The partnership aims to leverage the power of technology to enhance the operational efficiency and transparency of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) projects. The project titled ‘BhuPRAHARI’, will use ground and space-based geospatial technologies along with AI to monitor and manage assets under the MGNREGA. It will be executed by the HydroSense lab led by Prof Manabendra Saharia of IIT Delhi.
The MoU was signed by Joint Secretary, MoRD, Amit Kataria and Prof Manabendra. The signing ceremony also witnessed the presence of Secretary, MoRD, Shailesh Kumar Singh and Director, IIT Delhi, Prof Rangan Banerjee.
The officials emphasised the importance of the partnership in enhancing the operational efficiency and transparency of MGNREGA projects, adding that the integration of cutting-edge technologies will help in modernizing the way rural development projects are planned, monitored, and executed, ensuring accountability and optimising resource allocation.
The institute said that it is committed to applying scientific research and technological innovations for social good.