HDDS & MAHFP Survey

Survey of households for measuring household food access began from 27th October 2016. In this survey two types of measurement tools (questionnaires) developed by USAID is being used i.e  Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) and Months of Adequate Household Food Provisioning (MAHFP). An orientation session on the survey was held for the staffs at Guwahati on 26th October 2016 in Ricon building, Rajgarh Road. Sample data to be collected from 500 HHs in Barkhetri and 500 HHs in Pas. Mangaldoi. Findings of the survey to be incorporated in Baseline Report of Unnati

Field Facilitator filling up survey questionnaire in Aulachowka, Darrang

Staff Orientation Programme on Photography and Food Security Survey

An orientation programme for project staffs was held at Guwahati on 26th of Oct 2016. The programme was organized under another project of RGVN, however, project staffs of Unnati were also invited to attend the same. Area Coordinators and CMOs of Livelihood programme participated in the programme. The training was conducted by Mr Utpal Baruah , Director of UB Photos based in Guwahati, Assam. During the programme Mr. Baruah shared many techniques of photograph especially focusing on social documentary photography and provided many tips for better photography. Finally a demonstration was given by the trainer on operation of SLR cameras ollowed by a short practice session.

On the same day,  a session on household dietary survey and months of food availability was conducted by M&E and Asst M&E officer of Unnati. Accordingly, each blocks was given a target to collect data of 500 HHs.

Mr. Utpal Baruah of UB photos taking a session on photography

FI Launch

The Financial Inclusion  programme under Unnati project of RGVN was formerly launched on 19^th of October 2016 at United Club in Aulachowka, Darrang district. The project UNNATI, which is being currently implemented in Nalbari and Darrang district, has been started in collaboration with Vattikuti India Foundation, Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI) & Davinta Technologies.

It  aims to organize small scale farmers to reap the benefit of large scales of operations, transfer of simple, low cost, environment friendly technology to increase farm production, providing market linkage of agricultural produce, setting up of Local Service Providers to provide services for farm production and also, to provide  of credit linkage to the villagers. The unique feature of this programme is that RGVN will act as Business Correspondent (BC) of IDBI Bank in order to bring banking within the reach of the masses of rural population. Groups formed under the project can avail loans for livelihood generating activities through the BC Agents which will be conveniently located in their neighbourhood grocery/corner shop.

The event saw a participation of 650 people, which was organised within the premises of United Club, Aulachowka,  Darrang. The chief guest was Honbl. M.P. Ramen Deka of Darrang who lighted the lamp along with Executive Director of RGVN Dr. Amiya Kumar Sharma, Director of Vattikuti India Foundation Air Marshall Joseph Neri, General Manager of IDBI Bank Guwahati Mr. Ugen Tashi and Chairman AGVB Mr. Shiv Shankar Singh. 

Dr. Amiya Kumar Sharma introduced the concept of project to the people present and highlighted its significance of providing loans at low interest to group members. The local corner shops will act as Banking Correspondent Agents (BCA) which will provide loan and other banking facilities to the people. 

Air Marshall Joseph Neri spoke about the goals and aims of the Vattikuti India Foundation and its endeavour to achieve sustainable empowerment and poverty alleviation through this unique livelihood and financial inclusion initiative promoted under Unnati project. 

Mr. Ugen Tashi reflected on the long history IDBI has shared with RGVN since its inception and is happy to be part of the new venture. He expressed that IDBI is eager to provide loan and the importance of timely loan repayment by the people which motivates the bank in turn to further increase the quantum of loan.

M.P. Ramen Deka congratulated RGVN on this unique venture which will be benefit the rural community greatly. He also urged the people to be responsible and to ensure timely repayment. 

Links to newspaper publications

Times of India

Dainik Janambhumi 

Sentinel 

Asomiya Pratidin 

Amar Asom