The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has 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 on Friday.

He said, NGOs can play a vital role in the progress of the country and working together would help in solving crucial problems.

Chief Minister of Maharashtra Prithviraj Chavan, Governor K. Shankarnarayanan, founder of Vanrai and former central minister Dr. Mohan Dharia were present on the occasion.

Dr. Singh appreciated the work done by Vanrai by felicitating three village Sarpanchs for their outstanding achievements.

Vanarai is working in about 250 villages in Maharashtra, the aim to achieve the goal of self sufficient villages and reverse migration, as suggested by Mahatma Gandhi.