CONTENTS:

LEAD STORY: The Pen that Writes Progress: A Case Study of Sagaraika Mondal’s Entrepreneurial Journey with NRETP Incubator Program

Leadership Development Programme for Elected Representatives of Island Councils& Officials of LGA of the Republic of Maldives

ToT Programme on Participatory Watershed Management for Enhancing Sustainable Income under WDC-PMKSY 2.0

Training Programme on Research Methodology for Project Evaluation in Rural Development

Seminar on Tribal Communities and Sustainable Use of Non-Timber Forest Products for Livelihoods

GENDER KALEIDOSCOPE: Common Woman Speaks: Anaemia Alert

DG, NIRDPR Inaugurates One Health, One Planet, One Future Symposium at IIPH, Hyderabad

Hindi Workshop on Unicode at NIRDPR

NIRDPR, NIPHM Organise TOLIC-2 Half-Yearly Meeting

NIRDPR Observes National Unity Day (राष्ट्रीय एकता दिवस)

Promotion of NRM Works through Convergence under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS for Sustainable Livelihoods

---

LEAD STORY:

The Pen That Writes Progress: A Case Study of Sagaraika Mondal’s Entrepreneurial Journey with NRETP Incubator Program

Mr. Ashutosh Dhami, Young Professional, NRLMRC
Mr. Avijit Das, Program Head, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park
Dr Jyoti Prakash Mohanty, Deputy Director, NRLMRC

daynrlmcellnird@gmail.com

Introduction

The National Rural Economic Transformation Project (NRETP) Incubator Program – the first-of-its-kind rural incubation programme to promote women entrepreneurship in rural areas was initiated by the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) as a pilot project in four states of West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, and Karnataka. The 18-month-long incubation programme was implemented by IIM Calcutta Incubation Park in collaboration with the respective State Rural Livelihood Missions.

Under this programme, 150 women-owned/led existing growth nano/micro-enterprises from non-farm sectors whose annual revenue is at least Rs 12 lakh (Rs 15 lakh for SHG enterprises/cooperatives and Rs 20 lakh for large enterprises having GST registration) were selected from each of the states through a challenge fund round for the incubation support. The onboarded enterprises were supported in training (business and domain), mentoring (one mentor was mapped to 10 enterprises), and market and finance linkages.

Business formalisation

Among the 150 enterprises, 18 were selected for reward/grant of up to Rs 15 lakh per enterprise, and the remaining 132 enterprises were given intertest-free soft loans of up to Rs 5 lakh. Financial support through the project funding was provided to enterprises based on the additional fund requirement to grow the business as per the B Plan prepared by the entrepreneur with the support of mentors.

One compelling example of the NRETP Incubator Program’s impact is M/s Sagarika Enterprise – a ball pen manufacturing unit founded by Ms Sagaraika Mondal of South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal.

Sagarika Mondal’s ball pen manufacturing unit highlights the NRETP Incubator Program’s effective interventions and exemplifies how women’s entrepreneurship can transform communities at the grassroots level. By examining the development and achievements of Kisan Enterprise, we can appreciate how the incubator’s strategic support, including training, mentoring, and market linkages, has empowered individuals, fostered economic advancement, and improved the quality of life in rural areas.

Background

Business Development

Their journey wasn’t without its challenges, and with unwavering dedication and a thirst for learning, they transformed adversity into opportunity. From factory workers to visionary leaders, they embraced change and seized the chance to create something extraordinary.

Empowering their community along the way, they recruited local women, providing them with jobs and a sense of purpose and empowerment. As their venture grew, so did their impact, spreading across Kolkata, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, leaving a trail of quality and innovation.

Today, their once modest venture has blossomed into a thriving enterprise, housed in a 1200-square-foot factory space with six automatic machines. Their team of twenty, predominantly comprising empowered women, stands as a testament to their commitment to inclusivity and progress.

Selected for the prestigious NRETP Incubator Program at IIM Calcutta Innovation Park in 2022, Sagarika delved deeper into the operational intricacies of her business, further enriching her understanding and fortifying her resolve.

Business Value Chain

Inbound Logistics:

Raw materials such as pen bodies, caps, and adapters are procured from a local wholesaler who delivers at the factory. These materials are typically purchased every 15 days or based on the volume of orders received. The acquisition process is efficient, taking only one day to complete. However, no credit facility is available for these transactions. Despite this, the availability of raw materials remains almost smooth, ensuring minimal disruptions to production.

Other raw materials, such as nozzles and ink, are sourced from Howrah-Burrabazar. These are purchased every 15 days, and the acquisition process is quick, typically taking just one day. Similar to other supplies, no credit facility is available for these transactions. However, the availability of these materials is consistently smooth, ensuring a steady supply for production.

Operation:

The processes like adapter fitting, ink filling, nib fitting, and printing are managed by automatic machines, whereas the Centrifugal Machine is semi-automatic. The cleaning, capping and packaging are done manually. The quality check (QC) is performed on 100 random samples.

Outbound Logistics:

Finished goods are kept in the inventory and transported by rickshaw van and then by truck to the wholesalers. Sometimes, they depend on transport/courier agencies.

Marketing and Sales:

The entrepreneur still needs to start marketing and sales activities.

Human Resources:

Local women do manual jobs on a daily wage basis, with six women earning Rs 250 per day after working for 8 hrs, and 10 – 12 women working at home during leisure time @ Rs 120 per day. Male workers do machine operations on a monthly salary basis; two machine operators earn 8000 per month and work 8 to 10 hrs daily.

Firm Infrastructure:

Daily cash books and purchase books are maintained by the entrepreneur herself. UPI payment is accepted.

	Baseline (FYE – 22-23)	Endline (FYE – 23-24)
Annual Revenue (Rs)	15,840,000	21,325,649
Gross Profit	475,200	572,650
Livelihood	Daily Wagers (Full time) – 5 Daily Wagers (Part-Time) – 10 Permanent Employee – 3	Daily Wagers (Full time) – 6 Daily Wagers (Part-Time) – 12 Permanent Employee – 4
Market Distribution	B2B: 100% B2C – Trade: 00%	B2B: 95% B2C – Trade: 05%
Geography	West Bengal Assam Delhi Gwalior	(+) Hyderabad (+) Local Market

Intervention Summary:                                                   

Under the NRETP Incubation Program, the entrepreneur received 64 hours of training on Business Basics. They also received training from the Quality Council of India on LEAN Manufacturing practices and the Basic level certificate on the MSME Lean Competitive Scheme. The enterprise was connected to third-party exporters and corporate buyers. As per the mentor’s recommendation and business plan, they started manufacturing premium ballpoint pens under their brand name. The enterprises also received the MSME Udyam Adhar certificate. With the support of funding, they increased production capacity by installing a new automatic machine.

Challenges and Solutions:

Ms Sagaraika Mondal plans to launch and sell pens for her brand in the local market. She has also increased product variety. Now, she is manufacturing three different types of pens. The lowest quality pen is sold to the wholesaler at Rs 1.80 per piece, and the production cost is Rs 1.66. Recently, she received orders from wholesalers to manufacture pens that will be sold at Rs 8. The entrepreneur also procured a fully automated pen manufacturing machine costing Rs 2.2 lakh, which will help her increase the production capacity by up to 25 per cent and reduce production cost by up to 5 per cent by minimising wastage. Ms Sagaraika Mondal is making moves to apply for a trademark for her brand. In the future, entrepreneurs plan to manufacture only their own branded pens by replacing the existing business model of manufacturing pens on a work-order basis, and Ms Sagaraika Mondal plans to employ a separate marketing team to manage the work.

Economic and Social Impact

Employment Generation:

The establishment of the manufacturing unit generated significant direct employment opportunities for the local population, especially in areas like production, packaging, maintenance, quality control, and distribution. These positions provided local workers with stable jobs and skill development opportunities, promoting economic growth within the community. Additionally, the presence of the manufacturing unit created a ripple effect in the local economy by generating indirect employment in sectors such as transportation, raw material supply, and ancillary services.

Income Growth and Poverty Reduction:

Introducing new job opportunities at the manufacturing unit has transformed the local workforce, particularly for women workers. With increased employment, many women have seen a significant rise in household incomes, improving their families’ overall standard of living. This economic uplift has reduced poverty levels, especially for unskilled and semi-skilled workers with access to stable employment.

Boost to Local Businesses:

The presence of the unit benefited local businesses that provide services or goods to the factory, such as raw material suppliers, logistics providers, and retailers.

Women’s Empowerment:

The manufacturing unit employed many women in areas such as assembly and packaging. This helped empower women in the community, providing them with financial independence and social status.

Conclusion

The ball pen manufacturing unit catalyses economic development by creating jobs, boosting local businesses, and improving infrastructure. Though the social impact, including women’s empowerment, education, and healthcare, is significant, proper attention must be given to environmental management and community integration to ensure the sustainable and equitable development of the region. While the social and economic benefits are considerable, the unit would need to mitigate environmental impacts, such as waste management and emissions, to maintain the local ecosystem’s health and prevent adverse effects on agriculture and fisheries in the village.

---

Leadership Development Programme for ERs of Island Councils & Officials of LGA of the Republic of Maldives

The Centre for Panchayati Raj, Decentralised Planning and Social Service Delivery (CPRDP&SSD) organised an International Training Programme on Leadership Development for Elected Representatives of Island Councils and Officials from the Local Government Authority (LGA) of the Republic of Maldives. Held from 24^th October to 7^th November 2024, the training was part of an ongoing collaboration between the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR) and the LGA of Maldives under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India supported the programme. A total of 28 participants, comprising nine females and 19 males, from various Island Councils and two officials from the LGA of Maldives participated in the programme. The training was facilitated by expert faculty members from NIRDPR, who brought in-depth knowledge of sustainable development, governance, and community-driven initiatives.

Programme Overview

The 14-day training programme aimed to enhance the leadership capabilities of elected representatives and officials by equipping them with essential knowledge and skills to lead, strategise, and develop policies for their communities. This initiative is part of a series of training programmes to be conducted over four years (2022-2026), with NIRDPR having already completed six such training sessions.

Inaugural Session

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Anjan Kumar Bhanja, Course Director and Associate Professor & Head (CPRDP&SSD), NIRDPR, who welcomed the participants and provided an overview of the training’s objectives. He encouraged delegates to explore NIRDPR’s various departments and engage with faculty members to broaden their understanding of rural development practices. Shri Manoj Kumar, Registrar & Director Admn.of NIRDPR, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the programme’s importance in strengthening local governance and emphasizing NIRDPR’s state-of-the-art learning facilities.

Methodology

A range of training methodologies, such as Lectures and interactive sessions with the help of PPTs, Video clips, short films, group activities and discussions, and recap sessions by the participants before the commencement of regular sessions every day, were used during the training programme, duly keeping in view the broad and specific objectives of the programme, duration, and expectations of the participants.

This training programme covered various related aspects, viz.,

• Need for Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals and scope for attainment of the SDGs through decentralised planning in the Island Councils with reference to the initiative and good practices in India
• Promoting leadership among the members of Island Councils
• Scope for application of solar technology in the context of Maldives
• Scope for Emulating Innovative and Appropriate Rural Technology in Maldives, based on a few good practices, including the Rural Technology Park (RTP)
• Vision of developing the Island Councils of Maldives as institutions of self-governance with reference to the systems India
• Scope for improvement in the Fisheries sector in Maldives, based on the good practices in India
• Goal and salient features of NRLM  in India and scope for political and economic empowerment of Island Councils
• Best practices in Solid Waste Management in India
• Scope for Skilling for Economic Development in Maldives
• Scope for improvement in the agriculture, horticulture, and floriculture sectors in Maldives based on the good practices in India
• Local Visit to Charminar, Golkonda (Cultural Heritage in Hyderabad)
• Community-led accountability and transparency in Public Service Delivery (Community Score Card)
• Scope for improving the status of Service Delivery through Panchayats
• Strengthening Island councils’ Finance through Own Source Revenue (OSR) with reference to the good practices in India

Field Visit
A key component of the training programme was the field visit to Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, which provided participants with hands-on exposure to various community-driven development initiatives. The visit included several insightful stops, each highlighting different aspects of rural governance and development:

---

ToT Programme on Participatory Watershed Management for Enhancing Sustainable Income under WDC-PMKSY 2.0

To strengthen the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices, the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (NIRDPR) successfully conducted a comprehensive four-day training programme on ‘Participatory Watershed Management for Enhancing Sustainable Income under WDC-PMKSY 2.0’ from 26^th to 29^th November 2024. This programme, sponsored by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), brought together state officials, NGO representatives, and experts from across India to deepen their understanding of participatory watershed management practices under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) 2.0, focusing on the Water Development Component (WDC).

The training was attended by 32 participants from 12 states, representing various departments such as Water Resources, Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, Soil Conservation, and NGOs. Over the four days, they were equipped with essential knowledge and skills to implement sustainable watershed management practices to enhance agricultural productivity, improve water resource management, and foster community-driven development in rural areas.

Programme Objectives and Goals

The primary goals of the training programme were:

1. Enhancing Technical Expertise: Strengthen the capacity of officers from line departments with specialized knowledge in participatory watershed management to support the effective implementation of PMKSY 2.0.
2. Promoting Collaboration: Foster collaboration among different line departments, enabling participants to share knowledge, integrate various watershed management strategies, and work towards a cohesive approach for sustainable water and land resource management.
3. Policy Application and Implementation: Equip participants with the tools to effectively apply departmental policies and guidelines in the context of participatory watershed management, ensuring alignment with the broader objectives of rural development and water resource conservation.

Day-wise Breakdown of Sessions

The programme began with an inaugural session by Dr Ravindra S. Gavali, Prof. & Head of the Centre for Natural Resource Management (CNRM) at NIRDPR, who emphasised the importance of innovative technologies in watershed management to improve agricultural productivity. Dr. Raj Kumar Pammi, Assistant Professor and Programme Director, welcomed the participants and highlighted the significance of the training in building officials’ capacity to successfully implement participatory strategies under PMKSY 2.0.

The first technical sessions provided an overview of the updated WDC-PMKSY 2.0 framework, covering the importance of community participation in watershed management and strategies to achieve sustainable water and land use practices. Dr. Raj Kumar Pammi provided an in-depth look at the programme’s guidelines, while Dr. Gavali introduced the concept of crop water budgeting and its importance in ensuring efficient water use.

Later in the day, participants visited the Nutri-Hub Incubation Centre at ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), where they explored the innovative techniques used to improve the nutritional value and market potential of millet-based products. This exposure to millet-based agricultural practices gave participants valuable insights into sustainable farming and the role of value-added products in improving rural livelihoods.

The third day centred around the convergence of rural development programmes and how they can be leveraged for successful watershed management. Dr Raj Kumar Pammi led a session on the rationale for programme convergence, emphasizing the importance of integrating different schemes such as MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme), PMKSY, and other government initiatives to maximize their impact on rural development.

Dr Kesava Rao, Associate Professor at NIRDPR, followed with a session on GIS-based planning for rational land and water use within WDC-PMKSY 2.0. The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in watershed management was highlighted as a critical tool for sustainable planning, watershed delineation, and monitoring of project outcomes. Participants also shared state-level case studies showcasing successful examples of interdepartmental collaboration and innovative watershed management strategies implemented across different regions.

The final day focused on enhancing agricultural productivity through weather-based agro-advisories and integrated farming systems (IFS). Dr AMV Subba Rao from CRIDA (Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture) discussed the importance of weather forecasting in agricultural decision-making and shared case studies that demonstrated the economic benefits of following weather-based advisories. Dr Mohammed Osman, Principal Scientist at CRIDA, introduced participants to various IFS models, such as crop-dairy, crop-livestock, and agroforestry, which can be integrated within watershed areas to enhance income and mitigate risks associated with climate variability.

At the valedictory session, Dr Raj Kumar Pammi presented certificates to the participants. He emphasised the importance of applying the knowledge gained to enhance the effectiveness of watershed management programmes at the grassroots level. Participant feedback collected during the session indicated high satisfaction, with an overall rating of 90 per cent for the programme’s effectiveness, relevance, and interactive nature.

Field Visits and Practical Learning

Field visits were integral to the training programme, allowing participants to witness the practical application of watershed management techniques in real-world settings.

The visit to ICRISAT, a globally recognised research institute focused on crops in semi-arid regions, allowed participants to see firsthand the impacts of sustainable water management practices such as contour bunding, rainwater harvesting, and the construction of check dams. These measures, aimed at reducing water runoff and promoting groundwater recharge, were essential for improving agricultural productivity in water-scarce regions. Additionally, participants engaged in discussions with local community members, learning about their experiences in managing water resources and the importance of collective action in ensuring the success of such programmes.

One of the highlights of the visit was the demonstration of community participation in watershed management. Participants observed how local farmers and community members were involved in the decision-making process, ensuring that their needs and concerns were addressed in the planning and implementation phases. This exposure to participatory approaches reinforced the training’s key focus on empowering communities to take ownership of watershed management practices.

The afternoon visit to the Nutri-Hub Incubation Centre at ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) introduced participants to innovative agricultural practices that focus on enhancing the nutritional value and market potential of millets—an important drought-resistant crop in semi-arid regions. The centre’s focus on value-added products from millets offered a model for diversifying income sources for rural farmers. By integrating agricultural innovation with watershed management, the programme underscored how sustainable land and water practices can also contribute to economic empowerment in rural areas.

Hands-on learning during these visits was vital for participants to connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications. These field-based experiences equipped participants with valuable insights into the complexities of watershed management and helped them understand the multi-faceted nature of rural development projects that require collaboration across different sectors.

The training programme proved to be a resounding success, with participants gaining in-depth knowledge and practical insights into sustainable watershed management, climate-resilient farming practices, and the importance of community involvement in water resource conservation. By equipping officials with the necessary skills and fostering interdepartmental collaboration, the programme impacted the implementation of participatory watershed management strategies across India, contributing to enhanced agricultural productivity and improved rural livelihoods under the WDC-PMKSY 2.0 framework.

---

Training Programme on Research Methodology for Project Evaluation in Rural Development

The Delhi Branch office of NIRD-PR conducted a 5-day national training programme on ‘Research Methodology for Project Evaluation in Rural Development‘ from 04^th to 08^th November 2024 in the conference hall of the Delhi Branch office. The programme brought together participants from NGOs, the social sector, and government officials representing eight states across India.

The programme was inaugurated with the welcome address of Dr Ruchira Bhattacharya, Assistant Professor. She provided an overview of the training programme, emphasizing its relevance to rural development and CSR, and also highlighted the fundamentals of research and design. Shri Chiranji Lal, Assistant Director of Marketing, was also present during the inaugural session.

Dr Niti Saxena from the S. M. Sehgal Foundation took sessions on ‘Developing a project evaluation proposal for rural development’ and ‘Project development and evaluation planning: Creating a theory of change and monitoring framework.’ She focused on the various aspects of the project development, such as initiation, planning, designing execution, management, etc., and the components of the monitoring framework, with the help of various examples, which was found very helpful by the participants.

During the post-lunch session, with the help of exercises and examples, Dr Ruchira Bhattacharya introduced the participants to the contents of the proposal, such as identifying the problem, stakeholders, the evaluation process, and others.

On the second day, Dr Partha Pratim Sahu, Associate Professor, NIRDPR, took the session on Fundamentals of Data, briefed about the sources of data, and transformed and analyzed them with the help of various examples.

Dr Ruchira Bhattacharya took the post-lunch session, wherein she defined the research and research design and logical framework analysis interactively with the help of examples and exercises.

On the third, Dr Rakesh Mishra, a Monitoring and Evaluation consultant at UNICEF, took sessions on Introduction to sampling and types of sampling and application in which participants learned about the fundamentals of sampling with the help of various examples and exercises.

The post-lunch session on the third day was conducted by Dr Jahnvi Andharia, Director of the Institute of Social Science Trust, on employing a gender lens in the project evaluation plan. She briefed the participants about the process of a systematic evaluation plan, keeping in mind the Gender Equality Continuum. After that, an interactive and open session was conducted on exercises and discussions.

On the fourth day, Dr Shamindra Nath Roy, Lead of the Research, Data & Impact Team, WRI, took a session on Employing Mixed Method Research for Evaluations. Participants learned about the mixed research method, its analysis, and its challenges.

Dr Arup Kumar Das, Performance Monitoring Specialist at Population Council Consulting, conducted the second and third sessions on the fourth day. He provided an insightful introduction to univariate and multivariate analyses, highlighting their applications in project evaluation. The sessions included practical, hands-on exercises to enhance participants’ ability to analyse and interpret data effectively.

Dr Rakesh Arya, Senior Geospatial Expert, JNU, took the post-tea session on Spatial Analysis for Evaluation on the fourth day. He briefed us about the basics of GIS and remote sensing and the latest trends in GIS, including various methods, examples, and approaches to rural development.

On the fifth day of the programme, Dr Ruchira Bhattcharya summarised the participants’ learning by giving specific topics to the participants’ groups for practical project evaluation proposals on which the groups gave presentations.

Feedback

Participants appreciated the programme and found it helpful from a learning point of view. The overall feedback of participants was recorded as 88 per cent, including 91 per cent to the course content, 80 per cent to the reading material, and 97 per cent to the knowledge gain.

The programme ended with a vote of thanks by Dr Ruchira Bhattacharya and the distribution of the certificates.

---

Seminar on Tribal Communities and Sustainable Use of Non-Timber Forest Products for Livelihoods

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in India play a crucial role in the lives of millions, especially those in and around forested areas. These products, derived from forests but not including timber, contribute to the well-being of local communities. NTFPs, such as medicinal plants, spices, fruits, nuts, resins, gums, and fibres, have diverse uses, from food and medicine to handicrafts and industrial materials. Their abundance reflects India’s rich biodiversity. NTFPs are a significant income source for rural communities as their collection, processing, and trade provide employment and economic well-being. Hence, sustainable management of NTFPs is essential for long-term benefits.

Many NTFPs hold cultural and traditional significance for indigenous communities, and they are integral to local customs and rituals. Despite their importance, NTFPs face challenges like overexploitation and habitat degradation. Balancing economic needs with conservation is crucial for their long-term availability. Properly managed, NTFPs can significantly alleviate poverty and contribute to rural development, especially for tribal communities. In this context, NIRDPR, under S.R. Sankaran Chair (Rural Labour), conducted a two-day National Seminar on Tribal Communities and Sustainable Use of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) for Livelihoods from 7^th-8^th November 2024, which gathered participants from eight states. Participants were from diverse disciplines, including academics, practitioners, government officers, students, and research scholars.

In two days, 22 full papers were presented and discussed, which have been reviewed and short-listed by a committee. The seminar papers were presented in six different technical sessions carefully designed keeping in mind the broad three themes: -(a) Diverse practices in collecting, processing, and marketing forest products for the benefit of indigenous and local communities; (b) The role of micro-enterprises in promoting value-added products to enhance livelihoods among tribal communities; and (c) The contribution of developmental institutions and local self-government in promoting the use of NTFPs for the benefit of tribal communities.

Dr G. Narendra Kumar, IAS, Director General, NIRDPR, delivered a talk and interacted with the participants. He flagged up a whole gamut of issues related to tribal development in general and NTFPs in particular. In his address, he highlighted strategies for sustainable NTFP development, global attention and engagement on NTFPs, marketing challenges and solutions, governance and regulatory framework, safety risks for collectors, the importance of the Indigenous knowledge system (IKS), the role of gender, future research issues on NTFPs. He also shared the key recommendations of the two-day National Conference on ‘Dissemination of Innovations in Bamboo Sector for Improving the Rural Economy’ held at NIRDPR from 3^rd-4^th March 2022. He discussed the need for training and capacity development programmes for various stakeholders of NTFPs, including collectors, officials of the line department, forest department, Panchayati Raj department, and so on. The DG also emphasised the importance of social security for the tribal community. His comprehensive deliberation provided much-needed credence to the seminar.

The seminar provided a platform for presenting and discussing various papers based on qualitative and quantitative research tools and methodologies, case studies, systematic literature reviews, narratives, and so on. There was detailed discussion and interaction after each session. NIRDPR faculty members chaired various sessions and shared observations and questions.

The seminar was jointly coordinated by Dr Jyothis Sathyapalan, S. R. Sankaran Chair Professor, and Dr Partha Pratim Sahu, Associate Professor and Head, Centre for Good Governance and Policy Analysis (CGGPA), NIRDPR. Shri E.B. Uday Bhaskar Reddy, Academic Associate, CPGS&DE, NIRDPR, coordinated the seminar.

---

Dr Vanishree Joseph
Head, Centre for Gender Studies and Development, NIRDPR

Anaemia remains a significant public health concern among women and girls in India. According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) conducted between 2019 and 2021, the prevalence rates are as follows:

• Children aged 6–59 months: 67.1% are anaemic.
• Adolescent girls aged 15–19 years: 59.1% are anaemic.
• Women of reproductive age (15–49 years): 57.0% are anaemic.
• Pregnant women aged 15–49 years: 52.2% are anaemic.

These figures indicate a rise in anaemia prevalence compared to previous surveys. For instance, anaemia among adolescent girls increased from 54% in 2015–2016 to 59% in 2019–2021.

The high prevalence of anaemia among Indian women and girls is attributed to factors such as nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency, inadequate dietary intake, and limited access to healthcare services. Addressing this issue is crucial, as anaemia can lead to adverse health outcomes, including impaired cognitive and physical development, reduced productivity, and increased maternal and child mortality.

To combat anaemia, the Government of India has implemented initiatives like the Anaemia Mukt Bharat (Anaemia-Free India) strategy, aiming to reduce anaemia prevalence through interventions such as iron and folic acid supplementation, dietary diversification, and public health education. Despite these efforts, the persistently high anaemia rates among women and girls highlight the need for sustained targeted interventions along with social and behaviour change to improve nutritional status and overall health outcomes.

---

DG, NIRDPR Inaugurates One Health, One Planet, One Future Symposium at IIPH, Hyderabad

To commemorate World One Health Day on 3^rd November 2024, the Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla Centre for Infectious Diseases & Pandemic Preparedness at IIPH, Hyderabad, organised the symposium titled ‘One Planet, One Health, One Future’ on November 5, 2024. Dr G. Narendra Kumar, IAS, Director General, NIRDPR, inaugurated the event, and Dr Sucharita Pujari, Assistant Professor from NIRDPR, attended a session on ‘Community Engagement in One Health Initiatives’ as a panellist.

This event brought together experts from renowned institutions such as Oklahoma State University, UNICEF, NIRDPR, BITS Pilani, PVNRTVU, IMT Hyderabad, and Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, among others. The symposium addressed pressing global health challenges through a One Health approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

The symposium began with an insightful inaugural address by Dr G. Narendra Kumar, IAS, Director General of NIRDPR, who highlighted lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and stressed the importance of preparing urban and rural communities for future health emergencies. Distinguished speakers and panellists discussed how human activities, climate change, and urbanization create unprecedented global health risks.

Key Panel Discussions: Addressing Global Health Challenges

The symposium featured expert-led panels on various critical topics, including emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), food security, and the role of community engagement in advancing the One Health agenda.

1. Innovative Approaches to One Health Research

Chaired by Prof. P. Yogeeswari from BITS Pilani, Hyderabad, this session brought together experts such as Prof. Raghupathy Anchala from IIPH-H, Dr. Rudra Gouda C from Oklahoma State University, and Ms. Subhashini S from IIPH-H. The panel focused on the challenges of implementing One Health across sectors. Key discussions included the importance of real-time data sharing, building streamlined public health infrastructure, and fostering collaboration between pathogen scientists and public health specialists to prevent future pandemics. These approaches are essential to making One Health a functional, integrated concept in addressing global health risks.

2. Emerging Infectious Diseases: A One Health Perspective

Chaired by Dr Raman Muthusamy from SIMATS, Chennai, this session included Dr Sumithra Nair from the NPCCHH, Govt. of Telangana, Dr Sunil More from Oklahoma State University, and Dr Sirshendu Chaudhuri from IIPH-H. The panel emphasized the global interconnectedness of disease transmission, with COVID-19 as a prominent example. There was a strong focus on the need for capacity building among healthcare workers and empowering rural populations to manage outbreaks and surveillance of zoonotic diseases. The discussion underlined the importance of building global networks for disease monitoring and response.

3. Integrating Human, Animal, and Environmental Health

This panel, chaired by Prof. B. Ekambaram from PVNRTVU, included Prof. Rajan Shukla from IIPH-H, Dr. Sridhar Prahlad Ryavanki from UNICEF, and Dr. Nirupama AY from IIPH-H. They discussed integrating human and animal health as key to improving community health outcomes. A special focus was placed on how climate change affects children’s health, and the panellists advocated for closer collaboration between sectors to protect vulnerable populations. They highlighted how interconnected the health of humans, animals, and the environment is and stressed that integrated approaches could help mitigate health risks and improve overall well-being.

4. Food Security and Safety: Bridging Human and Animal Health

Chaired by Prof. Nanda Kishore Kannuri from the University of Hyderabad, this session included Prof. B. Ekambaram from PVNRTVU, Prof. J.K. Lakshmi from IIPH-H, and Prof. Gowri Iyer from IIPH-H. The discussion centred on sustainable, resource-efficient food production methods and their potential to enhance both food security and health outcomes. The panellists argued that integrated approaches to food production that consider human, animal, and environmental health are crucial to addressing food security challenges in a rapidly changing world. They also emphasized food safety’s role in preventing zoonotic disease spread.

5. Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR): A Global Challenge

Chaired by Prof. Anil Kaul from IIPH-H, this session featured panellists such as Prof. Akhilesh Ramachandran from Oklahoma State University, Prof. Shailaja Tetali from IIPH-H, Prof. Sirshendu Chaudhuri from IIPH-H, and Dr Krishnaveni Yelamanchali from Star Hospitals. The panel explored the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), particularly in the context of global travel and trade. They discussed the urgent need for cross-departmental collaboration to tackle AMR and proposed innovative solutions like phage therapy. The panel also stressed the importance of stricter regulations on antibiotic use and global cooperation in combating AMR.

6. Community Engagement in One Health Initiatives

This session, chaired by Prof. GVRK Acharyulu from the University of Hyderabad, included Dr Sushmita Sundar from RICH, Dr K Shriharsha Reddy from IMT Hyderabad, and Dr Sucharita Pujari from NIRDPR. The panel highlighted the critical role of community engagement in managing health crises, particularly during pandemics. They discussed how social media and grassroots initiatives, such as women-led self-help groups, can be powerful tools for disseminating health information and fostering proactive health behaviours. Empowering communities to take charge of their health was identified as a key strategy in achieving the One Health agenda.

Key Takeaways: A Unified Approach to Global Health

The symposium reinforced the critical need for an integrated, transdisciplinary approach to global health challenges. Experts stressed that health cannot be compartmentalized into human, animal, or environmental silos and that tackling issues like pandemics, AMR, and zoonotic diseases requires collaboration across sectors.

• Community Engagement and Capacity Building
  A key takeaway was the role of community empowerment in disease prevention. Strengthening local governance structures and networks, such as women-led self-help groups, was identified as vital for disseminating health information and fostering proactive health behaviours.
• Strengthening Public Health Infrastructure and Data Systems
  The symposium underscored the need for robust public health infrastructure and real-time data systems to improve outbreak surveillance, particularly for zoonotic diseases.
• AMR and Sustainable Food Security
  The discussion on AMR emphasized the importance of global policies regulating antibiotic use, while the food security panel advocated for local, organic food systems to promote human nutrition, animal health, and environmental sustainability.
• Protecting Children’s Health in a Changing Climate
  Climate change’s impact on children’s health was a significant focus, with calls for evidence-based research to inform policies prioritizing children’s rights to a safe environment.

The One Planet, One Health, One Future symposium was a milestone event that highlighted the urgent need for collaborative, cross-sectoral efforts to address global health challenges. IIPH Hyderabad remains dedicated to advancing research, education, and community engagement to create sustainable health solutions for people, animals, and the planet. Together, we can work towards a healthier and more resilient future for all.

Photo Gallery

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

---

Hindi Workshop on Unicode at NIRDPR

A Hindi Workshop on Unicode for training managers and Young Professionals was organised at the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Hyderabad. Dr Jyothis Satyapalan, Professor and Head (CDC), Shri Jaishankar Prasad, Deputy Director (OL.) (Retd.), Hindi Teaching Scheme, and Dr Umesh, Assistant Librarian (CDC), were present at the occasion.

Smt. Anita Pandey, Assistant Director (OL), welcomed all the participants and introduced Shri Jaishankar Prasad, Deputy Director (OL), and Dr. Umesha M.L., Assistant Librarian, CDC, NIRDPR, who were present as guest speakers and presented the outline of the workshop.

Shri Jaishankar Prasad, Deputy Director (OL), explained the process of voice typing and correspondence, English to Hindi and Hindi to English translation process, and guided the participants in using Unicode effectively to work in Hindi.

In addition, as part of National Library Week, Dr. Umesha M.L. conducted a session on library resources by sharing a comprehensive overview of various resource platforms, tips for downloading research articles, and information on tools like Grammarly.

A total of 32 participants participated. The workshop concluded with Dr. Jyotis Sathyapalan, Professor and Head (CDC), distributing certificates to the participants. Shri E. Ramesh, Senior Hindi Translator, presented the vote of thanks.

---

NIRDPR, NIPHM Organise TOLIC-2 Half-Yearly Meeting

The half-yearly meeting of the Town Official Language Implementation Committee (TOLIC-2) Hyderabad was held on 28^th November 2024 at the National Plant Health Management Institute (NIPHM), Hyderabad, under the aegis of the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR).

Dr. Jyothis Satyapalan, Professor and Chair (CDC), NIRDPR, chaired the meeting of the Town Official Language Implementation Committee. On this occasion, Dr. Sagar Hanuman Singh, Director General of NIPHM, Smt. Sphoorthi Reddy, IRS, Registrar of NIPHM; Dr. Anirban Kumar Biswas, Deputy Director (OL.), Regional Implementation Office, Bengaluru (online); Smt. Bela, Deputy Director (OL), Hindi Teaching Scheme, Secunderabad; and Smt. Anita Pandey, Assistant Director (OL.), NIRDPR, Heads of Offices/Executives, Hindi Translators, and officers from various offices participated.

Smt. Sphoorthi Reddy, Registrar, NIPHM, welcomed all the executives and officials on the dais. Dr Chandrashekhar Gupta, Scientific Officer, presented a detailed PPT about NIPHM in Hindi. Dr Anirban Biswas, Deputy Director (O.L.), Regional Implementation Office, Bengaluru, gave an online update on the Official Language Department’s initiatives, including establishing an Indian Language Section in Delhi on the occasion of Hindi Day. He also provided guidance on Section 3(3), correspondence, and the filling out of the half-yearly report.

Dr Sagar Hanuman Singh, Director General, NIPHM, highlighted the institute’s progress in using Hindi, noting their compliance with the Official Language Department’s guidelines. He emphasized that NIPHM has fully implemented Section 3(3), translating all training manuals into Hindi, and regularly conducts workshops and training under the Hindi Teaching Scheme.

Mrs. Anita Pandey, Member Secretary of TOLIC-2, shared the criteria for evaluating the half-yearly reports submitted by various institutes for the shields and urged all offices to submit their reports on time.

Dr. Jyothis Satyapalan congratulated all the offices that received shields for their exemplary performance. He explained that the purpose of TOLIC-2 is to resolve issues faced by central government offices in the city regarding implementing the Official Language of Hindi and to promote its use. The Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Indian Rice Research Institute, and Poultry Research Project were awarded shields for their outstanding performance.

In addition, the guests presented mementoes and certificates to the five organizing offices of TOLIC-2 that hosted the committee meetings.

Smt. Bela, Deputy Director of the Hindi Teaching Scheme, emphasized the importance of training and encouraged sending maximum nominations for training programmes.

The guests released the book Arpish by the National Meat Research Institute, a TOLIC-2 member office. This book is designed to assist farmers, stakeholders, and students.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks presented by Shri Vijay Kumar Shaw, Hindi Officer, NIPHM. Dr Mohan Rathod, Hindi Translator, NIPHM, and Shri E. Ramesh, Senior Hindi Translator, NIRDPR, compered the event. The officers serving in the Official Language section of both institutes and NIPHM officials coordinated the event.

---

NIRDPR Observes National Unity Day (राष्ट्रीय एकता दिवस)

---

Promotion of NRM Works through Convergence under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS for Sustainable Livelihoods

The Centre for Wage Employment & Livelihoods (CWEL), NIRDPR, organised a training programme on ‘Promotion of Natural Resource Management (NRM) Works through Convergence under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS for Sustainable Livelihoods’ from 21^st to 25^th October 2024. It aimed to explore guidelines, processes, and initiatives under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA and discuss linkages between NRM and rural livelihoods through convergence, illustrating NRM plans integrated with other line departments. In total, 33 participants associated with diverse organisations in different states attended the programme.

On Day 1, Dr. Jyothis Sathyapalan, Prof. & Head of the Centre for Development Documentation & Communication, presented an overview of Mahatma Gandhi NREGS and its permissible works. He began by addressing climate change projections, highlighting India’s commitment to reducing the emission intensity of its GDP by 33-35% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. India’s role in establishing the Global Solar Alliance at the Paris Climate Summit, with 120 countries, was also mentioned. Dr. Jyothis focused on key aspects of Mahatma Gandhi NREGS, such as livelihood security, employment, asset creation, decentralized governance, and inclusivity. He further elaborated on the scope of permissible works under MGNREGS and introduced the concept of Youth Development Hubs at the rural level.

In session 2, Dr Anuradha Palla and Mr Bipin Kumar of CWEL presented the GIS-based Natural Resource Management (NRM) planning tool Yuktadhara-Bhuvan, introduced by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) for Mahatma Gandhi NREGS. They demonstrated various stages of the planning portal, providing participants with hands-on experience using the online tool to accurately develop GIS-based plans. Participants were actively involved in the process, familiarising themselves with the tool and using it to present case studies relevant to their respective states, showcasing geo-tagged rural assets.

In the third session, Dr. Anuradha Palla introduced a new pedagogical approach, which was implemented on a pilot basis to align with DoPT standards. The session, titled ‘Livelihoods Promotion through Category-A Assets under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS’, aimed to engage participants in the new learning methodology. Participants participated in group discussions, where state officials collaborated to identify issues faced at the ground level and proposed changes for more effective implementation of livelihoods promotion strategies under MGNREGS.

Dr Sridhar Raj, Associate Professor, Institute of Public Enterprise (IPE), delivered a session on ‘Behaviour Change and Communication Skills.’ It included the importance of Commitment Accountability Performance concepts, which are vital in bringing change in life. During the session, the activities were conducted for participants to enhance communication and to show the importance of creating enablers, disablers, enforcement, rules/commands, and posters/displays/ signs. The impact of providing feedback effectively was visualized, emphasizing its importance in fostering positive outcomes. Critical concepts of interpersonal relations were highlighted, underscoring their necessity for effective collaboration with stakeholders and officers at district and block levels.

On Day 2, Dr. Anuradha Palla began with a presentation on the “Concept of Convergence,” discussing real-time scenarios and approaches for implementing projects across multiple departments. She highlighted case studies from various states gathered during field visits and research studies on the performance and impact of convergence at the grassroots level.

Mr V. R. Sowmithri, Environment Expert at Rain Forest Alliance, and Dr Anuradha Palla delivered sessions on Natural Resource Management (NRM) and Watershed under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS. Participants engaged in group work to identify resources and watershed works and explored SDG indicators linked with Watershed works, the Need to conserve watersheds, water source regions, Basins, Catchment areas, Sub Catchment areas, watersheds, sub-watersheds, micro watersheds, followed by group presentations.

Dr G. Rajanikanth, former head of CWEL, conducted a session on ‘PRA Techniques & Practical Exercises,’ beginning with a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) exercise to engage participants and maintain focus. He explained a broad spectrum of tools and techniques in three categories essential for conducting research at the grassroots level. The session also covered participatory planning processes, including stakeholder identification, analysis, rights and expectations, and group dynamics. Dr. Rajanikanth emphasized the importance of effective communication skills in these processes.

On Day 3, the participants were taken on an exposure visit to the Natural Resource Management Project ‘Ridge to Valley Concept’ at Govindapur Village, Mominpet Mandal, Vikarabad District. Block-level officials provided an overview of the village profile, the status of Mahatma Gandhi NREGS works, and completed projects. Participants interacted with the village community, gathered insights, and compared them with their state’s practices. The visit provided valuable exposure and showcased a successful NRM initiative that could be implemented in other states.

Mr Saroj Kumar Dash, Director, Social Project KIIT, Bhubaneswar, delivered an online session on ‘Integration of Labour Budget and Convergence with Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP)’ on the fourth day. Participants engaged in group discussions and presentations to showcase case studies and success stories, evaluated by Dr. G.V. Krishna Lohidas, Assistant Professor. The session emphasized integrating labour budgets with GPDP under the framework of Vikshit Gaon, Vikshit India, focusing on poverty alleviation and rural development. Strategies for convergence, vision alignment, and best practices were highlighted to ensure impactful implementation at the Gram Panchayat level.

Participants were taken to the Rural Technology Park (RTP) at the NIRDPR campus, where Md. Khan, a Senior Consultant, delivered a lecture on “Sustainable Rural Technologies for Enhancing Livelihoods.” He provided an overview of various technologies showcased at the RTP. He emphasized promoting rural areas as manufacturing hubs leveraging local resources while positioning urban areas as marketing centres for these products. Dr. C. Kathiresan, Head of CIAT&SJ, also interacted with participants during the session, enriching the discussions on integrating rural technologies at the block level. Md. Khan emphasised the importance of leveraging rural technologies at the block level, highlighting the vision of rural areas as manufacturing hubs utilising local resources, while urban areas serve as marketing hubs to promote and sell rural products.

The fifth day started with Dr Anuradha Palla delivering a session on ‘Community Mobilization and Social Inclusion.’ The presentations visualised the importance of social inclusion and their active participation in implementing NRM works in convergence with various departments.

Dr N.S.R. Prasad of CGARD, NIRDPR, delivered a lecture on ‘PMKSY-WDC 2.0 Planning and Monitoring,’ emphasizing the impact of WDC-PMKSY (1.0 & 2.0) projects through geospatial technologies. He highlighted vital accomplishments of IWMP watersheds and provided an overview of the Drishti Mobile App, including its features, functionalities, and versions. Dr. Prasad discussed the role of NRSC in WDC 2.0 and distributed user manuals to familiarize participants with the Srishti and Drishti apps. The session also showcased Natural Resource Management (NRM) and livelihood activities under the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP).

Dr. Anuradha Palla screened various ‘Best Practices of Mahatma Gandhi NREGS & Field Presentations,’ and group discussions were conducted among all the participants. The group presentation activity was conducted where training participants presented their charts and explained their observations during the Govindapur Village –Ridge to Valley Project field visit.

Dr G.V. Krishna Lohidas, Assistant Professor, CWE&L, delivered a session on ‘Common Property Resources Management under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS.’ The presentation focused on social equality and gave everyone involved in the work a chance to focus from the side of all different departments for the execution of works under convergence.

During the valedictory session, participants appreciated the pedagogy methodology, noting how it effectively enhanced their skills, knowledge, and overall learning experience.

---

The National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), an autonomous organisation under the Union Ministry of Rural Development, is a premier national centre of excellence in rural development and Panchayati Raj. Recognised internationally as one of the UN-ESCAP Centres of Excellence, it builds capacities of rural development functionaries, elected representatives of PRIs, bankers, NGOs and other stakeholders through inter-related activities of training, research and consultancy. The Institute is located in the historic city of Hyderabad in Telangana state. The NIRDPR celebrated its Golden Jubilee Year of establishment in 2008. In addition to the main campus in Hyderabad, this Institute has a North-Eastern Regional Centre at Guwahati, Assam, a branch at New Delhi and a Career Guidance Centre at Vaishali, Bihar.