The Japanese government's grant assistance for grassroots projects (GGP) scheme, on behalf of government of Japan, has signed five grant contracts in eastern India, with grant money for each in excess of Rs 3 crore, for the benefit of poor and vulnerable people of respective project areas focusing on the issue of primary education, neglected elderly people, basic eye care, and women with disability.
In last fiscal year, seven other organizations received funds under the same scheme, and three more have already received in September this year.
According to Fujio Samukawa, consul general of Japan in Kolkata, the Government of Japan offers a financial assistance scheme for development projects designed to meet the diverse basic human needs of the people in developing countries since FY1989. This GGP scheme supports projects implemented by non-profit organizations such as NGOs, medical and educational institutes and local governments, who are eligible to receive foreign funds under the law of the Government of India.
Grant of Rs 3,280,107 was given to Amar Seva Sangha for construction of an old-age home in West Bengal.
Chiranabin, another organization in West Bengal, received grant money of Rs 3,312,568 for construction of building to create a support system for people with disability that will also work as shelter home for 75 challenged women.
Sundarban Rural Development and Training Centre (SRDTC) received Rs 3,359,544 for infrastructure development for primary education in 'Path Mandir' of rural Pathar Pratima Block in West Bengal.
Khajurdaha Nabankur United Club received Rs 2,929,657 for setting up a well equipped eye care centre in West Bengal.
Also, Chotanagpur Sanskritik Sangh in Jharkhand received grant of Rs 2,354,475 for construction of primary school at Kulgu Village of Ratu Block of Ranchi district. The organizations will be responsible for management and maintenance of each project in order to ensure the sustainability of benefits for the beneficiaries.
In previous fiscal year, total seven organizations received the fund under the same scheme, and the projects have been making progress in areas such as women's income generation, basic health care, water and sanitation, and support for the disable. The office is now inviting new project proposals for next fiscal year 2009-2010. The last day of submission of proposals is October 31.
So far, the government of Japan has granted about $2.0 million through this GGP Scheme for projects in West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Orissa from the consulate general of Japan's office in Kolkata.
The priority areas of GGP include basic healthcare, primary education and adult literacy, poverty alleviation, safe drinking water and sanitation, women's empowerment, child welfare including support for street children and elimination of child labour, support for persons with disabilities, and preservation of environment, added Samukawa.
