Special Features

The project components are primarily focused on poverty reduction and livelihood restoration in conflict-affected districts, rather than infrastructure development alone. The components are integrated, with the infrastructure built, using appropriate labour-based methods as the entry point for rural livelihood-enhancement interventions. Numerous small BGs, formed locally from the poorest people of the community, will undertake construction work. These BGs form the initial basis of project efforts to boost human and social capital. Disadvantaged castes and ethnic minorities are predominantly found in the poorest groups and will be specifically targeted by the Project for BC membership and life-skill training. Poor women from these groups will be directly targeted to join BGs and will receive full training and a support programme aimed at the multiple dimensions of poverty. This programme will help reduce poverty by addressing the many influences on livelihoods and poverty, and offer immediate income-earning opportunities. The community development component will enable these groups to participate fully in community decision-making. All of these activities will seek to mitigate the adverse impacts of the conflict and its root causes.