Hon House Chairperson, hon Chief Whip, hon members, rural development is a priority on our government's agenda. As a result, the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform has piloted the programme of the Comprehensive Rural Development programmes in all provinces.
As part of our oversight function, the Select Committee on Land and Environmental Affairs decided to assess how other countries have implemented rural development to address the alleviation of poverty. Therefore the Select Committee on Land and Environmental Affairs undertook an international study tour of India from 12 to 21 February 2011. The aim of the visit was to meet with the relevant government departments responsible for addressing the issues of rural development and food security.
The committee held several meetings with the Standing Committee on Rural Development, the Minister of State for Rural Development and the National Institute of Rural Development. During these engagements, the sustainability and implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme was discussed. The committee also visited the Technology Demonstration Park, where communities are trained in practical inventions for rural applications.
Following the interaction with the officials and the State Minister, the Select Committee on Land and Environmental Affairs makes the following recommendations to the House.
Firstly, the final report of the study tour will be submitted to the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for further discussion, especially on the feasibility of developing a technology demonstration park, where rural technologies can be used to train communities in a practical manner.
Secondly, the committee proposes that the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform further investigate the impact of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and evaluate the application of the scheme in the South African context.
Lastly, the committee will commission a comparative analysis of the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme models used in South Africa and India.
Debate concluded.
Question put: That the Report be adopted.
IN FAVOUR: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, Western Cape.
Report accordingly adopted in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.