“Priyadarshini” is being implemented in seven districts of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The Ministry of Women and Child Development [MWCD], Govt of India is the nodal department and NABARD is the Lead Programme Agency for implementation of the programme. The Eight year Programme envisaging project outlay of US $ 32.73 million is being funded by IFAD with financial assistance of US $ 30.00 million. The balance contribution of US $ 2.73 will be made by the Government of India. The programme period is from December 2009 to December 2017. The programme Loan Agreement has been executed between IFAD and GoI. The programme envisages holistic empowerment of 1,08,000 poor women and adolescent girls supported by sustainable and improved livelihood through formation of 7200 SHGs covering five districts viz., Sultanpur, Bahraich, Shravasti, Rae Bareily and CSM Nagar of Uttar Pradesh and two districts viz., Madhubani and Sitamarhi of Bihar. The programme has been declared effective by IFAD from 04 December 2009. As envisaged in the Programme Loan Agreement, NABARD has set up a National Programme Coordination Unit (NPCU) at its Head Office, State Programme Management Units (SPMU) in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar Regional Offices and Programme Implementation Units [PIUs] at district level in respective districts.
The start up workshop for grounding of the programme was held on 28 and 29 April 2011 at NABARD Staff College Lucknow. The Resource NGO has been engaged for Capacity Building and Field NGOs for implementation of the programme in the field.
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
