Prime Minister’s Van Dhan Yojana, Uttar Pradesh Forest Corporation, Government of Uttar Pradesh

Upliftment programme for tribal and forest based communities.


Problem

  • Center Management: Difficulties in creating and overseeing Van Dhan Centers
  • Accounting Woes: Challenges faced in SHG account openings
  • Manpower Limitations: A shortage of staff for the centers
  • Branding and Packaging: Pursuit of efficient and high-quality MFP packaging and branding
  • Awareness Lapses: Predominant lack of awareness among tribal communities about the initiative

Solution

  • SHG Involvement: Integrated SHGs for Van Dhan Center management
  • Tapping Forest Department: Collaboration with the Forest Department to overcome staff shortfalls
  • Continuous Improvement: Persistent efforts on product quality, branding, and packaging
  • Product Diversification: Launch of unique offerings such as Ginger Barfi, Mahua ladoos, and others
  • Strategic Sale Points: Establishment of varied MFP sales outlets using internal resources

Outcomes

  • Flourishing Centers: A total of 14 Van Dhan Centers in operation
  • SHG Proliferation: A widespread network of 195 SHGs across 5 districts
  • Financial Backing: A dedicated financial allocation for all facets of the Van Dhan Centers’ operation
  • Center Expansion: An allotment of 25 new centers, with an ambitious goal of reaching 53 centers, all supported by a budget of Rs 3 cr

Project Details

Category: Rural and Tribal Development
Project: PM Van Dhan Yojana
Organisation: Uttar Pradesh Forest Corporation
Start Date: 25-Jan-2018


Problem

The aspiration to economically uplift forest-based tribal communities faced several challenges. Central to these issues was establishing and efficiently managing Van Dhan Centers. Operational challenges emerged in the form of account opening roadblocks for SHGs, insufficiencies in staffing, and the task of achieving a harmonious blend of cost- effectiveness and quality in MFP packaging and branding.


Solution

In response, SHGs became integral to Van Dhan Center management, marking a symbiotic relationship. Recognising the staffing challenges, a hand was extended to the Forest Department, a strategic move to ensure smooth operations. Concurrently, emphasis was placed on continual refinement of product quality, branding, and packaging, ensuring a competitive market presence.


Outcomes

The dedicated efforts bore tangible results. The landscape now showcases 14 Van Dhan Centers, efficiently overseen by 195 SHGs in 5 districts. Financially, the initiative enjoys robust backing, evidenced by a budget earmarked for the centers’ myriad operational facets. The synergy between the Uttar Pradesh Forest Corporation and the Social Welfare Department set the stage for empowerment. This alliance is steadfast in its goal to elevate forest-based tribal communities, executing the MSP and crafting MFP value chains. This mission comprises all-round training, the development of tribal cuisines, and channeling these products via strategic retail points. Initial hiccups, like tribal awareness gaps, were encountered. However, innovation became the hallmark of this journey, introducing unique products to the market.
Adhering to the PM Van Dhan scheme’s comprehensive guidelines, this venture stands as a testimony to executional excellence. The horizon is dotted with expansion plans, indicating a brighter future and an amplified beneficiary base. The blueprint of this initiative offers a replicable model for other regions, reflecting its immense success.


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