EOI – Selection of CSO partner for the implementation of second phase of the High Impact Mega Watershed Project, Chhattisgarh

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About the Organization

We improve the lives and livelihood of the rural poor with an emphasis on women and tribal communities across India, by upscaling civil society action in partnership with state and central governments.

Bharat Rural Livelihood Foundation (BRLF) is an autonomous body registered under the Societies Registration Act, of 1860. On September 3, 2013, the Union Cabinet resolved to set up an independent society to upscale civil society action in partnership with the Government, and BRLF was formed.

We foster and facilitate development programs in partnership with the government and CSOs, to transform the livelihoods and lives of people across India. The Central Indian Adivasi belt, with over a  20% Adivasi population in 1077 blocks (as per the 2011 census) across 190 districts in the states of Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, has been an area of particular focus for us.

BRLF aims to bring value to rural development and livelihood interventions by supporting PM’s livelihood security initiatives, reforms in government flagship programs, and innovations in improving rural livelihood. BRLF also intends to promote participatory groundwater management and non-pesticide management-based agriculture. We intend to work in the most neglected regions with Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and bring value chain development for Non-Timber Forest Produces (NTFPs) and crops. BRLF is working on capacity building for rural professionals and small community-based organizations while allowing states to partner with CSOs.

About the EOI

The MGNREGA Cell of the Department of Rural Development, Government of Chhattisgarh, along with the Bharat Rural Livelihoods Foundation and Axis Bank Foundation, has signed an MoU to implement the second phase of the High Impact Mega Watershed Project in Chhattisgarh. Building on the success of the first phase (2018–2024), this new phase will span from 2024 to 2028 and aims to expand coverage to additional blocks within the state.

The primary objective of this phase is to enhance the incomes of 250,000 small and marginal households through the development of natural resource management assets and the promotion of incomeenhancing livelihood practices. The project will be implemented through the engagement of Civil Society Organizations that have a strong track record, long-standing presence in the project areas, experience in watershed management, skilled human resources, and strong governance and management practices.

For the second phase, eligible CSOs will be selected to implement the project in 8 blocks across 6 districts in Chhattisgarh. Depending on the internal capacities and resources, the block allocation will be done. CSO having higher capacity may get multiple blocks to implement the project.

Role of CSOs: -

CSOs will play a significant role in this project by facilitating participatory planning, community mobilization, and building capacities for the PRIs and frontline functionaries of MGNREGS and other flagship schemes. The CSOs will build the capacities and facilitate the Gram Panchayats in developing village-wise or panchayat-wise watershed development plans to be included in the shelf of work. Each CSO will have one or two blocks to implement the project.

Below is the key role to be performed by the selected CSOs:

• Selected CSOs will serve as catalysts and facilitators, fostering an environment for comprehensive development within villages.
• Motivate villagers to actively participate in MGNREGS programs to ensure that individual benefit schemes provide maximum advantages to households.
• Liaison with block MGNREGS functionaries and other line departments to ensure that sustainable livelihood opportunities are layered on the assets created through MGNREGS and other schemes for ongoing income generation.
• Engage with Panchayati Raj Institutions and build their capacity in watershed planning, using ridge-to-valley and Integrated Natural Resource Management principles, to support livelihood development.
• Assist PRIs and community members in developing detailed project reports (DPRs) for each panchayat, and ensure these reports are submitted to the competent authorities for approval.
• Monitor the implementation of schemes planned under DPRs, ensure their inclusion in MGNREGS's Annual Action Plan (AAP), and provide on-site technical support to enhance execution.
• Work in close coordination with the SPMU and Regional Coordinator to ensure all communications are timely, and fulfill reporting requirements for progress updates and meeting summaries required by the SPMU

CSO Selection Process: -

Civil Society Organizations with strong track records, extensive experience in watershed management, a long-standing presence in the project region, high-quality human resources, and effective governance and management systems are invited to submit an Expression of Interest. The selection of CSOs will follow BRLF's established due diligence process, conducted in collaboration with the Chhattisgarh state government. Since CSOs and state governments are required to work together, it is essential for the state government to be involved in selecting CSO partners.

Eligibility

Civil Society Organizations with strong track records, extensive experience in watershed management, a long-standing presence in the project region, high-quality human resources, and effective governance and management systems are invited to submit an Expression of Interest. The selection of CSOs will follow BRLF's established due diligence process, conducted in collaboration with the Chhattisgarh state government. Since CSOs and state governments are required to work together, it is essential for the state government to be involved in selecting CSO partners.

To avoid any arbitrariness and to ensure a high standard of transparency for the selection of the best CSO State Govt and BRLF will invite EOI from the eligible organizations. For better reach and to get maximum applications from the eligible CSOs, the EOI will be published in the prominent daily newspaper of Chhattisgarh; besides this, it will be uploaded to the BRLF website. The EOI would be submitted online through a link created in the BRLF MIS portal.

The applicant organization should fulfil the following criteria to apply:

• The applicant organization must have at least 5 years of experience and a proven track record in sustainable rural livelihoods, community mobilization, and building local institutions, particularly focusing on tribal communities and women.
• Preferably, the CSO should have been present in Chhattisgarh State for the last five years and have implemented developmental projects in the State. However, CSOs with multi-state operations in similar types of interventions are encouraged to apply.
• Preferably the applicant CSO has implemented the project in collaboration with the State Government.
• The organization should have prior experience in implementing watershed projects.
• The organization should be capable of preparing high-quality Detailed Project Reports for suitable water conservation structures in 50-60 micro-watersheds per block within a limited timeframe.
• The organization must demonstrate sufficient capacity to support effective implementation and monitoring of activities across these 50-60 micro-watersheds.
• The organization should be able to deliver water conservation measures along with livelihood interventions or structures, as outlined in the DPRs and annual plans, within a 4-year period.
• The applying organization must be registered under Sections 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act of 1961.
• The organization must not have been blacklisted by any government department or donor agency.
• The applicant should have had an annual turnover of at least Rs. 50 lakhs in any of the past three years and must have documented financial and organizational systems in place to fulfil their project responsibilities.
• Organizations seeking BRLF support must also demonstrate their capability and willingness to work in partnership with Gram Panchayats

How to Apply

A comprehensive EOI format is developed that will capture the organization's brief profile, the history of its previous work, and experience in watershed management. To submit the EOI, the applicant CSO has to answer and provide responses specified in the EOI format. The EOI format is divided into five sections:

• Section – A: Organization Profile
• Section – B: Organization’s previous experience in watershed implementation
• Section – C: Capacity building efforts and gaps
• Section – D: Working experience with Panchayati Raj Institutions
• Section – E: Working experience with Government Departments

Registration Link - https://mis.brlf.in/login

Last Date to Apply – 10 December 2024

For more information please check the Link

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Tags Food, Agriculture and Nutrition Rural Development Water Others