by BIS Correspondent
MUMBAI, JUL 26, 2016: In a bid to help 60 poverty stricken villages in Maharashtra, the Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra (BGVK) in Aurangabad alongside STULZ CHSPL India Pvt. Ltd. have launched a 'Livelihood 
Project' to educate and equip the rural marginalised through training, exposure and implementation availing the various existent government schemes.
Livelihoods in the rural districts of Aurangabad, Jalna, Parbhani in Maharashtra are harshly affected by various socio-economic factors such as the scarcity of water, inadequate skilling, very little agricultural research, financial insecurity and a host of other issues that need immediate attention.
The BGVK under the aegis of Mumbai-based Don Bosco Development Society has committed to reach out to 60 villages in this region. 20 villages each in Aurangabad, Jalna and Parbhani have been identified as communities that require sustainable solutions to their varied issues.
Initially supported by the BMZ, Federal Ministry (Germany) for four years, this 'Livelihood Project' seeks to - through a 11-month period - address issues related to youth, women and farmers.
The primary focus is providing youth with vocational skilling, imparting livelihood skills training to farmers, agricultural extension specifically aimed at understanding and implementing better scientific farm practices with regard to soil and crops and empowerment of women through formation of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and bank linkages.
"We have to envisage sustainable development and permanent solutions to the people's problems," Father Rolvin D'Mello, the Executive Director of Don Bosco Development Society, said.
BGVK intends to mobilise, organise and educate individuals and communities to access their entitled rights through this renewable endeavour, offering hope to the voiceless.
Kalyan Chape, the Sarpanch of Shahapur, Aurangabad and Sakhubai Kharat, SHG Women Jikhthan, Aurangabad expressed their gratitude to all concerned for implementing the development initiative.