Did the Padyatra incur a lot of EXPENSE. Who met these expenses?
The Padyatra did not really need a lot of money. There was no travel expense, since everyone walked. The villagers took care of the hospitability. Those who walked will bore their own expenses. Some of the expense such as postage, printing, long-distance travel of guests was supported by the PACS program of DFID. ActionAid India and HelpAge contributed towards the expenses of the study group. Many other organisations are contributed their human resources, vehicles etc. What AFTER the Padyatra? The work to make Maharashtra drought-free and hunger-free began after the Padayatra. Some villages have been selected. Micro planning has taken place with the villagers. Efforts to mobilise government schemes have been initiated. Programs like watershed development, agriculture development have been planned. A process to make Maharashtra prosperous through social organisation, management and technology has begun through the Maharashtra Development Council.
