Past Studies

Rural development, especially in developing countries like India with 70% of its population residing in rural areas, is a crucial concern. The distribution of the tribal population is uneven, with Madhya Pradesh leading at 14.7%. Gujarat, with an 8.6% tribal population, exhibits distinctive rural-tribal characteristics in districts like Surat and Dangs. The study emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of rural-tribal dynamics, particularly in areas like Valsad district of Gujarat. This study focuses on the challenges faced by tribal communities, a particularly disadvantaged group of Warli community. The study employs simple random sampling to select the sample.. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews, incorporating both closed and open-ended questions across 101 households. To ensure accessibility, questions were simplified and presented in Hindi. The study’s focus on two villages, Chandvegan and Veribhavada, brought to light critical findings in water access, livelihoods, health, education, and women’s empowerment. Notably, the absence of tap water places a burden on women, revealing societal patriarchal tendencies. Agriculture remains the primary livelihood, and education, particularly for girls, faces challenges due to a lack of interest of parents in sending a girl child to the school. In response to these findings, the study proposes recommendations for water resources, livelihoods, healthcare, and agriculture. Specifically, there is a need to construct sustainable water storage facilities connected to households through pipelines to alleviate the burden on women. Improving irrigation facilities for farmers is crucial for year-round crop growth, enhancing livelihood opportunities. Additionally, the study suggests organizing monthly health camps at the village level to improve the health status of women and children….

The impact of industrialization on traditional artisans, particularly leather craftsmen in the Chamar caste, has led to a decline in their livelihoods, facing stiff competition from multinational companies. Despite the CSR Act of 2013 mandating companies to allocate 2% of profits to CSR activities, major Indian footwear brands focus on education, health, and the environment, neglecting the upliftment of cobblers. To address these challenges, various central and state-level schemes, skill development institutes, and startups like “Shoe Drop” and “Indosole” have innovated in the footwear industry. Internationally, Nike and Adidas prioritize sustainability, using recycled materials, and combating pollution. This need assessment study delves into the socio-economic conditions of the cobbler community in India, aiming to shed light on their challenges and propose solutions to enhance living standards. The descriptive study gathers detailed quantitative and qualitative data through individual interviews and FGD involving 30 cobblers, 10 vendors, and 5 NGOs. Key findings reveal that women in the cobbler community are primarily housewives, suggesting the creation of women’s SHGs to encourage small-scale businesses. The community’s low-saving culture can be improved through financial management sessions, addressing the lack of awareness about government schemes through awareness sessions. Encouraging children to enroll in government-offered courses, redesigning kachcha workstations, and linking cobblers to existing government schemes, microfinance institutions, and low-interest loans from banks can further enhance their socio-economic conditions and minimize dependency on vendors…

Education is a key to an individual’s social and economic growth, contributing to the economy by imparting essential skills. Primary education, in particular, lays the foundation for labor capabilities, serving as a powerful tool for poverty alleviation and socio-economic development. A pivotal moment in India’s educational landscape was marked by the inclusion of Article 21-A in the constitution, declaring ‘free and compulsory primary education’ as a fundamental right. The recent shift to online education during the lockdown posed challenges, especially in rural areas lacking the necessary infrastructure for immediate digital transformation. The Government of India initiated various programs like PM e-VIDHYA, DIKSHA, SWAYAM, SWAYAM PRABHA, and O-LABS. However, students in rural areas face hurdles in accessing and utilizing these digital resources due to a lack of tools and technology. The Pratham InfoTech Foundation (PIF) addresses this gap through its Digital Learning Program, Majhi e-Shala, which aims to instill a positive approach and encourage teachers to integrate new technology into their teaching methods. This study, employing the interview method with a sample size of 614 school principals, 60 teachers, and 180 students, seeks to comprehend the current teaching practices and school infrastructure in various ZP schools. Major findings highlight a low student-teacher ratio, declining enrollment, inadequate digital devices, limited internet connectivity, a dearth of content in regional languages, and teachers lacking digital skills. Urgent interventions include upgrading digital infrastructure, providing teacher training, and making content available in regional languages to facilitate a seamless transition to e-learning.

Palliative care improves the quality of life for patients and their families facing life-threatening illnesses. In India, economically weak families struggle to access palliative care due to high treatment costs and insufficient healthcare infrastructure. littleMORE supports cancer patients and their caregivers at Tata Memorial Hospital with material, financial, nutritional, and moral support. The organization aims to provide palliative care through OPD services and residential facilities. A needs assessment study highlighted the demand for dedicated palliative care, current care provisions, access barriers, and challenges faced by stakeholders. Key findings emphasize the need for financial assistance, emotional support, and caregiver relief to ensure well-being…

Concern India Foundation, a non-profit established in 1991, focuses on developmental causes across India, empowering disadvantaged communities in education, health, and community development. With 33 years of impact, the…

India’s villages are the backbone of local self-governance, with the Gram Panchayat system being pivotal for national development. Despite Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of Gram Swaraj, where village assemblies would form the core of governance, rural areas have lagged behind urban centers in development, causing significant migration to cities. Rural areas face myriad challenges such as high poverty rates, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to essential services like education and healthcare. In 2021, rural poverty stood at 32.75%, with 25% of households lacking proper sanitation. The shortage of quality education and healthcare further exacerbates these issues. Gandhi’s vision stressed the importance of sustainable village development for national survival, emphasizing self-sufficiency and holistic progress. Addressing these concerns through strategic plans focusing on sustainable development goals is crucial for improving the socio-economic conditions and overall well-being of rural populations, thereby fostering a balanced and inclusive national development….

In today’s world, essential skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving should be…