The Birsa Harit Gram Yojana by the Rural Development Department, Government of Jharkhand aims to promote afforestation and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for marginalized communities. Implemented under the MGNREGA framework, the scheme facilitates block and linear plantation activities on both common and private lands. It specifically benefits Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), landless families, and other economically weaker sections, all while improving the green cover in rural areas.
Benefits
• Plantation of fruit-bearing and fodder trees on common and private lands
• Sustainable livelihood generation for marginalized families
• Employment Guarantee: 100 days under MGNREGA
• Grant of usufruct rights over the plantation for beneficiaries
Eligibility
• Applicants must belong to SC, ST, Primitive Tribes, or be a BPL family
• Priority is given to woman-headed households, persons with disabilities, or beneficiaries of PMAY
• Must be a small or marginal farmer with primary livelihood dependent on agriculture
• Possession of a valid MGNREGA job card is required
Application Process
Offline
• Step 1: Visit the local Gram Panchayat or MGNREGA office
• Step 2: Submit a duly filled application form along with the required documents
• Step 3: The Gram Sabha will verify and approve eligible applications
• Step 4: Upon approval, plantation work will be assigned as per the scheme phase
Documents Required
• Identity Proof
• Caste Certificate (if applicable)
• BPL Certificate (if applicable)
• MGNREGA Job Card
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who can apply for the BHGY?
A: Applicants must be from SC, ST, Primitive Tribes, or BPL families, including woman-headed households, persons with disabilities, or PMAY beneficiaries, who are small or marginal farmers with an MGNREGA job card.
Q: How does this scheme provide employment?
A: It guarantees 100 days of employment under MGNREGA for plantation activities.
Q: What types of trees are planted under this scheme?
A: The scheme supports the plantation of fruit-bearing and fodder trees.
Q: How is the land for plantation selected?
A: Plantation activities are carried out on both common land and private land as identified by local authorities.
Q: Is there any financial assistance provided?
A: Yes, the scheme promotes afforestation and sustainable livelihoods, indirectly supporting income generation through employment and land-use rights, though the focus is on creating green cover rather than direct monetary grants.
Q: How long is the maintenance support provided?
A: The scheme outlines usufruct rights over the plantation, ensuring beneficiaries have long-term access and benefits from the plantation.
Q: How are beneficiaries selected?
A: Selection is based on eligibility criteria verified by local Gram Panchayats and Gram Sabhas.
Q: Where can I apply for the scheme?
A: Applications can be submitted at your local Gram Panchayat or MGNREGA office.
Q: Is the scheme applicable in urban areas?
A: The scheme targets rural and peri-urban areas under the jurisdiction of local Gram Panchayats.
Q: What are usufruct rights in this scheme?
A: Beneficiaries are granted rights to utilize the plantation (e.g., harvesting fruits, fodder) without transferring land ownership, ensuring long-term livelihood benefits.