For the first time after over two decades of its creation, a bureaucrat from the Jharkhand cadre has won the PM’s Award for Excellence for exemplary work in administration.

Gumla was picked from among 112 Aspirational Districts selected by Niti Aayog, for its holistic development.

A 2014 batch IAS officer and Gumla Deputy Commissioner, Mr Sushant Gaurav was recognised especially for his ‘Mission Ragi’ program. Gumla was picked for its innovative interventions, despite being severely impoverished and infested by Naxalite Insurgency.

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Gumla has eradicated Anaemia, TB and with its Mission Ragi and Bamboo development programmes, is witnessing a silent revolution.

Speaking with Indian Masterminds, Gumla DC Sushant Gaurav said, “For this award,the jury recognized how many sectors were involved and to what depth and intensity. Now our aim is to transform this aspirational district to a transformational and inspirational one.”

MISSION RAGI

Hundred kms away from state capital Ranchi, Gumla has been over dependent on one crop – paddy.

So the district administration took initiative to end monocrop cultivation and started Mission Ragi.

The millet cultivation began on mission mode across 1,600 acres of land. People were given high-quality seeds procured from the National Seed Corporation and farmers were trained.

A big Ragi Processing Center was setup handled by Self Help Group women, who ensure high quality flour.

Mr. Gaurav now wants to see Gumla as the Ragi capital of eastern India as he talks about women making several products like ladoos and biscuits of the millet that are distributed by the Social Welfare Department to malnourished children.

“So you see, this is not only a big agricultural success but also empowers women and ends malnourishment,” said the officer, adding from initial 1,600 acres, Ragi cultivation now is spread across 3,500 acres with net output hike of 300 per cent.”

Now around 29,000 more paddy farmers are joining ragi cultivation on 27,000 acres of land.

Mr Gaurav expects 30,000 acres of Ragi cultivation by month-end as the SHG continues distributing over 50 tonnes of seeds.

“This change has come in just two years a success which I wanted but did not foresee,” he added.

FIGHTING ANAEMIA

Door to door survey identified people suffering from malnutrition. Treatment in the same way brought good results. Blue cards were issued for follow-up within every 6 months.

A weighing machine at almost all the schools and Height charts painted on walls made monitoring easy.

“Besides, use of drumstick and curry leaves was made mandatory in the mid-day meal,” the officer added.

BAMBOO DEVELOPERS

With Bamboo turning out to be the thing in demand, a survey was conducted and 1,153 families were found associated with bamboo work.

They were divided into 8 clusters with a bamboo craft development center each that helped double these families’ income.

SPORTS BANKS

After 199 schools were renovated and smart classes began in 112 schools, Mr. Gaurav turned to ensuring Sports for All Kids.

Indoor stadiums were built in three sub-divisions, besides numerous open gyms.

Sports goods were imported from Germany and kept in Sports Equipment Banks created, from where anyone could use. Deputy Commissioner Sushant Gaurav also worked for disability recognition and disabled welfare besides digitization of panchayats as aims to make Gumla An Inspirational District.