Dabri will become the basis of livelihood for fish farming and irrigation of fields.

Raipur : The objective of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme is to provide employment to the villagers and create permanent assets, so that they can become self-reliant and conduct economic activities and strengthen the village economy along with supporting their families. To fulfill this objective, the livelihood camp being built under MNREGA for Andharu Baiga, a disabled beneficiary of Special Backward Tribe in village Kamrakhol under Gram Panchayat Lokhan of Pandariya district, will prove to be a strong foundation for his bright future.

By giving information about the proposed works under MNREGA in the Gram Sabha, the villagers were motivated to build a livelihood pond. Impressed by its benefits, Andru Baiga demanded construction of Dabri for himself. They are already registered and working under MNREGA. By passing a resolution by the Gram Sabha, Aajeevika Dabri was approved for them at a cost of about Rs 1.05 lakh.

Dabri construction work is in progress, in which 574 man days of employment has been generated so far. Beneficiary Andru Baiga himself got employment for 36 days and wages amounting to Rs 9 thousand 360 have been paid into his bank account. This dam of approximately 20 x 20 x 3 meter size will provide approximately 894 cubic meter water storage capacity when completed. This will provide a permanent water source for fish farming, farm development and irrigation of fields and the surrounding areas will also benefit from the increase in ground water level.

The Fisheries Department has started the process of providing fish seeds, essential medicines, nets and technical guidance through convergence. Besides, due to moisture in the ridges and surrounding lands of Dabri, new opportunities for vegetable production will also develop. Easy sale of products in the nearest market will make it possible to continuously increase the income of the beneficiary.

Beneficiary Andru Baiga said that the construction of Aajeevika Dabri will significantly improve their economic condition. They will get a permanent source of income through fish farming and vegetable production and will not have to depend on others for employment. He said that the years old wish is being fulfilled by the MNREGA scheme and now their future looks more secure and pleasant. Government schemes have brought positive changes in their lives and this initiative is proving to be an important step towards self-reliance.