Date:22/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/22/stories/2006112200950300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Salem

`Vazhndhu Kattuvom project will help people identify vocational skills'

Staff Reporter

Orientation programme held for chiefs of village panchayats

SALEM: The district administration organised an orientation programme on Vazhndhu Kattuvom project for the presidents of village panchayats in Ayodhyapattinam panchayat union here on Tuesday.

Presiding over the programme, the Assistant Collector (Training), M. Balaji, said that the project was aimed at enhancing the quality of life of the people in the rural areas.

Technical assistance

Speakers in the programme including District Project Manager of Vazhndhu Kattuvom District Society (VKDS) Anandan highlighted the features of the project. They said that the project would help people identify their vocational skills and develop them. It would assist the self-help groups in the rural areas to get technical assistance and market their products.

The village panchayats would be provided with financial assistance to execute various programmes under the project. Steps would be taken up to create awareness among people about the project in the district, they said.

In Namakkal district, a similar programme for the bankers and representatives of non-governmental organisations on Vazhndhu Kattuvom project was held recently.

Presiding over the programme, organised by the Namakkal VKDS, Collector G. Sundaramurthi said that the project would adopt a community driven development approach. The people would identify their needs by themselves. They would plan, implement and monitor the project activities aimed at reducing poverty.

He released the posters and stickers for the village level communication campaign on the project. He also inaugurated the computer section of the VKDS, a press release said.

District Project Manager of VKDS G. Jayalakshmi gave a presentation on the project. Assistant General Manager, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, P. Jayakannan, spoke on micro finance for self-help groups.

Project Officer, Mahalir Thittam, Muthu Meenal, Lead District Bank Manager T.R. Suresh and Chief Manager of Canara Bank Chezhiyan also spoke.