A debriefing session was organized by the Jeevika, Rural Development Department of the Bihar government at the Secretariat building in Patna. This session was held under the Immersion and Learning Exchange (ILE) program with a delegation from the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment of the Sri Lankan government and the Asian Development Bank. The session commenced with a welcome address by Mrs. Abhilasha Kumari Sharma, Additional Chief Executive Officer of Jeevika. Mr. Himanshu Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of Jeevika, outlined the program’s structure and the objectives of the Sustainable Livelihoods Scheme, along with the significant work being done to alleviate poverty in Bihar state under it.
The 28-member delegation from Sri Lanka and the Asian Development Bank visited Gaya district under the Immersion and Learning Exchange (ILE) program, which is part of the Sustainable Livelihoods Scheme implemented by the Bihar government for poverty alleviation. During the visit, they observed the livelihood enterprises adopted by the beneficiaries under this scheme and gained experience. Addressing the session, H.T.R.N. Piyasena, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Sri Lankan government, appreciated the implementation of the Sustainable Livelihoods Scheme and its impact at the ground level, sharing his experiences. He expressed gratitude to Jeevika for organizing this visit.
Piyasena listed the main features and lessons learned about the scheme, which could play an important role in solving the problem of poverty in Sri Lanka. He also discussed a similar scheme of the Sri Lankan government. During this, Lokesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Rural Development Department, Bihar, said in his address that the Sustainable Livelihoods Scheme running in Bihar has transformed the lives of millions of poor families. He added that it is a matter of pride that a friendly nation like Sri Lanka wishes to understand and learn from this model. He hoped that this experience would further strengthen cooperation between the two countries and also help in poverty alleviation on the global stage.
Following this, Pratyaya Amrit, Development Commissioner, Bihar, addressed the session. He welcomed all the members of the delegation in his address, stating that Sri Lanka is culturally similar to the state of Bihar. He said that the work done by Jeevika to empower socially and economically marginalized families is remarkable. This model of Jeevika is based on the collective strength, transparency, and participation of women. This shared experience with the Sri Lankan government gives us the opportunity to present local innovations globally. He mentioned that Sri Lankan community professionals can also come to Bihar and see the working style here.
Amrit Lal Meena, Chief Secretary, Bihar, addressing the representatives of the Sri Lankan government, highlighted the journey of the Bihar government’s “Sustainable Livelihoods Scheme,” launched in 2018 to connect extremely poor families with the path of development, which has benefited 2.1 lakh families in Bihar so far. The success of the main works done in poverty alleviation under this scheme has brought it fame at the national and international levels. He stated that recently, the government has also formed a cooperative union named Jeevika Nidhi to provide financial assistance to women of self-help groups.
The inauguration of the Buddha Samyak Darshan Museum cum Memorial Stupa in Vaishali, Bihar, by the Hon’ble Chief Minister is also a matter of pride for both countries. At the end of the session, Rajesh Kumar, Special Officer, Jeevika, expressed gratitude to everyone and said that just as Buddha connects Sri Lanka and India, in the same way, the two countries will work together in this fight against poverty through the Sustainable Livelihoods Scheme. People here can go to Sri Lanka and cooperate in the implementation of such programs, and the people of Sri Lanka can also come here and learn.