Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Mott MacDonald launches Holistic Village Development Programme in Uttar Pradesh

Bulandshahar, Uttar Pradesh: Multinational Global Engineering, management and development consultancy firm, Mott Macdonald has adopted two villages in Bulandshahr district, Kalandargarhi and Madanpur in Khurja block as part of its Holistic Village Development Program. India’s leading not for profit grassroots expert – AROH Foundation is its implementation partner.

The official launch of the aspirational project was conducted in Unch Madhyamik Vidhyalaya, Kalandargarhi, Khurja on the 74th Republic Day on 26January. Senior official from Mott MacDonald,MrS S Acharya (MD, MMPL) was the chief guest at the launch event. Other delegates from Mott attending the event included Ms. Simon Harris, Ms.LaksmiKaul, Ms. Kiki Pattenden,

Senior officials from PIA, AROH included Dr.Neelam Gupta (President & CEO), Ms.Shilpa Jain (Senior Program Manager), Mr.Shyam (Manager) and representative from government department included Mr LavTripathi (SDM), Mr Prem Chandra (BDO), Mr.Devendra Singh (Secretary), Mr Dinesh Kumar Yadav (DDO, ISB), Mr.Mayank (BMM) and School Principal Ms.Asha Singh and Ms.Archana Singhand Village Pradhan.

The programme started with hoisting the national flag by the MD MottMacDonald, followed by singing of the national anthem by all attendees. During the course of the ceremony, the officials unveiled the village entrance board to mark the launch of the project. Highlights of the event included a vibrant cultural singing and dance performance by the local school children. Later children also participated in sports competitions. Winning students were also presented with prizes by the delegates.

MD Mott MacDonald said, “In the next three years, the project is anticipated to positively transform the lives of around 9243 villagers residing in and around the targeted villages. The programme identifies and addresses the critical needs of each village adopted as part of the programme. There are multiple interventions designed in consultation with the village community and other stakeholders.

During the project’s first year, it shall address several key issues, such as increasing women’s participation in village-level decisions, reducing the skill gap among young people and assuring access and management to basics, such as health, education, water, sanitation and national resource manager. The programmer also makes extensive use of technology to achieve its aims, ensures alignment with government priorities for maximum impact, and involves engagement with otherkey stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of the intervention.”

President & CEO of AROH, Dr.Neelam Gupta said, “These initiatives are in line with the AdarshGaonAbhiyan of the Government of India and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The critical need of the chosen villages are first identified and addressed in consultation with the village community and other stakeholders.

The initiatives are designed on the basis of their needs and openness. All programmes shall be continuously monitored and assessed for performance and any inconsistencies in terms of funds or execution shall be flagged. We have an illustrious history and experience in implementing this model. And we are happy to extend our partnership with Mott MacDonald, to continue extending positive impacts to more and more rural households yet again.”