CONTENTS:
COVER STORY: World Population Day Special: Leave no one behind, count everyone
IES Officer Trainees Attend Training Programme on Rural Development: Issues, Challenges, Interventions and Impacts
ARTICLE: Free Solar Rooftop Scheme 2024 and a Look to the Future
ToT Programme on GIS-based Planning and Monitoring of MGNREGA Works at GP level using Yuktdhara
GENDER KALEIDOSCOPE: Women-Centric Initiatives by the Ministry of Rural Development
National Level ToT Programme on Participatory Watershed Management for Enhancing Sustainable Income under WDC-PMKSY 2.0
Training Programme on Strengthening Primary Healthcare with a Focus on LSDG Theme 2: Healthy Village
ARTICLE: How Infrastructure Development Can Combat Rural Poverty?
NIRDPR & NBPGR Organise TOLIC-2 Meeting
NEW COLUMN: UBA: Community Progress Reports
ToT on Mainstreaming Social Inclusion Interventions under DAY-NRLM
ToTs on Capacity Building programme on e-GramSwaraj Portal
CASE STUDY: Climate Change Adaptation and Development in Bundelkhand
ToT on Design and Development of Web Portals for RD&PR Programmes at SIRD, Uttar Pradesh
COVER STORY: World Population Day Special
Leave no one behind, count everyone
Dr Digambar Abaji Chimankar
Associate Professor & Head (i/c)
Centre for Equity and Social Development, NIRDPR, Hyderabad
digambar.nird@gov.in
Background
World Population Day is celebrated annually on the 11th of July to focus on the urgency and importance of population issues worldwide. In 1989, the then-Governing Council of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) established the Day as an outgrowth of the interest generated by the Day of Five Billion, which was observed on 11th July 1987, prompting Dr KC Zachariah, a senior demographer at the World Bank, to suggest marking the occasion as World Population Day. By resolution 45/216 of December 1990, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) decided to continue observing World Population Day to enhance awareness of population issues, including their relations to the environment and development. The Day was first marked on 11th July 1990 in more than 90 countries.
Aim of the World Population Day
World Population Day aims to raise awareness about global population issues and their impact on society. Established by the United Nations, this significant event highlights the importance of addressing population-related concerns such as reproductive health, family planning, gender equality, and sustainable development. By recognising the challenges and opportunities presented by population dynamics, World Population Day provides a platform for governments, organisations, and individuals to engage in discussions and take action. Through this observance, the United Nations promotes understanding, collaboration, and innovative solutions to ensure a sustainable future for all countries. Over the years, World Population Day has played a crucial role in raising awareness, advocating for reproductive rights, and encouraging policies and programmes supporting sustainable development and all individuals’ well-being. It serves as a reminder that our growing population presents both challenges and opportunities that require our attention and proactive measures.
Theme of World Population Day 2024
The 2024 World Population Day theme is “To Leave No One Behind, Count Everyone.” This year’s theme highlights the importance of collecting, analysing, and using population data to deliver health care globally. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres commented, “This year’s theme highlights the importance of investing in data collection to understand issues, tailor solutions, and drive progress. Financial investment is also crucial. I urge countries to leverage the Summit of the Future this year to unlock affordable capital for sustainable development.”
“For humanity to progress, people must be counted, wherever they are and whoever they are – in all their diversity,” Dr Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of UNFPA, has said. “To end inequality, to find and grow peace and prosperity, to weave more threads of hope, the world needs to do more for inclusion.” To that end, as we mark World Population Day this year, the importance of collecting inclusive data – counting everyone, everywhere, as they are – takes the spotlight. An often unrecognised hero, reliable data have helped drive global advancements in women’s access to reproductive care, reductions in maternal death and improvements in gender equality. But there is much to be done.
Relevance of World Population Data
Thirty years ago, at the landmark International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD, 1994), world leaders called for reliable, timely, culturally relevant data, broken down by gender, ethnicity and other factors. While data collection and analysis tools have vastly improved since then, these changes have also exposed significant information gaps and potential risks, including the misrepresentation or misuse of data. So, we have not yet delivered on that call to action. In an increasingly unpredictable world – with rapid population growth in some places, rapid ageing in others, and climate change, conflict and crises everywhere – reliable population data are more important than ever and must be used to reach and respond to the needs of those who have been left behind. Too many people, communities and needs are going uncounted and unaccounted for.
Indeed, research on UNFPA’s Flagship State of World Population Report shows that the world’s most marginalised communities have been largely excluded from progress. This has happened because we are not prioritising investments in population data systems, making data collection safe for all people, or working with marginalised communities to ensure they are represented. New and innovative data tools can bring invisible issues to light and illustrate the complete picture of people’s experiences. However, these applications must be carefully managed: Biases and risks to privacy remain unresolved concerns around technology such as artificial intelligence or AI. As the world moves into a new era of data collection, societies must ensure that processes respect people’s rights and protect their information while gathering data that capture multifaceted experiences. Countries and societies must champion data collection that counts people as they are, in all their complexity.
World Population Trends
As per the UN, it took hundreds of thousands of years for the world population to grow to 1 billion – then, in just another 200 years or so, it grew sevenfold. In 2011, the global population reached the 7 billion mark, which stands at almost 7.9 billion in 2021. It’s expected to grow to around 8.5 billion in 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050, and 10.9 billion in 2100. This dramatic growth has been driven largely by increasing numbers of people surviving to reproductive age and has been accompanied by major changes in fertility rates, increasing urbanisation and accelerating migration. These trends will have far-reaching implications for generations to come. The recent past has seen enormous changes in fertility rates and life expectancy. In the early 1970s, women had, on average, 4.5 children each; by 2015, total fertility for the world had fallen to below 2.5 children per woman.
Meanwhile, the average global lifespan has risen from 64.6 years in the early 1990s to 72.6 years in 2019. In addition, the world is seeing high levels of urbanisation and accelerating migration. 2007 was the first year in which more people lived in urban areas than in rural areas, and by 2050, about 66 per cent of the world’s population will be living in cities. These megatrends have far-reaching implications. They affect economic development, employment, income distribution, poverty and social protection. They also affect efforts to ensure universal access to healthcare, education, housing, sanitation, water, food and energy. To more sustainably address the needs of individuals, policymakers must understand how many people are living on the planet, where they are, how old they are, and how many people will come after them.
Threats of Data
To be sure, data alone cannot tell the whole story. Too often, data reduces people to simple statistics – reinforcing stereotypes, biases and stigma. Combating prejudice and inequality requires updating our data-collection processes to be inclusive, equitable and transparent. Individuals are experts in their own experiences. Empowering people, especially those left behind, to share their full stories and selves in data collection is critical to a more resilient and equitable future for all.
“To realise the rights and choices of those pushed to the margins of our societies, we have to count them – because everyone counts,” Dr Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of UNFPA, has said. “Our rich human tapestry is only as strong as the weakest thread. When data and other systems work for those on the margins, they work for everyone. This is how we accelerate progress for all.”
Statistical Data Collection by Different Organisations in India
The data can be collected in two ways, i.e. primary and secondary. Primary data is collected through questionnaires/schedules; information can be collected from the relevant respondents, following census or suitable sampling survey methods. The primary data collected have to be processed, analysed and tabulated. The findings of the primary survey may give some direction to improve the present condition of the areas related to the objectives of the study. On the other hand, secondary data can be collected from different published and unpublished sources, and a few are listed below. Many projects related to evaluation can help in making strategies for development.
- Topographic, agro-climate geographic, hydrological data and natural resources data of NRSE
- Forest land, water and other nationalised resources which are available in national/ regional level sample surveys and reports
- National Sample Survey (NSS) Reports (tabulated and analysed data)
- Annual Survey Industries Reports (ASI),
- Monthly Statistics of Production (MSI) Reports
- Season and Crop Reports
- Statistical Abstracts of India
- Agricultural Situation in India Reports
- RBI Bulletins
- Annual Reports of major and minor sectors and sub-sectors
- Balance sheets of companies
- Annual Evaluation Study Reports of sectors and subsectors and
- National/Regional Problems of Sectors/States in India
- National and regional level Account
- National income analysis problems
- States’ Domestic Products Accounts and Reports of Labour Bureau having details of labour, manpower, migration, etc.
- Census reports providing population of rural vs. urban sectors, households, Socio-cultural, economic, mother tongue, age, SC/ST and migration and education.
- Reports and publications of demographic events – Census, Vital Statistics like Marriage, births and deaths
- Sample Registration System, National Family and Health Survey
- Periodical data of services and infrastructures, power, transport, communications, etc., of tertiary sectors, including commercial banking and trade sources reports.
Conclusion
Data on population must be collected to find out those who are left behind in the process of development. The nation is made of human beings, and it should look into the requirements of those humans. Data related to their socio-economic, cultural, environmental and technological issues. By recognising the challenges and opportunities presented by population dynamics, World Population Day provides a platform for governments, organisations, and individuals to engage in discussions and take action.
IES Officer Trainees Attend Training Programme on Rural Development: Issues, Challenges, Interventions and Impacts
The Centre for Entrepreneurship Development & Financial Inclusion (CEDFI), NIRDPR conducted a residential 5-day training programme on ‘Rural Development: Issues, Challenges, Interventions and Impacts’ for Officer Trainees (OTs) of Indian Economic Service (IES) – Batch 2024 sponsored by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India from 01st – 05th July 2024 on NIRDPR Hyderabad campus.
The training programme was designed to offer a fine blend of theory, practice, experiential learning and lessons from good practices to empower the participants to understand and assess the diverse range of emerging issues and concerns relating to rural development and panchayati raj. The participants were also appraised about a series of government schemes and programmes of MoRD and MoPR and were capacitated to analyse those schemes critically. In all sessions, discussions were carried out on inter-disciplinary, evidence-based and research-driven methods. Seventeen IES Officer Trainees (OTs) participated in this training programme.
Dr Sahu presented an overview of the programme and took a comprehensive session on various facets of inclusive and sustainable rural development. He discussed cross-cutting issues such as gender, SDGs, localisation of SDGs, convergence, etc. In another session, Dr Sahu also discussed a series of data sets to track and monitor the progress of rural development. Participants were appraised on emerging development theories such as degrowth, circular economy, nature-future-framework, and vocal for local. There was a detailed discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of various poverty and inequality measures. He also talked about the use of new measures, i.e. MDPI, and various concerns related to it. He emphasised the emerging changes in the rural development landscape, i.e. the rise of non-farm sector, educated youth unemployment, women employment, role of local institutions, and changes due to the COVID pandemic such as reverse migration, digital revolution and major RD and PR interventions.
A series of theme-based lectures were arranged, including large-scale public employment programmes, such as MGNREGA, gender, female labour force participation in rural areas, skilling, nutrition challenges, biodiversity, climate change, WASH, social audit, etc.
In the emerging discussion on localisation of SDGs, local institutions such as panchayat can play a decisive role in achieving sustainable rural development. The various contours of Gram Panchayat functioning in India were discussed with recent data sets, cases and good practices. This session appraised participants about the existing status of resource allocation and management within Gram Panchayats in India while also considering potential reform options to enhance their financial sustainability and effectiveness in local governance. Participants were appraised about Mission Antyodaya (data available at Panchayat level), Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP), Gram Sabha and its variants such as Bal Sabha and Mahila Sabha. On the lines of the Aspirational District Programme (ADP), which aimed to help lagging blocks catch up with state and national averages in terms of a series of indicators, the Aspirational Block Development Programme has been initiated by the Government of India. A detailed session was carried out on this initiative.
Agriculture still holds the backbone of the rural economy. But agriculture has witnessed various changes over the years, starting from the Green Revolution, public investment vs. subsidy, public procurement, Minimum Support Price, FPOs, agri-start-ups, use of drones, etc. These issues were discussed in a session titled ‘Agrarian Linkages to Development Challenges’. Resource person Dr SubbaRao M. Gavaravarapu, Scientist, ICMR-NIN Hyderabad, discussed the current scenario and challenges related to nutrition. Nutritional challenges continue to hinder robust human development in rural areas. A comprehensive and detailed discussion was carried out on understanding the Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Sector. Various efforts of the Government of India, such as JJM, SBM, and ODF, were also critically discussed in the session.
Skilling is an important enabler towards inclusive and sustainable rural development. The role and potential of skilling were discussed with respect to DDU GKY, which is a placement-linked skill programme. The whole process, from the mobilisation of participants to monitoring the programme, was elaborately discussed.
Although we have numerous schemes and programmes, we are not getting the desired outcomes due to poor implementation and lack of transparency and monitoring systems. To appraise participants about an emerging tool, i.e. social audit, a session titled ‘Improving Transparency and Accountability of Rural Development Programmes: Learnings from Social Audit System’ was organised.
Participants were taken on an exposure visit to Aziznagar Gram Panchayat, Moinabad Mandal, Ranga Reddy District, Telangana, where they got first-hand knowledge of the functioning of a Gram Panchayat. They interacted with various functionaries of Gram Panchayat, such as Sarpanch, Secretary and other officials. They also interacted with SHG women and learned about their economic activities and challenges, including marketing. They further witnessed various developmental works carried out by the panchayat, such as dumping yard, recycling unit and nursery. Training team members Mr Arpan Hazra, Ms Paladugu Hymavathi and Ms Vidyanidhi Saraswathi facilitated this visit.
The participants were taken to RTP to see live demonstration of more than 20 livelihood models as well as affordable housing typologies. Such livelihoods may be promoted aggressively in villages to moderate poverty and inequality. A visit to library was arranged to appraise participants about e-resources and the rich book collection.
Dr G. Narendra Kumar, IAS, Director General, NIRDPR, delivered the valedictory address. In his address, he emphasised the role and potential of rural areas in our journey towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047. He discussed many new initiatives such as ABP, Lakhpati Didi and NIRDPR’s contribution with respect to training and capacity development in these initiatives. DG also urged participants to share their thoughts and suggest one or two actionable ideas to make substantial progress towards Viksit Bharat. The valedictory session was very enriching. It engaged all participants in a conversation on Viksit Bharat and shared their experiences from the field visit and feedback on the training programme.
In addition to these sessions, pre and post-training quizzes were undertaken. Each participant was evaluated based on punctuality, attentiveness, participation in classroom discussions, and essay writing. Detailed feedback was taken in the last session on the Training Management Portal (TMP). All presentation files and papers on various issues related to rural development were also shared with the participants. It is hoped that all the IES-probationers will find this programme useful and apply what they have learned in their professional work. Overall, the intent and spirit with which this programme was conducted seem to have delivered the desired outcomes.
Besides external resource persons, NIRDPR faculty members, Prof Jyothis Sathyapalan, Dr S Ramesh Sakthivel, Dr Surjit Vikraman, Dr R. Ramesh, Dr C. Kathiresan, Dr Vanishree Joseph, Dr C. Dheeraja, and Dr Sandhya Gopakumaran took engaging session in the training programme. This programme was coordinated by Dr Partha Pratim Sahu, Associate Professor and Head of CEDFI.
ARTICLE:
Free Solar Rooftop Scheme 2024 and a Look to the Future
Dr Pranab Kumar Ghosh
Assistant Registrar (T) & ( E ), NIRDPR, Hyderabad, Telangana
and
Dr Ramesh Chandra Parida
Retd. Professor, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Keeping pace with the growing population and the fast expanding industrialisation, the energy requirement in our country has been pushing ahead with an average rate of about 3 per cent per annum, as in the last decade, leaving its impact on our economy as well as ecology and environment. It is likely to surge 30 to 60 per cent by 2040 compared to 2019. To meet this, we mostly depend on fossil fuels and, to a lesser extent, on renewable sources.
At present, around half of our energy requirement is met by coal (46 per cent), followed by oil (24 per cent), biomass (21 per cent) and natural gas (5 per cent). On the other hand, renewable sources, which include hydro, nuclear, solar and wind power, constitute only 3 per cent. However, all the fossil fuels are highly polluting. Their mining, transportation, refining and use as energy sources together have large carbon footprints (Table 1).
Table 1: Carbon Dioxide Emission from Different Energy Sources: How Much Each Type of Power Emits During Life Cycle
| ENERGY SOURCE | APPROXIMATE EMISSION (g of CO2eqv/kWh |
| Hydropower | 4 |
| Wind power | 11 |
| Nuclear Power | 12 |
| Solar power | 41 |
| Natural gas | 230-290 |
| Oil | 510-1170 |
| Coal | 740-1689 |
It has made India the 3rd largest emitter of carbon dioxide globally (2.5 Giga tons in 2021). Besides, we import around 80 per cent of oil, 50 per cent of natural gas, and 20 per cent of coal, the costs of which are constantly increasing and affecting our overall economy, particularly the lower-income people.
Considering all these factors, the Government of India has been undertaking various initiatives and framing policies to propel the growth of renewable energy. Several measures, including financial incentives such as subsidies and regulatory frameworks, have been implemented to catalyse the widespread adoption of solar and other renewable energy sources. Its steadfast commitment to the development of this sector has been exemplified by the substantial adoption of renewable energy, constituting 31 per cent of the total installed power (Figure 1).
The heightened share of renewable energy aligns with India’s national goal and suggests its commitment to curbing carbon emissions and addressing the challenges posed by climate change. The recently (February 2024) launched ‘Free Solar Rooftop Scheme 2024’ by our Prime Minister may be seen as an important step towards achieving it.
The scheme aims to set up at least one crore solar panels around the country on rooftops so that a large number of people can independently use them and need less energy from the grid stations. A minimal area of 10 square metres is required to put a 1-kilowatt solar gadget. Under this scheme, the government will offer a 40 per cent subsidy for putting up solar panels up to 3 kilowatts. Additionally, 20 per cent (making a total subsidy of 60 per cent) subsidy may be given for putting solar panels from 4 kilowatts to 10 kilowatts. Besides, loans will be made available with soft interest to meet the rest of the expenses, with a long repayment period of 10 years. Rooftop solar panels are expected to reduce energy bills by 30 to 50 per cent.
Once installed, the system can continue to generate energy for up to 25 years, and its set-up value can be recovered in 5-6 years (improved technology may reduce it to about two years). The beneficiary may avail of free energy supply for the next two decades. Besides, it will also reduce carbon dioxide emissions and other environmental hazards associated with fossil fuels.
Despite all these bright sides, it is sometimes apprehended that too many solar panels can create certain environmental hazards as the panels are mainly made up of a frame, solar cells, a back sheet and protective film, conductors and a tempered glass cover. While its frame is made of aluminium, cells are silicon, conductors are copper, and the back sheet of film is essentially made of polymer or plastic-based materials. The most important of these is silicon from quartz obtained from the mines, which are then processed by heating to a very high temperature and reacting with chemicals. Similarly, copper and aluminium of the right grade are produced from the ores obtained by mining and thereafter, processing those in factories, polymer or plastic and tempered glass also need raw materials and industrial processing. All these require a lot of energy, cause air and water pollution, and have large carbon footprints.
On the other hand, the waste generated by solar panels after their life cycles also causes environmental pollution. Unless adequately recycled, those may pose problems as acute as the other e-waste.
However, these negative impacts on the environment are easily upset by the emission-free energy they produce in their lifetimes of 25 years each. As calculated by the United States Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory in 2014, the life cycle emission intensity of solar panels is approximately 4g CO2 eqv/kWh compared to 1000g – in the case of coal. Of course, other renewable energy sources, particularly wind energy, have much less carbon footprint (11g of CO2 eqv/kWh). Still, unlike solar panels, windmills are inconvenient to install on individual rooftops. Moreover, solar panels today are nearly 50 per cent more efficient than when the study was undertaken, which have more energy intensity and fewer carbon footprints and have minimised the earlier stated negative impacts on the environment. As the trend continues and the technology develops further and further, the systems can be made more economical, long-lasting and environment-friendly.
Under such circumstances, the Free Solar Rooftop Scheme 2024, launched by our Prime Minister, is undoubtedly a visionary one. It can give a boost to our solar energy production, which has constantly been increasing and is expected to have the lion’s share in a meeting, as visualised, 90 per cent of the energy requirements of our country from renewable sources in the future and to play a vital role in achieving zero emission by 2050, an objective set by the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (India has pleaded for a time until 2070).
Besides, the emergence of technology from the work of the researchers at the Chalmer University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden, has created a new perspective in the solar energy sector that can benefit India. They have developed a system that can capture and store it for as long as 18 years and can produce electricity when connected to a thermo-electric generator. In it, the stored solar energy can be sent anywhere in the world. As expected, India can be a solar energy surplus country in the near future. Therefore, it can be expected to be exported to other countries, as the oil-rich countries do today. If that dream one day is realised, which is not very unlikely, due credit should go to the ‘Free Rooftop Solar Scheme 2024’.
ToT Programme on GIS-based Planning and Monitoring of MGNREGA Works at GP level using Yuktdhara
The Centre for Geoinformatics Applications in Rural Development (CGARD), NIRDPR organised a three-day training of trainers programme on ‘GIS-based Planning and Monitoring of MGNREGA Works at GP level using Yuktdhara’ in two batches from 22nd – 24th July 2024 & 25th – 27th July 2024 at the Extension Training Centre (ETC) in Regional Rural Development Training Centre, Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The programme was sponsored by MGNREGS under the Annual Action Plan NIRDPR, Hyderabad. Shri Pratik Sonwalkar, Joint Commissioner of RD&PR, inaugurated the programme, and Dr M. V. Ravibabu, Associate Professor & Head (i/c), CICT and Programme Director, explained the objectives. He said that the proposed training programme has been designed to introduce and provide working knowledge and skills on basic concepts, tools and technologies for planning and monitoring NRM works under MGNREGA at the GP level using Yuktdhara Portal.
“The use of GIS-based technology would help to improve the standard of governance with utmost transparency in the gram panchayats and would also greatly aid in planning, monitoring, and data collection,” he added, emphasising that training functionaries is a crucial aspect that helps to keep them up to date on the latest technological advancement. He also highlighted the goals of the three-day workshop, including Concepts of Geoinformatics and its possible applications in Planning and Monitoring, introduction to the Bhuvan Yuktdhara portal, developing of working skills in analysing the GIS data layers for planning and monitoring Mahatma Gandhi NREGA at the GP level, mobile applications for asset mapping, and analysing the GIS data layers for planning and preparing various assets.
Mr Shivkumar, Local Coordinator, ETC, Indore, outlined the key points of using GIS-based tools in the spatial planning using the Yuktadhara portal and hands-on practical approach on landscape formalisation, identification drainage line treatment, map composition preparation of planes, and field data collection using mobile based applications.
A total of 69 (Batch-1: 28 and Batch-2: 41) officials of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (RD&PR) department functionaries attended the training. The programme consisted of field visits for data collection using mobile GNSS. All participants were divided into multiple teams, and they collected data on various assets, such as trees, electrical & telephone poles, and buildings, in the form of vector features, i.e., point, line and polygon. While collecting data from the field, participants visualised and experienced the field conditions and geotagging accuracy aspects; the same was uploaded to Yuktadhara in suitable formats.
At the concluding session, the NIRDPR course team congratulated the participants, collected their feedback and distributed the certificates. Mr Shivkumar, ETC, Indore, expressed their gratitude to NIRDPR for providing such a valuable training programme to RD&PR functionaries. The programme was a success, as per the feedback from the participants, who opined that they could better their skills as the MGNREGA Spatial Enumerator and GIS Asset Supervisor before the official launch of Yuktadhara portal. All participants felt that the training programme would help them prepare their reports in the form of spatial planning as well as planning and monitoring of various works under MGNREGA at the GP level.
The programme was coordinated by Dr M. V. Ravibabu, Associate Professor & Head (i/c) CICT, NIRDPR and Course Director, with the assistance of Mr Md. Abdul Moid, Academic Associate, CGARD, and Mr Shivkumar, ETC, Indore.
GENDER KALEIDOSCOPE:
Women-Centric Initiatives by the Ministry of Rural Development
Dr Vanishree Joseph
Assistant Professor, Centre for Gender Studies and Development, NIRDPR
vanishreej.nird@gov.in
Introduction
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) in India has launched several women-centric initiatives to empower women, especially in rural areas. These initiatives focus on improving women’s access to employment, skill development, rural infrastructure, and social security. The National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), a key player in the successful implementation and evaluation of these programmes, has played a crucial role. Dr Vanishree J., Head of the Centre for Gender Studies and Development at NIRDPR, gives an overview of these initiatives, highlighting their objectives, impacts, and key features.
Flagship Programmes
Employment Generation and Skill Development
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has established several flagship programmes to enhance employment generation and skill development among rural poor women. These programmes aim to provide sustainable livelihoods, thereby increasing economic independence and empowerment for women in rural areas.
National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM)
The NRLM is a pivotal initiative designed to foster sustainable livelihoods for rural poor women. The primary goals and impacts of NRLM include:
- Promotion of Sustainable Livelihoods: By focusing on building strong institutions for the poor, NRLM aims to facilitate their access to financial services, livelihoods, and social entitlements.
- One of the most reassuring outcomes of the NRLM is the notable 28 per cent gain in savings among participants. This increase reflects the improved financial stability and savings habits promoted by the programme, providing a sense of security for the participants and their families.
- Improved Household Expenditure: The programme has contributed to better household expenditure on education and food, which are critical aspects of improving the quality of life for rural families.
- Empowerment in Decision-Making: NRLM has empowered women by significantly enhancing their decision-making abilities within households and communities.
- SHG Membership Impact: A positive correlation exists between the concentration of Self-Help Group (SHG) membership and female labour force participation, indicating that higher SHG membership density leads to greater female workforce involvement.
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)
The DDU-GKY is another important programme that targets the transformation of rural poor youth, specifically focusing on women, into an economically independent and skilled workforce. Key features and impacts include:
- Skill Development and Training: DDU-GKY provides comprehensive training programmes tailored to market demands, ensuring that participants gain relevant and employable skills.
- Post-Training Support: The programme offers robust post-training support, including job placement assistance, which significantly enhances the employability of rural women.
- Economic Empowerment: DDU-GKY plays a crucial role in boosting economic empowerment and independence among rural women by focusing on skill development and employment.
Rural Infrastructure
Improving rural infrastructure is critical to MoRD’s strategy to enhance women’s access to essential services and economic opportunities. Key initiatives under this category include:
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)
PMGSY is an ambitious programme that aims to provide all-weather road connectivity to unconnected rural areas. The programme has had significant impacts on women’s lives, such as:
- Enhanced Access to Services: Improved road connectivity facilitates rural women’s access to education, healthcare, and markets.
- Increased Mobility and Economic Participation: With better roads, women can travel more easily and participate more actively in economic and social activities, enhancing their overall mobility and economic participation.
Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G)
PMAY-G aims to provide housing for all, focusing on women beneficiaries. The programme’s key features and impacts include:
- Joint Ownership: Houses constructed under PMAY-G are often jointly owned in the name of women, promoting gender equality and financial security.
- Priority to Female-Headed Households: Female-headed households are given priority in allocating houses, ensuring that the most vulnerable women receive support.
- Financial Assistance: The program provides financial assistance for house construction, which has improved housing security and social status for women in rural areas.
Social Security
Social security is essential to the MoRD’s initiatives to support vulnerable groups, including women. The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) is a critical component of this effort. NSAP includes several pension schemes designed to enhance social security and economic stability for vulnerable women:
- Pensions for Widows and Elderly Women: These pensions provide a crucial safety net, ensuring a minimum level of financial security for widows and elderly women in rural areas.
- Economic Stability: By offering regular financial assistance, these pension schemes help stabilise the beneficiaries’ economic conditions, reducing their vulnerability and dependence.
Gender Responsive Budgeting
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has implemented a comprehensive gender-responsive budgeting approach to ensure that financial resources are allocated effectively to address the specific needs of women. This approach is designed to promote gender equality and enhance the socio-economic status of women in rural areas.
Key Components of Gender Responsive Budgeting
- Programmes Allocating 100% Resources for Women:
- National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM): This programme focuses entirely on empowering rural poor women by promoting sustainable livelihoods and enhancing their economic independence.
- Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G): PMAY-G emphasises joint ownership of houses in the name of women and prioritises female-headed households, thereby improving women’s housing security and social status.
- National Widow Pension Scheme: This scheme provides financial assistance to widows, ensuring their economic stability and social security.
- Programmes Allocating at least 30% of Resources for Women:
- Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS): MGNREGS ensures that at least 30 per cent of the resources are allocated to women, providing them with wage employment and addressing the gender wage gap.
- Pensions for the Elderly and Disabled: These programmes allocate a significant portion of their resources to elderly and disabled women, enhancing their social security and economic stability.
Gender Budgeting Framework
The gender budgeting framework adopted by the MoRD involves several critical components to ensure effective resource allocation and promote gender equality:
- Gender-Disaggregated Statistics:
- Collecting and analysing data segregated by gender helps to understand women’s specific needs and challenges. This data is crucial for informed decision-making and policy formulation.
- Linking Initiatives to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- Aligning gender-responsive programmes with SDGs ensures that the initiatives contribute to broader development objectives, such as gender equality (SDG 5), poverty reduction (SDG 1), and decent work and economic growth (SDG 8).
- Capacity Building:
- Enhancing the capacity of stakeholders involved in gender budgeting is essential. This includes training and sensitisation programmes for government officials, planners, and implementers to ensure they understand and can effectively apply gender budgeting principles.
- Reporting Allocations in the Gender Budget Statement:
- Transparent reporting of financial allocations and expenditures through the Gender Budget statement ensures accountability and allows for monitoring the impact of gender-responsive budgeting.
- Setting Gender Targets in Program Guidelines:
- Establishing specific gender targets in programme guidelines helps to direct efforts toward achieving measurable outcomes regarding women’s empowerment and gender equality.
- Budget Spending with a Gender Lens:
- Applying a gender lens to budget spending involves critically evaluating how budget allocations and expenditures impact women and men differently. This ensures that resources are utilised in a manner that addresses gender disparities and promotes women’s welfare.
Contribution to Development Indicators
The women-centric initiatives of MoRD contribute significantly to various development indicators:
- Control over financial decision-making by women: These programs empower women to make household finances and investment decisions.
- Workforce participation: Enhanced skills and employment opportunities increase female labour force participation.
- Safety and Mobility: Improved infrastructure and social security measures enhance women’s safety and mobility.
- Female ownership of assets: Programs like PMAY-G ensure joint ownership of houses, increasing women’s asset base.
- Food, Nutrition, Health, and Well-being (FNHW): Improved economic status and social security contribute to better health and nutrition outcomes for women and their families.
Community Engagement
Community engagement is crucial in the successful implementation and impact of women-centric initiatives. All the flagship programmes discussed above emphasise community engagement to build social capital, raise political empowerment, promote social and human development, and encourage investment. Social capital refers to the networks, relationships, and norms facilitating community collective action. It encompasses trust, cooperation, and reciprocity among community members. Enhanced cooperation is one of the significant impacts, as community engagement initiatives foster a sense of trust and cooperation among women, encouraging collective efforts in income-generating activities and social welfare. Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) provide a platform for members to support each other financially and emotionally, enhancing their overall well-being. Moreover, involvement in community activities and SHGs boosts women’s confidence and decision-making capabilities, contributing to their empowerment.
Political empowerment involves increasing women’s participation and influence in political processes and decision-making bodies. Programmes encourage women to participate in local governance, increasing their representation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and other decision-making bodies. Women are empowered to advocate for their rights and needs, leading to more gender-sensitive policies and programmes at the local level. Participation in community groups and governance roles helps women develop leadership skills, furthering their political empowerment.
Social and human development refers to improving individuals’ quality of life and well-being through access to education, healthcare, and social services. Initiatives like PMGSY enhance women’s access to education, healthcare, and essential services, improving health and educational outcomes. Training and capacity-building programmes enhance women’s skills and knowledge, enabling them to pursue better livelihood opportunities. Improved infrastructure and social security measures lead to better living conditions and overall well-being for women and their families.
Programmes like NRLM and DDU-GKY provide women with self-employment and skill development opportunities, enhancing their financial independence. Gender-responsive budgeting ensures that resources are allocated effectively to meet the specific needs of women, promoting gender equality and sustainable development. Investment in women’s empowerment initiatives leads to the creation of sustainable livelihoods, reducing poverty and enhancing economic stability for rural women.
Conclusion
The women-centric initiatives by the Ministry of Rural Development have substantially contributed to women’s economic empowerment, social security, and overall well-being in rural India. By focusing on employment generation, skill development, rural infrastructure, and social security, these programmes have enhanced women’s economic independence, improved access to essential services, and contributed to their social and political empowerment. The gender-responsive budgeting approach further ensures that resources are allocated effectively to address the specific needs of women, contributing to sustainable development and gender equality. These initiatives will make an inclusive and equitable society through continued efforts and community engagement.
National Level ToT Programme on Participatory Watershed Management for Enhancing Sustainable Income under WDC-PMKSY 2.0
In the realm of sustainable agriculture, the focus on participatory watershed management stands out as a critical component under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) 2.0’s Water Development Component (WDC). This approach gains significance against the backdrop of prevalent challenges in the agricultural sector, particularly in the context of water resource sustainability.
The present agricultural landscape grapples with the dual challenge of optimising water usage and enhancing income sustainability. In this scenario, participatory watershed management becomes a cornerstone for fostering community engagement and collaborative efforts. The inherent connection between community involvement and sustainable income generation is pivotal for addressing the complexities of modern agriculture. Within the WDC- PMKSY 2.0 framework, the emphasis on participatory approaches becomes not just a response to current challenges but a visionary step towards building resilient agricultural communities.
Against the backdrop of evolving environmental challenges and the imperative to enhance agricultural incomes, participatory watershed management emerges as a beacon of collective action. The present agricultural landscape grapples with the intricacies of achieving sustainable income, and this program addresses these challenges by fostering a participatory approach. By delving into the nuances of community involvement within the framework of WDC-PMKSY 2.0, participants can anticipate gaining comprehensive insights into sustainable water resource management, income enhancement strategies, and the collaborative efforts required to build resilient agricultural communities. As we navigate the complexities of contemporary agriculture, this program serves as a catalyst for promoting community-driven initiatives that contribute to the holistic and sustainable development of rural livelihoods.
In this context, the Centre for Natural Resource Management, Climate Change, and Disaster Mitigation, NIRDPR organised a four-day training programme on ‘Participatory Watershed Management for Enhancing Sustainable Income under WDC-PMKSY 2.0’ from 09th to 12th July 2024. It was attended by 31 participants, including state officials from various departments such as Water Resources, Line departments such as Soil and Water Conservation, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Non-Governmental Organisations representing 12 states across India.
The programme focused on augmenting officers’ expertise from relevant line departments, providing them with specialised knowledge and essential skills for effectively implementing participatory watershed management strategies. Another key objective was facilitating collaboration among officers from various line departments, fostering a cohesive understanding and approach towards participatory watershed management under the WDC-PMKSY 2.0. Further, the training aimed to equip officers with the ability to apply policies and guidelines specific to their line departments in the context of participatory watershed management, ensuring alignment with broader agricultural and water resource development objectives.
Dr. Ravindra S. Gavali, Head and Professor of CNRM,CC&DM, NIRDPR, Hyderabad, delivered the inaugural address. He underscored the critical role of innovative technologies in watershed management to boost agricultural productivity and stressed the imperative of capacity building. Dr. Raj Kumar Pammi, Assistant Professor of CNRM, welcomed participants, emphasising the programme’s objectives. A pre-training assessment of participants was conducted through a basic test to gauge their initial knowledge and understanding.
Dr. Raj Kumar Pammi, Assistant Professor, CNRM, CC & DM and Course Director of the training programme, conducted the first technical session. He presented the conceptual framework, guidelines, and salient features of WDC- PMKSY 2.0. Additionally, he provided a brief overview of its current status.
Dr. Mohammed Osman, Principal Scientist from CRIDA, Hyderabad, delivered a comprehensive session on ‘Integrated Farming System under Watershed to Enhance Income.’ He covered the current scenario of rain-fed agriculture in India, highlighting challenges and the potential of rain-fed areas. Dr Osman discussed opportunities in these regions and emphasised community-based social regulations for effective water management within watersheds.
Dr. Raj Kumar Pammi, Assistant Professor at NIRDPR, conducted a session on ‘Convergence of RD programs and participation of community-level stakeholders.’ He extensively covered the rationale behind convergence and methodologies for achieving it, highlighting integration with MGNREGS. Addressing challenges and critical issues, Dr Pammi proposed a roadmap emphasising clear guidelines and institutional arrangements at district and lower levels. He advocated for financial and technical collaboration, emphasising value addition through convergence with schemes like PMMSY, PMKSY, and other government initiatives.
The participants visited the Integrated Watershed Development Programme (IWMP) in Puttapaka Village, Samsthan Narayanapur Mandal, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, to gain insights into business development, enterprise promotion, production systems, and watershed development in the watershed areas. Mr Ali, the project officer of Narayanpur block, detailed various initiatives focusing on effective water resource management in Telangana’s semi-arid regions to promote sustainable agriculture. Participants engaged with district project officers and micro-watershed level officials and observed NRM & EPA works and livelihood activities under the watershed.
Dr Ravindra S. Gavali conducted a session on ‘crop water budgeting and security plans in watershed,’ emphasising the urgency of measuring water usage and addressing water scarcity issues. He introduced water budgeting, covering its facilitation areas, processes, and formats, and conducted calculations on annual water availability, harvest requirements, and agricultural needs. Six thematic areas for water security were identified, including climate change impacts and infrastructure management. Participants were also introduced to the CROPWAT software for irrigation scheduling and crop performance evaluation under varied conditions.
Dr K. S. Reddy, Principal Scientist from ICAR-CRIDA, led a session on ‘Mainstreaming farm livelihood strategies in watersheds and inclusive value chain development.’ He addressed water demands across sectors and associated investment requirements. Dr Reddy highlighted the concept of local community food banks, emphasising their main features and role in sustainable livelihoods. He introduced innovative approaches like efficient crop diversification and rural supply chain management, stressing the importance of institutional linkages.
Dr P. Kesava Rao, Associate Professor at CGARD, NIRDPR, conducted a session on GIS-based watershed planning & management under PMKSY-WDC 2.0. He emphasised leveraging Geographic Information Systems for effective watershed management, integrating spatial data to optimise resource allocation and enhance decision-making.
Participants further engaged in collaborative group work to prepare perspective presentations on participatory watershed management. They brainstormed on social mobilisation, capacity building at the community level, and conservation of water resources under PMKSY 2.0. Discussions included financial planning, technology integration, and community engagement. Each group showcased innovative solutions and shared case studies and success stories from their respective states, highlighting practical applications of watershed management principles.
In the next session, Dr AMV Subba Rao, Principal Scientist, CRIDA, Hyderabad, delivered a lecture on improving agricultural production through weather-based agro advisory services. He emphasised the role of accurate and timely weather information in optimising farming practices. Dr Rao highlighted the benefits of utilising agro-advisory services to make informed decisions regarding crop planning, irrigation, and pest management.
Dr Ramesh Singh, Principal Scientist I at ICRISAT, Hyderabad, delivered a session on identifying potential zones for rainwater harvesting interventions. He highlighted the critical global issue of water insecurity and its impact on agriculture and the environment. Dr Singh also discussed landscape-based natural resource management and climate-resilient agricultural technologies to enhance resilience.
Dr Giridhar, a Professor at JNTU Hyderabad, delivered a comprehensive session on ‘Water Harvesting and Artificial Recharge of Groundwater.’ His detailed presentation covered critical aspects of urban drainage systems in India and emphasised the necessity for a dedicated manual on stormwater drainage systems. Highlighting chapters on rainfall analysis, runoff estimation, hydraulic and structural design, and innovative practices like WSUD and SUDS, Dr Giridhar provided valuable insights into integrating rainwater harvesting with modern drainage solutions, addressing both environmental and infrastructural challenges effectively.
Dr. Ravindra S Gavali, Professor & Head of CNRMCC&DM and Dr Raj Kumar Pammi, Assistant Professor and Course Director, CNRMCC&DM, led the valedictory session. Dr Gavali encouraged the participants to apply the knowledge gained to contribute to the sustainable development of watershed areas. The valedictory session served as a platform for reflection and reinforced the importance of implementing effective participatory watershed management for overall growth and prosperity.
Feedback from participants and the course evaluation were conducted via the Training Management Portal of the Government of India, revealing the overall effectiveness as 89 per cent. The training programme was interactive, participatory and valuable, as ascertained from participants’ feedback.
Training Programme on Strengthening Primary Healthcare with a Focus on LSDG Theme 2: Healthy Village
A training programme focused on strengthening primary health care, particularly concerning LSDG Theme 2: Healthy Village, was conducted on the NIRDPR Hyderabad Campus from 23rd to 26th July 2024. The programme brought together officials from public health and rural development departments, state and district-level master trainers, NIRDPR young fellows, and representatives from NGOs such as the Child In Need Institute and the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation. Additionally, faculty from various academic institutions participated in the event.
Domain experts in the field of health were invited to lead the sessions throughout the four-day event. Dr Sucharita Pujari, Assistant Professor, Centre for PG Studies, welcomed the participants and outlined its objectives. She provided a comprehensive overview of the LSDG targets and indicators related to Theme 2: Healthy Village, highlighting the crucial role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in achieving these targets in line with the sustainable development goals. Dr Sucharita also emphasised the importance of sensitising PRIs about health as a key indicator of development and the need for collaboration with line departments and community involvement to build healthy, self-sufficient communities.
The training commenced with an introduction to the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) and the integration of Healthy Village targets into GPDP planning at the panchayat level. Participants were briefed on the current status across states and the indicators for the panchayat development index. Dr Anjan Kumar Bhanja, Associate Professor & Head of CPRSSD NIRDPR, discussed the GPDP planning process, its relevance, and the panchayat development index in detail.
Subsequent sessions included a discussion led by Dr Salima from UNICEF on the critical components of primary healthcare, focusing on the Ayushman Bharat Scheme and the role of local governance in strengthening it at the community level. Dr Alok Agarwal, President of Pragathi Welfare Society and a nephrologist practising in the United States, presented a case study on preventive health care initiatives undertaken in Burgulla Panchayat, emphasising community participation and engagement.
Participants were introduced to emerging issues and challenges in utilising sexual and reproductive health services in rural India, an important target outlined in indicator 3.7. Dr Renu Kapoor from FPAI Hyderabad led discussions on strategies for strengthening these services, particularly for tribal and marginalised populations.
The training also included sessions on social accountability tools for better monitoring of maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes, facilitated by Ms Poornima from KHPT. This was followed by a participatory discussion on understanding vulnerabilities and reaching the unreached, demonstrated through a Powerwalk exercise. Mr Subba Reddy from UNICEF conducted a core session on behaviour change models for improved health outcomes.
Additional sessions focused on environmental determinants of health, the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in rural India, and the impact of climate change on health. Resource persons from the Indian Institute of Public Health, UNICEF, KHPT, and FPAI contributed to these discussions. The participants registered positive feedback for their valuable learning experiences from the programme, which enhanced their capacity to strengthen primary healthcare in their respective communities.
ARTICLE:
How Infrastructure Development Can Combat Rural Poverty?
Shri Nishchal Mittal
Indian Economic Service Officer Trainee of 2024 batch, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance
nishchal.mittal1@gmail.com
Introduction
Infrastructure is a buzzword in India right now, resonating through policy discussions, development agendas, rural revitalisation plans and others. There is no doubt that good infrastructure is one of the many factors that are crucial for India to achieve its aspirations of Vision 2047. Making India poverty-free is one of them. According to NITI Aayog’s National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), India’s population living in multidimensional poverty was 14.96 per cent in 2019-21. However, it is mainly concentrated in rural areas (19.28 per cent in rural areas versus 5.27 per cent in urban areas). So, one question arises – is there any significance of good infrastructure in poverty reduction?
The significance of infrastructure is widely acknowledged in the worldwide debate on poverty reduction as a critical factor influencing socio-economic development, especially in rural areas. Infrastructure includes all of the essential structures and processes required for a society to run smoothly, such as energy and transportation grids, communication networks, and the provision of basic public services. Robust infrastructure may significantly reduce economic inequities and promote sustainable development in the context of rural poverty, where access to necessities is frequently restricted or insufficient.
Broadly, infrastructure can be categorised into two sets: social and physical. The former includes essential utility services like education, health, water and sanitation, and infrastructure, whereas the latter consists of road, irrigation, electricity, and telecommunication. Here, one important question arises – how does infrastructure play a role in reducing rural poverty?
As per NCAER 2007, building rural infrastructure could raise people’s standards of living, encourage economic growth, and lessen the prevalence of poverty by producing employment and income opportunities on and off farms, boosting production, facilitating access to necessities, and enhancing people’s physical and mental well-being. Empirical studies also suggest a strong relationship between infrastructure, economic growth, and poverty reduction.
Even though infrastructure is vital, serious shortcomings exist in rural areas of all Indian states. As of 2011-12, only 55.3 per cent of households had access to electricity. Still, India has not achieved 100 per cent electrified villages status. Compared to urban regions, rural areas have far less infrastructural facilities, both in terms of quantity and quality. The development of basic infrastructure amenities in rural areas is thought to be hampered by a low household income, a low population density, and the lack of scale economies.
Analytical Framework
As per Amartya Sen and the latest literature, poverty is a multidimensional concept that includes education, health, income, and other essential aspects[2]. Social infrastructure helps in boosting the majority of aspects. Its importance has been widely recognised over time as it creates a positive externality by developing human capital and increasing the productivity of a human being. However, physical infrastructure has a vital role in the income growth of a rural individual. For this write-up, roads, electricity and irrigation have been taken into account for physical infrastructure.
Typically, there are two kinds of income activities in rural areas – farm and non-farm activities. Within farm activities, some farmers (small and marginal) are net buyers of food and others (large farmers) are net sellers of food. When the prices of agricultural food rise, the real income of the former drops and the latter rises. Implicitly, the terms of trade between agriculture and non-agriculture are also an important determinant of poverty incidence.
This simple analytical framework, where the main determinants of rural poverty include agricultural productivity, non-agricultural employment, and non-agricultural productivity, has been suggested by the Asian Development Bank.
As explained, these three areas (roads, irrigation and electricity) influence three areas broadly, as shown in Figure 1. Their impact can be routed through direct or indirect channels, where the direct channel influences the wage and employment of the poor and the indirect channel through rural economic growth, which further affects the supply and price of the basic goods. Both of these channels impact real income or the poor’s consumption, ultimately resulting in poverty reduction.
This can be understood by an example of a village which is not connected to a nearby urban area market through a proper road. Because of lack of road connectivity, a labourer is unable to explore the possible employment opportunities outside the village, and this ends up getting subsistence wages as farm labour. Also, due to disconnectivity, there is lack of market in this village. Now, if this village is connected to a nearby urban market through a good quality road where public transport is also available, it will reduce transaction costs. Also, the local labour has an additional option to explore employment opportunities in nearby urban markets. It is the direct channel of impact. Further, this road will result in the expansion of market in rural areas, which will increase the supply and reduce the price of essential goods locally. Non-farm activities, including livestock and retail markets, will also significantly impact their income. This is the indirect channel of impact on poverty just because of the availability and accessibility of a sound infrastructure (road in this example).
Empirical Evidence
Economic studies describing the connection between rural poverty and rural infrastructure generally do not trace the link between these two described above. Here, the studies on Asian countries have mainly been taken into consideration. It should be noted that these studies differ in their methodologies, data sources and Econometric techniques. Nonetheless, these studies provide helpful insights into the connection between good infrastructure and rural poverty. The framework described above can be used to study the connection between rural poverty and rural infrastructure in India.
Kwon (2000), analysing Indonesian data, estimates a growth elasticity with respect to poverty incidence of 0.33 for good-road provinces and -0.09 for bad-road provinces. As per Fan et al. (2002), 10000 Yuan investment in rural roads by the government can bring 3.2 poor people out of poverty on average.
Bhattarai et al. (2002) found that in India, the Philippines, and Vietnam, an irrigated rural area had a lower poverty incidence than an irrigated one. In the People’s Republic of China, Fan, Zhang, and Zhang (2002) estimated the irrigation elasticity of poverty reduction to be 1.13.
According to a review of World Bank-funded rural electrification projects in Asia, rural electrification increases irrigation use in Bangladesh and India, greatly lowering the prevalence of poverty (Songco, 2002). However, this report also found a negative or insignificant impact of rural electrification on poverty reduction in several countries mainly because of low credit access, undefined use rights, higher transaction costs, etc.
For India, Madhusudan Ghosh (2017) unambiguously found the importance of the physical and social infrastructure indices and the livelihood opportunity index in rural development. The coefficients of the indices were in the expected sign and turned out to be statistically significant in most cases.
Thus, it can be concluded that there is significant empirical evidence supporting the connection between good infrastructure and poverty reduction. Now, it becomes important to evaluate the current status of rural infrastructure in India.
Evaluating Rural Infrastructure in India
The data on rural infrastructure has not been readily available for recent years. So, the author relied on the Physical Infrastructure Development Index (PIDI) used by Madhusudan Ghosh et al. (2013), which scores the infrastructure development of a specific state or country on a scale of 0 to 1, where 0 implies the unavailability of any physical infrastructure and 1 implies fully available infrastructure in that state. This index covers the state of rural infrastructure very well in such a way that different states’ progress on infrastructure development in rural areas can be compared.
Here, it can be observed that the PIDI index for India was on a rising trend. Also, every state has contributed to this, and a similar trend was observed in every state (Figure 2). However, there is still a long path to cover on physical infrastructure.
Figure 2: PIDI for states
Throughout all the years, Odisha had the lowest PIDI level, and Punjab had the highest. In 1981, HP was one of the lowest five states. However, in 1991, it made significant progress and moved to the top five, where it remained for the rest of the time. From the middle-level category in 1981 and 1991 to the top-five category in 2001, Maharashtra advanced and maintained its place in 2011. The top five states in PIDI are those with low rates of rural poverty and high levels of agricultural per capita income. However, out of the bottom five states in 1981, AP and HP made great progress and were able to move up to a higher category: AP to the middle-level category and HP to the top-level one. States with high rural poverty rates and low agricultural per capita income levels fell into the bottom five. Thus, it can be observed that states with higher poverty and low levels of agricultural per capita income scored low on PIDI, and those with lower poverty and high levels of agricultural per capita income scored high on PIDI.
It should be noted that the data is available only till 2011. Given the strong push of central government in the last decade, this PIDI might have increased further.
Current Government Policies
Infrastructure plans and investments are carried out by both private and public players. However, in rural areas, it is mainly the government that invests significantly in building rural infrastructure. Currently, there are many policies by central and state governments supporting rural infrastructure development.
The Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) by NABARD is one of the most important in providing funds for rural infrastructure development. RIDF was operationalised during 1995-96 as an endeavour to bridge the infrastructure gap. At the all-India level, as of 31 March 2019, an amount of Rs. 2,68,220 crore was disbursed for projects under various tranches (RIDF I to XXIV). The RIDF assistance to various state governments is estimated to have created/restored an irrigation potential of 330.44 lakh ha and 4.68 lakh km of rural roads and 44.45 lakh metres of bridges, creating non-recurring employment of 2772.05 crore person-days.
MNREGA is another central government scheme that ensures guaranteed wage employment, focusing on livelihood assurance by creating physical assets through unskilled manual labour. This scheme focuses on developing physical assets like wells, ponds, irrigation canals, roads, etc., which not only helps in infrastructure development but also in assuring livelihood. More than 50 per cent of registered workers are women, so it helps inclusive development as well. In the FY24 budget, the central government allocated 60,000 crore rupees for the scheme.
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna is a centrally sponsored scheme that helps develop all-weather road connectivity to unconnected rural areas. It was initiated back in 2000. Till now, three phases have been launched. The third phase of PMGSY-III is during 2019-20 to 2024-25. It is proposed that 1,25,000 km of road in the states be integrated under the PMGSY-III Plan.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana is the scheme that helps enhance agriculture productivity by ensuring efficient irrigation with a focus on watershed management, micro irrigation and water conservation. This scheme was extended till 2026 with an outlay of Rs. 93,068 crore. Till FY23, a total of 22 lakh farmers, including 2.5 lakh and 2 lakh, respectively belonging to SC and ST categories, benefitted from it.
Rural Electrification Scheme – Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana aims to ensure reliable and affordable electricity supply in rural areas by strengthening sub-transmission and distribution networks and separating agricultural and non-agriculture feeders.
Apart from the schemes mentioned above, others are BharatNet, PM Awas Yojana – Gramin, Swachh Bharat Mission, etc.
Conclusion
There exists conclusive evidence worldwide that good, readily available and accessible infrastructure can significantly reduce rural poverty. All the states have made progress on rural infrastructure development since 1981. However, significant interstate variation exists in the availability of good rural infrastructure. Also, despite the progress made since 1981, there is still a substantial gap in a number of states on the front of rural infrastructure development. However, there is scope for more data-intensive analysis and research on this topic, especially in India. Recent data availability and quantitative analysis could have established this connection very firmly, but this couldn’t be done in this article.
As explained above, quite a lot of policies exist to support and establish rural infrastructure development. However, these policies need to be complemented with good governance and a decentralised approach. The government should try to prepare the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) mandatorily at the level of gram panchayat. These local governments should be equipped with an adequate basket of tax rights locally and Finance Commission aid. Along these lines, Aziznagar village in Rangareddy district of Telangana presents a perfect example. Here, they earn a good amount in the forms of tax revenue and Finance Commission aids, which they wisely use for rural infrastructure development based on needs. It should be noted that this gram panchayat has a GPDP and good governance structure. They support more than 120 SHGs, the majority of which are headed by women.
Further, the state government should effectively strengthen the local governments by shifting from controlling and directing them to supervising and regulating them after distributing them powers. States can also look for regular and effective social and internal audits of these gram panchayats, which will be proved as a regulatory measure. Nonetheless, central and state governments should continue developing basic infrastructure, including electricity, irrigation, and roads, to help reduce poverty, and thus achieve Vision 2047.
(Shri Nishchal Mittal was a participant in the 5-day training programme conducted by the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development & Financial Inclusion (CEDFI), NIRDPR on ‘Rural Development: Issues, Challenges, Interventions and Impacts’ for Officer Trainees (OTs) of Indian Economic Service (IES) – Batch 2024, from 01st – 05th July 2024 at NIRDPR, Hyderabad).
NIRDPR & NBPGR Organise TOLIC-2 Meeting
The meeting of Town Official Language Implementation Committee-2 (TOLIC-2) Hyderabad was organised by the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Regional Centre (NBPGR), Hyderabad, under the aegis of NIRDPR on 24th July 2024.
The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Dr G. Narendra Kumar, IAS, Director General, NIRDPR. On this occasion, eminent officials Dr Shivraj, Regional in-charge of NBPGR and Dr K. Anitha, Principal Scientist, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Hyderabad, Smt. Bela, Deputy Director (OL), Hindi Teaching Scheme, Kavadiguda, Commissioner GST Office and ASP, CBI and senior officials of various offices were also present.
The meeting was inaugurated by the Chairman of the Committee, Dr G. Narendra Kumar, IAS and other officials by lighting the lamp. Smt. Anita Pandey, AD (OL), NIRDPR and member secretary, TOLIC-2, formally welcomed all the guests. Dr G. Narendra Kumar, Chairman, TOLIC-2 and Director General, NIRDPR, welcomed all the officials and officers from various offices to the TOLIC-2 meeting. While addressing the meeting, the Chairman observed that the number of reports received from various offices is less and urged all offices to send their reports.
“Even though the British have left, the slavery still resides within us. We have to get out of this and work according to the annual programme issued by the Home Ministry,” the Chairman said, detailing the remarkable works the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj did for the progressive use of Hindi.
The Chairman of the Committee praised the Regional In-charge, Chief Scientist and staff of the NBPGR Office for organising the meeting of NARAKS-2. The Chairman said that the purpose of holding meetings and workshops in different offices was to take stock of the works done in Hindi so that other offices could draw inspiration from it.
Dr K. Anitha, Principal Scientist, presented information about the National Bureau of Plant Genetics and its mandate and objectives. Further, Mrs Bela, Deputy Director (OL), explained in detail the ongoing classes and various schemes related to the Hindi Teaching Scheme and requested the senior officials to nominate officers and employees from their respective offices for various courses. Apart from this, she reviewed the reports received from the various offices and gave necessary instructions to the offices concerned accordingly. Seventy-six members from 49 offices were present during the meeting.
The staff of the Official Language Section of NIRDPR and the NBPGR extended full cooperation in organising the meeting. Smt. Annapurna, Junior Hindi Translator, coordinated the programme and Dr Pranusha, Senior Scientist of NBPGR, presented the vote of thanks.
NEW COLUMN:
UBA: Community Progress Reports
NIRDPR Reviews Activities of UBA-Participating Institutions
The National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), as a Regional Coordinating Institution (RCI) under the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) Programme, conducted a review of activities carried out by UBA-Participating Institutions (UBA-PIs) in Telangana. UBA is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Education coordinated at the national level by the IIT Delhi. The UBA-PIs working under the guidance of NIRDPR presented their activities, and the undertakings of Hyderabad Institute of Technology and Management (HITAM) are presented in this issue of the Pragati Newsletter. The work of other PIs will be presented in Pragati’s subsequent issues.
Hyderabad Institute of Technology and Management (HITAM), located near Kompally (Medchal Mandal) in Telangana, has carried out several socially beneficial works by training the students in the process and putting to use the expertise of the faculty members. HITAM has seven service villages in Medchal Mandal. The faculty members involved in UBA activities have a reasonably good understanding of what UBA envisages. The students identified problems through direct observation and holding a chain of interviews in the villages, besides getting involved in the exercise of preparing the Gram Panchayat Development Plan.
They highlighted some interesting problems, such as
- The available paddy cutter in the market is large and too heavy to lift. Thus, it is not comfortable to handle.
- Farmers in another village have expressed the struggle regarding the laborious and protracted nature of clearing stones from agricultural land.
- During harvesting season, demand for labour is very high, but supply is minimal. Given the difficulties of hiring labourers, simple mechanisation might help.
Thus, after a survey of village settlements, the students get to know various dimensions of rural life and problems. Hence, UBA has created a platform for students to apply their engineering knowledge to solve real-world problems.
The students further proposed installing fertiliser sprayers, water purifiers, water lifting pumps, smart dustbins, solar water poor skimmers, grass cutters, cow dung removers, seed sowers, pond cleaning devices, smart water irrigation system, etc. Students later converted their proposals into academic projects and will get credits for supporting the community with the finished products. The students have implemented some projects, such as pond cleaning.
UBA, thus, enables technical institutions to get direct exposure to real needs on the ground. HITAM is in touch with local NGOs, which are grounded. Subsequently, much-needed technical support is made available not only to the villagers but also to the NGOs with which HITAM has joined hands. The presence of NGOs serves as a bridge, enabling a smooth transition from the outgoing students to the new members joining the UBA Club. All these works have enabled the HITAM faculty to publish their work as journal articles available in the UBA Portal. NIRDPR appreciates the excellent work carried out by HITAM.
NIRDPR Faculty Motivates School Students
NIRDPR is a Regional Coordinating Institution (RCI) under the UBA Programme. Muffakham Jah (MJ) College of Engineering and Technology, located at Banjara Hills, is one of the UBA Participating Institutions. NIRDPR supports MJ College in the capacity of RCI in Telangana. On 20th July 2024, the MJ College faculty members visited four government schools of Gudi Thanda, Hanuman Nagar, Tunikila Thanda, and Koyyagundu Thanda in Sangareddy district, and they distributed bags, books, stationery kits and snacks to the students. Besides faculty members, the Dean (Academics) and Dean (Administration) participated in the event.
Dr Anuradha Palla, Assistant Professor from Centre for Wage Employment & Livelihoods, NIRDPR, joined the MJ College team, encouraging the UBA works of MJ College faculty members and motivating the children.
“If you can stand, never sit; if you can walk, never stand; if you can run, never walk; if you can fly, never run – why should you run if you can fly,” she told the students and wished all of them to come up with flying colours. She urged them to take the most active and ambitious option available, pushing for continuous progress and striving for the highest level of achievement.
ToT on Mainstreaming Social Inclusion Interventions under DAY-NRLM
The DAY-NRLM Resource Cell (NRLMRC), NIRDPR, organised a 4-day Training of Trainers (ToT) on Mainstreaming Social Inclusion Interventions under DAY-NRLM from 22nd – 25th July 2024.
The main objectives of this training were to enhance participants’ knowledge and skills to address various aspects of social inclusion, including poverty, vulnerability, disability, and old age. The aim was to sensitise the SRLMs on the priority, and the protocol of the formation and strengthening of elderly, PwD, and other vulnerable community members, SHGs and also draw lessons from existing pilots on Disability and Elderly collectives (E-SHGs & PwD SHGs and societies) for scaling-up and mainstreaming.
A panel of experts handled the sessions during the training, and notable among them were Mr D. Rajeshwar and Ms Deepa Rajkamal, National Resource Persons for Social Inclusion (NRP-SI). The sessions were facilitated by Mr K. Venkateshwar Rao, Mission Manager and Mr Rajeev Ranjan Singh, Mission Executive- SISD, NRLMRC NIRDPR.
The expertise of NRPs provided participants with valuable insights and practical approaches to integrate social inclusion in their respective areas of work. The training covered a wide range of topics, including understanding the dimensions of social exclusion, strategies for mainstreaming social inclusion in rural development programmes, and best practices for addressing the needs of marginalised populations. It also included discussions on DAY-NRLM norms on the formation of elderly, PwD, and other vulnerable SHGs, as well as rights and entitlements for marginalised and vulnerable people. It was followed by the preparation of a vulnerability reduction plan. Interactive sessions, case studies, and group discussions were utilised to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the concepts and their practical application.
The event hosted 26 officials from several State Rural Livelihoods Missions (SRLMs), including Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, and Jharkhand. These participants were selected to ensure diverse representation and facilitate the exchange of ideas and best practices across different regions.
(This report is prepared by Mr Ashutosh Dhami, Mr Rajeev Ranjan Singh and Mr K Venkateshwar Rao, NRLMRC, NIRDPR)
ToTs on Capacity Building programme on e-GramSwaraj Portal
SIRD, Srinagar
The Centre for Good Governance and Policy Analysis (CGGPA) recently organised an off-campus Training of Trainers (ToT) programme on the ‘Capacity Building program on e-GramSwaraj Portal for PRI Functionaries’ from 02nd – 04th July 2024 at the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD) in Uttarakhand. The programme saw the participation of a total of 30 PRI functionaries.
The primary objective of the programme was to enhance the participant’s skills and knowledge regarding the latest developments in the e-GramSwaraj Portal. The focus was on providing an in-depth understanding of the technical aspects and challenges across all the portal modules.
The programme emphasised the significance of uploading the Gram Panchayat plan on the eGramSwaraj Portal. Additionally, he shed light on the latest developments in planning the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP), with special attention given to aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and incorporating relevant themes into the planning of activities in Gram Panchayats. Programme Director Shri K. Rajeshwar warmly welcomed the participants and outlined the objectives of the training programme.
The ToT covered comprehensive sessions on various aspects, including the panchayat profile, integration of the planning module with Sankalp Siddhi in the dynamic Gram Sabha, progress and financial reporting with a specific focus on the significance of Public Financial Management System (PFMS) in managing 15th Finance Commission grants, as well as Gram Manchitra with a focus on planning. Throughout the programme, practical demonstrations and hands-on experiences using the demo portal were conducted to ensure a thorough understanding of the covered topics. The training methodologies were highly interactive and participatory, comprising introductory presentations, interactive sessions, lectures, documentary presentations, brainstorming, practical exercises, and hands-on experiences, fostering active engagement from all the participants.
At the valedictory, participants expressed their appreciation for the program design, content, delivery, and hospitality arrangements. The training programme was coordinated by Shri K. Rajeshwar, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Good Governance and Policy Analysis (CGGPA), NIRDPR, and Dr B. A. Kumar, Associate Professor from SIRD, Srinagar. The programme received widespread acclaim from the participants, with the Training Management Portal (TMP) feedback indicating an impressive overall rating of 86 per cent.
SIRD, Uttarakhand
The Centre for Good Governance and Policy Analysis (CGGPA) recently organised an off-campus Training of Trainers (ToT) programme on the ‘Capacity Building Programme on e-GramSwaraj Portal for PRI Functionaries’ from 11-13 June 2024 at the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD) in Uttarakhand. The programme saw the participation of a total of 42 PRI functionaries.
Shri R. D. Paliwal, the Executive Director, graced the programme’s inauguration and emphasised the significance of uploading the Gram Panchayat plan on the eGramSwaraj Portal. Additionally, he shed light on the latest developments in planning the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP), with specific attention given to aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and incorporating relevant themes into the planning of activities in Gram Panchayats. Programme Director Shri K Rajeshwar welcomed the participants and outlined the objectives.
Participants expressed their appreciation for the program design, content, delivery, and hospitality arrangements. The coordination of the programme was managed by Shri K. Rajeshwar, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Good Governance and Policy Analysis (CGGPA), NIRDPR, and Dr. M P Khali, Assistant Director from SIRD, Uttarakhand. The programme received widespread acclaim from the participants, with the Training Management Portal (TMP) feedback indicating an impressive overall rating of 94 per cent, affirming its high quality.
SIRD, Manipur
The Centre for Good Governance and Policy Analysis (CGGPA) organised an off-campus ToT on the ‘Capacity Building Programme on e-GramSwaraj Portal for PRI Functionaries’ from 28th -30th May 2024 at SIRD, Manipur. A total of 43 PRI functionaries participated in this programme.
The programme aimed to build skills and knowledge on the latest developments of the e-GramSwaraj Portal. Mainly focussed and exposed to all portal modules’ technical issues and challenges very elaborately. The programme started with the objective of the importance of Gram Panchayat plan uploading in the eGramSwaraj Portal and the latest developments in planning the GPDP with a special focus on rolling out the SDG goals and themes to be included in the planning of activities in Gram Panchayat. Program Director Shri K. Rajeshwar welcomed the participants and briefed them on the objectives.
Furthermore, the ToT comprehensively covered sessions on panchayat profile, planning module integration with Sanklap Siddi in the vibrant Gram Sabha, Progress and financial reporting with a focus on the significance of PFMS on 15 FC grants and Gram Manchitra with a focus on planning. All the sessions were demonstrated and hands-on in the demo portal, ensuring a thorough understanding of the topics.
The course’s training methods were delivered through a highly interactive participatory learning process. The sessions were dynamic and included introductory presentations, interactive sessions, lectures, documentary presentations, brainstorming, practical exercises, and hands-on experiences, ensuring active engagement of the participants.
Participants were impressed with the programme design, contents, program deliveries, and hospitality arrangements. The training programme was coordinated by Shri K. Rajeshwar, Assistant Professor, Centre for Good Governance and Policy Analysis (CGGPA), NIRDPR and Ksh. Dilip Kumar, Faculty from SIRD, Manipur. The programme was well appreciated by all the participants, with the feedback in the TMP indicating an overall rating of 97 per cent.
CASE STUDY:
Climate Change Adaptation and Development in Bundelkhand
Ms Anushka Dwivedi
Student, Batch- 5 PGDM- RM, NIRDPR
anushkadwivedi0422@gmail.com
Introduction to Bundelkhand
Bundelkhand, a geographically distinct region spread across Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh in Central India, boasts a rich cultural heritage and a turbulent history. It is characterised by its rugged terrain, semi-arid climate, and diverse soil types. The region includes thirteen districts: seven in Uttar Pradesh (Jhansi, Jalaun, Lalitpur, Mahoba, Hamirpur, Banda, and Chitrakoot) and six in Madhya Pradesh (Datia, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Damoh, and Sagar). Agriculture is the primary occupation, but the area faces significant challenges due to erratic rainfall, frequent droughts, and limited water storage capabilities. The region is characterised by its rugged terrain and limited water storage capabilities, falling predominantly under the semi-arid zone. Agriculture is the primary occupation, but the region faces significant challenges such as erratic rainfall, drought, and inadequate irrigation infrastructure.
However, it has emerged as a region grappling with significant socio-economic and environmental challenges in recent decades. This delves into the complexities of Bundelkhand, exploring its historical significance, current struggles, and potential solutions for a brighter future to reduce its impact on the harsh climate.
Challenges:
- Water Scarcity: Bundelkhand experiences erratic rainfall and frequent droughts, leading to severe water scarcity. This significantly affects agriculture, the mainstay of the region’s economy.
- Underdeveloped Infrastructure: The region lacks proper irrigation facilities, transportation networks, and access to quality education and healthcare.
- Livelihood Crisis: Erratic rainfall and land degradation lead to poor agricultural yields, pushing farmers towards debt and even migration.
- Social Issues: The region faces problems like child malnutrition, lack of women’s empowerment, and social inequalities.
MGNREGA: Building Climate Resilience in Bundelkhand
MGNREGA plays a significant role in helping the people of Bundelkhand build resilience against climate change through various initiatives aimed at sustainable development and resource management. One of the primary contributions is water conservation and management. The scheme funds the construction of check dams, ponds, and rainwater harvesting systems, which conserve water, replenish groundwater levels, and ensure water availability during dry periods. Additionally, building and maintaining irrigation channels improve water distribution for agriculture, reducing dependence on erratic rainfall. MGNREGA also focuses on soil conservation and land development through land levelling, terracing, and afforestation efforts. These projects reduce soil erosion, enhance soil fertility, stabilise the soil, and provide environmental benefits. MGNREGA empowers rural communities, reduces economic vulnerability, and improves their capacity to implement adaptive measures effectively.
MGNREGA: A Resource Engine for Tank Restoration
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) serves as a crucial resource engine for large-scale tank restoration in Bundelkhand. Gram Sabhas (village councils) play a pivotal role in identifying priority tanks and proposing restoration projects. If approved, MGNREGA funds allocated for these projects can be channelled towards activities like desilting, embankment strengthening, and other essential repairs. This approach leverages MGNREGA’s resources to revitalise traditional water bodies, ultimately contributing to improved water security in the region. Community participation, a cornerstone of BIWAL Project, is strengthened by creating Tank Management Committees (TMCs) with the support of Gram Panchayat. These TMCs would not only oversee project implementation but also foster a sense of ownership among locals, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the restored tanks.
PMFBY: Enhancing Climate Resilience for Bundelkhand’s Farmers
PMFBY offers critical support to farmers in Bundelkhand by providing financial protection against climate-induced crop failures. The scheme insures crops against losses due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases, offering financial stability and mitigating the risk of crop failure. This security enables farmers to recover quickly from adverse climatic events and reinvest in the next cropping season, reducing financial stress and preventing distress sales of assets. Efficient claim processing ensures timely compensation, allowing farmers to recover from losses quickly and maintain productivity. Additionally, more awareness campaigns and training programmes that educate farmers about climate risks, the importance of insurance and best agricultural practices further enhance their ability to prepare for and respond to climatic changes are needed.
Vulnerability in the Bundelkhand Region
The Bundelkhand region faces a complex web of vulnerabilities due to erratic rainfall and frequent droughts. These climate challenges threaten the livelihoods, animal husbandry practices, water security, social well-being, and environmental sustainability of the population.
The erratic rainfall and droughts plaguing Bundelkhand expose a web of vulnerabilities. Farmers, lacking proper crop insurance, face financial ruin during droughts and are forced to migrate for work, disrupting their lives. Animal husbandry offers meagre support due to low milk yields and limited goat rearing. Water scarcity adds another layer of hardship, with inconsistent tap water supply hindering agriculture and basic needs. Social disparities exacerbate these issues, with low female education rates and uneven social welfare coverage, while the environment suffers from underutilised sustainable practices like cow dung fertiliser and crop diversification.
Climate Change in Bundelkhand Region
Climate change is casting a long shadow over the Bundelkhand region, marked by a significant shift in rainfall patterns. Erratic rainfall and increasingly frequent droughts are disrupting the once-predictable rhythm of life. This erratic climate, instead of the usual monsoon regularity, is wreaking havoc on the region’s primary source of income – agriculture. The vulnerability to these changes is not equally distributed. Those with limited land ownership or dependence on common property resources for grazing or fuelwood face a steeper climb. Their traditional ways of life are under immense stress.
However, the people of Bundelkhand are not sitting idly by. They have adopted various risk-aversion techniques to navigate this new normal. Farmers are increasingly turning to crop diversification, planting a wider variety of crops to hedge against the vagaries of the weather. Migration for work during particularly dry periods has become a common strategy, with people seeking temporary employment opportunities in cities. Additionally, communities are placing greater emphasis on the sustainable use of common property resources like grazing lands and water sources.
These changes, while necessary for survival, come at a cost. The disruption to traditional agricultural practices and the uncertainty of rainfall patterns are impacting livelihoods. Food insecurity is a growing concern, and the social fabric of communities is under strain. Yet, there is a glimmer of hope. Women are emerging as key stakeholders in the fight against climate change. Their involvement in managing water resources through tank management committees and promoting sustainable practices like organic farming is proving crucial. Empowering women and strengthening local institutions are vital steps towards building resilience and charting a course for a sustainable future for the Bundelkhand region in the face of climate challenges.
Recommendations
- Promoting water-saving techniques: Train farmers on drip irrigation to conserve water and boost yields.
- Encouraging sustainable agriculture: Advocate for agroforestry, conservation agriculture, and crop diversification to improve soil health and reduce risk.
- Supporting income diversification: Help farmers explore alternative livelihoods like livestock rearing, beekeeping, and agro-processing to lessen reliance on rain-fed crops.
- Building community resilience: Promote community management of natural resources, access to social safety nets, and awareness of insurance schemes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the study focuses on three districts, it highlights Bundelkhand’s significant vulnerability to erratic rainfall and droughts. These challenges cascade across livelihood security, animal husbandry, water security, social well-being, and environmental sustainability. Mitigating these risks requires targeted interventions that address crop insurance, income diversification, water security, and social disparities and promote sustainable practices. Future research should explore the long-term effectiveness of interventions and identify additional strategies to bolster the resilience of Bundelkhand’s communities.
[This note is drawn from a 3-month project report prepared under the guidance of Prof. Jyothis Sathyapalan (P&H, CPGS&DE), Dr Partha Pratim Sahu (Associate Professor, NIRDPR) and Mr Ashish Ambasta (Program Manager, SRIJAN, Jhansi). The author is grateful to them for mentoring and supervision].
ToT on Design and Development of Web Portals for RD&PR Programmes at SIRD, Uttar Pradesh
The Centre for Good Governance and Policy Analysis (CGGPA), NIRDPR, organised an off-campus ToT on ‘Design and Development of Web Portal for RD and PR Programmes’ from 25-27 June 2024 at SIRD, Uttar Pradesh. A total of 37 technical officials from the Regional Institute of Rural Development (RIRD) and the District Institute of Rural Development (DIRD) participated in this programme.
The programme is designed to equip participants with practical skills and knowledge on the latest developments in web designing and timely updation & uploading of the content on the website. It primarily focuses on and exposes the participants to technical issues and challenges in developing and maintaining portals, providing a comprehensive and hands-on learning experience.
Shri B. D. Chowdary, Additional Director, SIRD, Uttar Pradesh, inaugurated the programme. Highlighted the crucial role of websites and their maintenance, he stressed that the development of the web has become indispensable in the present decade, with significant multimedia advances necessitating its use. He also highlighted the need for regular and timely maintenance of these websites to ensure their effectiveness, keeping the audience informed and up-to-date.
“New types of data are now accessible via the web. Data-driven content has become a main component of many web applications and projects. The advantage of data-driven content is that it reflects the most current information, numbers, and statistics because the data is drawn from a database when the user requests it,” Shri B. D. Chowdary added.
Shri K. Rajeshwar, Assistant Professor & Programme Director, welcomed the participants and briefed the objectives of the training programme. In addition to this, the ToT has covered sessions on Network, Internet, and Web Technologies; HTML concepts and open source technologies in Web, Website Design and Development, Database Management and SQL; building dynamic webpages using templates; and the latest technologies for the development of websites, Web application in Rural Development and Best practices in the field. All the sessions were hands-on, engaging the participants in practical exercises and demonstrations using web templates and demo portals.
The course’s training methods were delivered through the participatory learning process. The sessions were dynamic and included introductory presentations, interactive sessions, lectures, documentary presentations, brainstorming, and practical exercises such as creating a webpage from scratch, troubleshooting common issues, managing a database, hands-on, etc.
During the training programme, participants were exposed to the group activities in developing the websites using templates, and they were demonstrated and presented by them.
As per the feedback, participants were impressed with the programme design, contents, programme delivery, and hospitality arrangements. Their feedback was taken in the Training Management Platform (TMP), and the overall rating was 91 per cent. The training programme was coordinated by Shri K. Rajeshwar, Assistant Professor, Centre for Good Governance and Policy Analysis (CGGPA), NIRDPR, and Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Assistant Director from SIRD, Uttar Pradesh.
Save as PDF