Model Village
The Model Village Programme, inspired by Gram Geeta (written by Tukdoji Maharaj) focuses on developing village communities using money as an enabler. The Model Village Programme revolves around the Village Fund, called Gram Nidhi. People from the village can take a loan from the village fund but there are certain criteria for various loan amounts that are available.
The importance of the Model Village Programme is that it hands over the responsibility and freedom of the Gram Nidhi in the hands of the community it serves. It also ensures that people are not at the mercy of money lenders who charge exorbitant interest. The loans are requested for in the platform of the Gram Sabha, the Village Assembly. An interesting peer pressure is created as anyone can object to the one seeking a loan if he/she fails any of the criteria. Four slabs have been created for these loans, with a particular eligibility criteria for each slab. These slabs range from Rs. 10,000/- to Rs. 1,00,000/-
We presently are implementing this project in 3 villages, Bahadarpur, Shirsode and Mahalpur, where in the year 2010 a total Rs. 780000/- has been disbursed to 78 beneficiaries. Recovery is 100% as per the repayment schedule. We have seen how families are not only benefiting from the loans they receive, but are able to pull themselves out of poverty permanently and be a responsible member of the community.
Though BNGVN would be giving loans, the Village would control their economy and can take one step ahead to be a “Model village”.
The importance of the Model Village Programme is that it hands over the responsibility and freedom of the Gram Nidhi in the hands of the community it serves. It also ensures that people are not at the mercy of money lenders who charge exorbitant interest. The loans are requested for in the platform of the Gram Sabha, the Village Assembly. An interesting peer pressure is created as anyone can object to the one seeking a loan if he/she fails any of the criteria. Four slabs have been created for these loans, with a particular eligibility criteria for each slab. These slabs range from Rs. 10,000/- to Rs. 1,00,000/-
We presently are implementing this project in 3 villages, Bahadarpur, Shirsode and Mahalpur, where in the year 2010 a total Rs. 780000/- has been disbursed to 78 beneficiaries. Recovery is 100% as per the repayment schedule. We have seen how families are not only benefiting from the loans they receive, but are able to pull themselves out of poverty permanently and be a responsible member of the community.
Though BNGVN would be giving loans, the Village would control their economy and can take one step ahead to be a “Model village”.
Chat Toilet / "Gappa Sanda"
Eligibility Criteria for Gramnidhi are set for first two slabs and for the third and fourth will be set as per
the changing needs of the society. A person who requires a loan has to fulfil eligibility criteria depending upon amount of requirement of his loan. An example of the criteria - The a family must be an 'Adarsh Kutumbh' (Model Family) which includes:
the changing needs of the society. A person who requires a loan has to fulfil eligibility criteria depending upon amount of requirement of his loan. An example of the criteria - The a family must be an 'Adarsh Kutumbh' (Model Family) which includes:
- be an active member of the Gram Sabha and a member of a Self Help Group
- have no family member that consume alcohol – Dhaaru Bandi
- not cut down trees – Kulhad Bandi
- use a latrine (the community 'chat-toilets' or a privately owned one) – Louta Bandi
- use family planning – Naz Bandhi
Coconut Sapling planted outside a villager's home
The loan has to be repaid in 2 six monthly instalments in a year. 5% of the loan amount will be taken as donation to the organization at the time of disbursement. Out of this amount 50% will be used for administration expenses of the organization and 50% will be added in the “Gramnidhi”.
We believe that a model village is the complete and holistic solution to the many problems faced by Indian Villages. We hope that the outcome of this project includes :
We believe that a model village is the complete and holistic solution to the many problems faced by Indian Villages. We hope that the outcome of this project includes :
- The villager will adopt development parameters willingly
- More and more sanitation blocks will be constructed and used in the village
- Problem of alcoholism will be reduced
- SHGs will be strengthened
- Village legislation will become more responsible
- Poor will not need to knock the doors of usurer
How this Started
When BNGVN started its work in Bahadarpur village, the need of proper sanitation facilities was noticed.
With the participation of villagers, donors like ‘Rotary Club’ and Gajanan Maharaj Sanstha, special toilets for the community were built in order to maintain hygiene in the village. The villagers are encouraged to have Soak Pits for their personal use. For this they are offered a loan of Rs. 10,000/- which is supposed to be repaid in two years. More and more people are coming ahead to have soak pits.
This way, BNGVN is helping the village to become a “Hagandari Mukata Gaon”. Along with Sanitation program, BNGVN is equally involved in Tree plantation program as well as Farm ponds and water shade development. So far 1500 saplings have been planted and the villagers are made responsible for its care. Cleaning drive is carried effectively in the village with the participation of the villagers.
With the participation of villagers, donors like ‘Rotary Club’ and Gajanan Maharaj Sanstha, special toilets for the community were built in order to maintain hygiene in the village. The villagers are encouraged to have Soak Pits for their personal use. For this they are offered a loan of Rs. 10,000/- which is supposed to be repaid in two years. More and more people are coming ahead to have soak pits.
This way, BNGVN is helping the village to become a “Hagandari Mukata Gaon”. Along with Sanitation program, BNGVN is equally involved in Tree plantation program as well as Farm ponds and water shade development. So far 1500 saplings have been planted and the villagers are made responsible for its care. Cleaning drive is carried effectively in the village with the participation of the villagers.