back to poverty. A village where there is growth and prosperity with enhanced livelihoods for all.”

Poverty is multi-dimensional and multi causal which has its impact on different aspects of life. Opportunities for employment, access of basic services including social protection, housing, health, education, enabling environment for thrift and credit, improving land productivity and build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable from various disaster are focused area of the theme

To address this vision, Gram Panchayat has a significant role in setting local goals & targets and preparation of a comprehensive plan with convergence of human resources and various flagship schemes like MGNREGS, NRLM, NSAP, e-Shram and other resources available to the Panchayat.

SDG: Sustainable Development Goals adopted by United Nations came into effect from January 1, 2016.

Ministry of Panchayat Raj, Government of India has adopted thematic approach to SDGs – It is approach to ensure ‘local action’ for achieving ‘global plan’. The approach aims to localise SDGs in rural areas through PRIs, especially Gram Panchayats by clubbing 17 ‘Goals’ into ‘9 Themes’.

Appropriate policy decisions and revisions have followed resulting into revamping of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) and Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) Guidelines which smoothens the process of Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs) in Gram Panchayats.