The two municipalities are: Øygarden Municipality in Norway and Kurupam Panchayat in Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh.
The purpose of the minister’s visit was to follow up on the MoU between Norway and India on local governance. The host of the visit was Minister of Tribal Affairs and Panchayati Raj, Mr. Kishore Chandra Deo. Ms Liv Signe Navarsete also met Ms. Agatha Sagma, Minister of State for Rural Development. A joint working group meeting on local governance was also held during the visit.
Promoting women’s leadership and governance in five states
The Norwegian delegation experienced activities under the programme “Promoting Women’s Leadership and Governance”, supported by Norway. This is a Government of India – UN Women programme in select districts in five States.
The Norwegian delegation also met the Chief Election Commissioner of India, State Election Commission of Andhra Pradesh and APARD, Hyderabad, an institution at State level that has a pivotal role in capacity building of members of local government
Exchange of ideas
Iddanavalasa village in Vizianagaram district was visited to witness a Gram Sabha (village meeting). The Gram Sabha was attended by almost all members, and had a strong presence of women. India and Norway have much to learn from each other for a long-term cooperation – despite the difference in size and social context, Minister Navarsete congratulated the Gram Sabha
- It would be important to further reinforce the exchange of ideas and experiences between panchayats in India and local bodies in Norway, the Mayor of Øygarden stated.
The Norwegian Ambassador to India, Ms. Ann Ollestad, Ms. Navarsete and Mr. Aslak Brun visiting Hunger Project. Hunger Project is the implementing partner for the programme of “Promoting Women’s Leadership and Governance”.
. Photo: Norwegian Embassy in New DelhiThe Hunger Project
The Hunger Project is the implementing partner for the programme of “Promoting Women’s Leadership and Governance”. A meeting with The Hunger project in their head office was enlightening for the delegation. The main focus was the strategies used in training the elected representatives and the relevance of the Hunger Project. The Hunger Project is the partner for implementing the programme of “Promoting Women’s Leadership and Governance”