75 villages across Karnataka chosen to be developed as a model for self-sustainability through local initiatives

Mysore/Mysuru: In yet another measure aimed at rural development, the Gadag- based Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University (KSDPRU) has launched ‘Swagrama Fellowship,’ for which 75 villages across the State have been chosen.

Addressing a press meet here recently, the Fellowship Scheme Advisor Dr. Thippeswamy said that the villages will be developed as a model for self-sustainability through local initiatives implemented in co-ordination with various organisations and guidance of experts.

Pointing out that the KSDPRU has launched this initiative in association with Bengaluru’s Youth for Seva Trust, Chanakya University, Bengaluru, Shivamogga Kuvempu University’s Abdul Nazir Sab Study Chair and Prajna Karnataka, he said that this is a 3-year group fellowship which is aimed at developing models of comprehensive village development.

Maintaining that it is the first of its kind initiative in the country, Dr. Thippeswamy said that 75 villages have been chosen in the first phase.

Each of these villages will have a three-member group comprising candidates aged between 20 and 50 years.

While it is compulsory for two of the three members to stay in the village, the other can assist from outside on matters concerning village development.

Noting that the candidates will be selected through an interview, he said that two members of each team, who stay in their village will get a monthly honorarium of Rs. 5,000 each.

Continuing, Dr. Thippeswamy said that so far 38 applications have been received from Mysuru district alone for the Fellowship. The selected teams will be sanctioned Rs.50,000 in the first year for carrying out tasks, he added.

Youth for Seva Trust’s Harish Shenoy and Yashwanth Gowda were present at the press meet.

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