CARDS is the implementing agency for Village Development Programme by NABARD in 6 villages of Rajnandgaon district. NABARD has introduced a holistic and integrated development Programme of villages through the village development programme. This plan focuses on financial inclusion and overall development of villages in terms of economic, infrastructure and Human development throughEducation, Health etc.
Key steps involved

• Interface with people of identified village.
• Undertaking PRA exercise.
• Identify people’s needs.
• Prepare a Plan document (for socio-economic, infrastructural development of the village).
• Place it before the stakeholders – Village Development Committee, NGOs, Banks, Government Departments, PRIs, NABARD and other agencies.
• Coordinate and network for physical, financial and promotional support.
• Obtain firm commitments from each stakeholder.
• Commence implementation in right earnest.

Strategies for Village Development

• Integrated development of the village to be a Model village.
• Infrastructure: Enhancement of infrastructure facilities for road, irrigation, drinking water, health & Sanitation, education etc
• Rural Housing: Facilitating credit through banks for low-cost housing including sanitation facilities.
• To motivate the natural resource management like organic farming, eco conservation, watershed Development, plantation, proper utilization of forest product, water harvesting structure to improve ground water level.
• Improvement in livelihood activities through promotion of allied activities in nonfarm sector.
• Development of waste management system through Vermicompost, Biogas etc.
• Microfinance through SHG’s formation, credit linkages for IGA’s
• Promotion of Banking and insurance services to improve financial literacy.
• Formation and promotion of kisan club members.
• Extension of education facilities.
• Coordination with state Govt and KVK to provide extension services to farmers.
• Encouraging environment related initiatives leading to protection of environment ecological restoration and achieving the concept of “green’ villages.
• Facilitating value chain management.

Achievements

• Reduction in BPL families in the village.
• Increase in literacy level in the village.
• Reduction in migration of families by creation of additional employment avenue.
• All weather road connectivity to the village.
• Achievement of financial inclusion.
• Increase in credit disbursement.
• Promotion of units for rural industries, post harvest handling, value addition including processing and other economic unit under rural non – farm sector.
• Promoted gender equality.
• Protection of environment / ecological balance.