Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today stressed the need for Government-NGO partnership for the development of rural areas in the country. He was addressing the Silver Jubilee celebration of ‘Vanrai’ an NGO working in the field of integrated rural development in Pune today.

He said, NGOs can play a vital role in the progress of our country. Working together would help in solving crucial problems. Chief Minister of Maharashtra Prithviraj Chavan, Governor K. Shankarnarayanan, founder of Vanrai, former central minister and Young Turk of Indian Politics Dr. Mohan Dharia were present on the occasion. Prime Minister appreciated the work done by Vanrai by felicitating three village Sarpanchs for their outstanding achievements. Vanarai is working in about 250 villages in Maharashtra, with an aim of achieving the goal of self sufficient villages and reverse migration as suggested by Mahatma Gandhi.