The Hindu Business Line : NGO to take up rural development in Uttara Kannada

DAKSHINA Kannada-based Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP), which has carved several success stories in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts through its self-help groups, has set its eyes on the neighbouring Uttara Kannada district for taking up rural development activities.

The project Executive Director, Dr L.H. Manjunath, told Business Line here on Tuesday that SKDRDP and Syndicate Bank have chalked out a three-year plan for rural development in Uttara Kannada district.

Around 10,500 self-help groups will be formed in the district at a cost of Rs 5 crore. This includes Rs 1.20 crore grants from Syndicate Bank.

Initially, SKDRDP will form SHGs in Honnavar, Kumta, Sirsi and Bhatkal taluks of the district. "Our aim is to cover the entire district in a year's time," he said.

Three project officers and supervisors have been appointed in these taluks. Recruitment of field officers will begin after June 1, said Mr Manjunath.

Dr Manjunath said there is lot of scope for rural development activities in Uttara Kannada district.

SKDRDP has identified dairying and vermi-manure preparation as potential areas for this purpose. People will also be encouraged to take up hybrid paddy cultivation.

Dr Manjunath hoped these rural development activities could bring down poverty in the district.

With its entry into Uttara Kannada, SKDRDP will be the first non-governmental organisation to take up rural development activities along the entire coastal Karnataka.

In Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, the NGO is actively engaged in fighting against poverty, illiteracy and alcohol abuse.

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