How We Work
The village community is involved right from the start
- Individuals with a visionary “CAN DO” mindset can serve as catalysts for promoting the program and driving progress within their communities. The selection of a Village Development Committee comprised of five or six individuals of high credibility, in collaboration with the Panchayat, ensures effective oversight of the Village Development Programme.
- When a village demonstrates its readiness for modernization and commits the minimum required sum, or more depending on its size, VLIF facilitates the formulation of a comprehensive Village Development Plan. This plan encompasses a detailed contour and street map, architectural designs with precise specifications, and a thorough resource estimate. To uphold transparency, the entire project blueprint is shared with both donors and the local community.
- VLIF adheres to a holistic approach to village development, ensuring that every segment of the community benefits from the initiative. Ideally, each household within the village is encouraged to contribute an agreed upon sum, while NRIs and other affluent individuals are invited to contribute Rs. 1 lakh per household or more. Those who contribute more than Rs 1 lakhare invited to have their name commemorated on a Pillar of Appreciation within the village.
- Upon approval by the Punjab Government under the Plan Scheme NRI-1, donors/NRIs are required to gather 50% of the project cost, with the government covering the remaining 50% of the approved budget.
- Throughout project implementation, VLIF provides assistance, guidance, and supervision alongside the Village Development Committee and Panchayat. Moreover, VLIF conducts skill training courses in District Hoshiarpur to empower villagers with essential skills.
- For those seeking to establish small-scale businesses, VLIF facilitates connections with banking institutions, offering guidance and financial assistance to support entrepreneurial endeavors.
THE COSTS & THE PROCESS
We uphold transparency in all our operations, ensuring our donors are informed about how their contributions are allocated and the tangible impact they have on improving the lives of individuals within the village communities.
COST OF SEWERAGE SYSTEM – WATER SUPPLY AND PAVING OF STREETS
In our experience, basic infrastructure facilities as outlined above cost about Rs.1,00,000 which is equivalent to approximately US$1200 per household or US$240 per person. Thus, the cost of modernizing basic facilities for a village of 200 households is approximately (Rs.1,00,000 x 200) = Rs. 2.00Crore (figures as per 2024). Costs can vary depending on factors such as the village’s size, layout, geographical spread, and terrain.
ADDITIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE OPTIONS CAN INCLUDE:
– Street lights (solar & electric)
– Upgradation of village School (computer room & computers)
– Village park (landscape, children’s playground)
– Cremation ground (wood & gas)
Under the Plan Scheme NRI-1 of the Punjab NRI Department, the villagers/donors need to come up with 50% of the total estimated amount and the Government of Punjab provides a matching grant of the other 50%, of the estimated cost of the project.
A street of village Partabpura with open drain
