Expression of Interest: Partnering for High Impact Mega Watershed Project Phase II in Chhattisgarh

Project: High Impact Mega Watershed Project, Phase II, Chhattisgarh
Organization: Bharat Rural Livelihood Foundation (BRLF)
Apply By: 10 December 2024

About the Organization

• Mission: To improve the livelihoods of rural poor, emphasizing women and tribal communities, by scaling civil society action in partnership with state and central governments.
• Registration: Autonomous body under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (established in 2013).
• Focus Area: Central Indian Adivasi belt (20% Adivasi population across 1077 blocks in 190 districts in 10 states).
• Key Initiatives:
  • Promote livelihood security reforms.
  • Implement participatory groundwater management and pesticide-free agriculture.
  • Develop value chains for Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) and crops.
  • Capacity building for rural professionals and community organizations.

About the EOI

• Partnership: Collaborative project between MGNREGA Cell (Chhattisgarh), BRLF, and Axis Bank Foundation.

• Project Duration: 2024–2028 (Phase I: 2018–2024).

• Goal: Enhance incomes of 250,000 small and marginal households through:

  • Development of natural resource management assets.
  • Promotion of income-enhancing livelihood practices.

• Implementation: CSOs will execute the project across 8 blocks in 6 districts of Chhattisgarh.

• Block Allocation: Based on the CSO's capacity, multiple blocks may be assigned.

Key Roles of CSOs

1. Community Mobilization: Motivate villagers to actively participate in MGNREGA programs.
2. Capacity Building: Train PRIs and frontline MGNREGS staff in watershed planning.
3. Project Reporting: Develop detailed project reports (DPRs) for approval and inclusion in annual action plans.
4. Technical Support: Provide on-site assistance for implementing and monitoring watershed development schemes.
5. Collaboration: Coordinate with local authorities and ensure timely communication with SPMU and Regional Coordinators.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Experience: At least 5 years of expertise in rural livelihoods, community mobilization, and institution building, focusing on tribal communities and women.
2. Presence in Chhattisgarh: Preferably operational for the last 5 years; multi-state organizations are also encouraged to apply.
3. Partnership Experience: Prior collaborations with State Government.
4. Watershed Projects: Proven track record in implementing similar projects.
5. Capacity: Ability to develop and execute high-quality DPRs for 50–60 micro-watersheds per block.
6. Compliance:
   • Registered under Sections 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act.
   • Annual turnover of at least ₹50 lakhs in any of the past three years.
   • Not blacklisted by any government or donor agency.
7. Governance: Strong financial and organizational systems to ensure effective implementation.
8. Community Engagement: Commitment to work in partnership with Gram Panchayats.

Application Process

1. EOI Format:
   • Section A: Organization Profile.
   • Section B: Watershed Project Experience.
   • Section C: Capacity Building Efforts and Gaps.
   • Section D: PRI Collaboration Experience.
   • Section E: Government Collaboration Experience.
2. Submission:
   • Apply online via BRLF MIS portal.
   • Ensure all sections are filled comprehensively.

Important Links

• Registration: Click here to register.
• WhatsApp Updates: Join Channel.

Last Date to Apply: 10 December 2024