RAIPUR,INDIA: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Raipur and the Department of Panchayat and Rural Development (DPRD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster research and development in various rural projects across Chhattisgarh on Friday.

The agreement aims to enhance collaboration through flagship programs initiated by both the state and central governments.

The MoU was signed by Dr. N.V. Ramana Rao, Director of NIT Raipur, in the presence of Union Agriculture, Rural Development and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, and DPRD Minister Vijay Sharma. The ceremony took place at the Swami Atmanand School campus in Nagpura, Durg.

The collaboration builds on the existing “House Model” project for vulnerable tribal groups. The MoU focuses on knowledge exchange, joint research, resource sharing, and capacity building to achieve sustainable rural development. Key areas of cooperation include initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), and others.

The agreement also emphasizes leveraging advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and drones, for scheme inspection and monitoring. By involving young researchers and promoting innovative ideas, the partnership aims to drive cutting-edge solutions for rural development.

Superintending Engineer Vinay Kumar Gupta (DPRD) and Dr. Vikas Kumar Vidyarthi (Department of Civil Engineering, NIT Raipur) will oversee the coordination of collaborative activities between the two organizations.