There is a need to make the annual planning process of Mahatma Gandhi NREGA more effective by ensuring community participation, particularly increasing women's involvement and technological utilization. Sangam Abhiyan is an important initiative of the state government in this direction. This campaign, led by women's organizations and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), utilizes GIS technology to prepare village-level Integrated Natural Resource Management (INRM) plans. These plans are incorporated into the Village Prosperity and Resilience Plan (VPRP), Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP), and the Labour Budget of Mahatma Gandhi NREGA.
Through this campaign, various schemes under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA will be integrated (converged), ensuring water conservation, asset creation, and livelihood enhancement in Chhattisgarh. This initiative aligns with the Government of India's proposed Whole-of-Government approach under the 'Lakhpati Didi' program, aiming to make rural development more integrated and effective.
Key Objectives of Sangam Abhiyan
1. To develop a sustainable rural development model by integrating schemes of Mahatma Gandhi NREGA, NRLM, Panchayats, and other departments.
2. To build the capacity of women’s organizations, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), and frontline government workers (FLWs) so they can take leadership roles in INRM and livelihood planning.
3. To ensure better planning and transparency using GIS and other technologies.
4. To improve the quality of work under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA, thereby promoting water conservation, livelihood security, and environmental sustainability.
5. To create technically sound and sustainable infrastructure, support livelihoods, and promote landscape restoration based on community needs for the next three years.
Key Pillars of Sangam Abhiyan:
• Community Participation – Ensuring collective planning for village development by involving grassroots government officials, CBOs, and Panchayati Raj representatives.
• Digital Technology – Leveraging GIS, mobile apps (mForm), and web portals (WATERWEL) for data-driven NRM planning, site identification, progress tracking, and participatory decision-making.
• Convergence Approach – Promoting inter department convergence through coordinated efforts of all government departments for integrated planning, resource mobilization, and efficient implementation.
• Community Land Restoration – Strengthening NRM on community land to enhance livelihoods and support poverty alleviation.
• Interdepartmental Coordination – Aligning multiple government schemes and departments for maximum impact.
Sangam Abhiyan is a state initiative focused on inclusive, participatory, and sustainable rural development, with priority plans executed within this timeframe.