Governance

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Perils of anganwadi worker not showing up for work

A childcare worker in an anganwadi is a vital part of a village - ensuring the health and growth of rural children. A young development professional observes the consequences when there is no worker for months.

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“Gratitude award” offers Rs 1 crore for India’s changemakers

The Yashraj Research Foundation announced “Yashraj Bharti Samman Award” to recognise leaders of social change in India who could win Rs One Crore - each - for their transformative idea or work.

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Where are women in local government?

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Dismayed by seeing very few women in district-level government prompts two young development professionals to find out why.

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Saathi Ventures announces award for stories of micro-entrepreneurs

More than half of India's population is engaged in entrepreneurship, especially micro-entrepreneurship. To celebrate India’s massive micro-entrepreneurial economy, Saathi Ventures is conducting a micro-entrepreneurship storytelling challenge.

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Sparking ideas for India’s next 75 years

The recent Indian Rural Colloquy brought together India's sharpest minds - from doyens of the development world to industry leaders, government secretaries and activists - all at the front of India's march to progress.

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World’s highest railway bridge brings Kashmiri villagers hope

As the arch of world’s highest rail bridge over the Chenab River in Kashmir gets completed in time for Independence Day, people in the valley look forward to a better economy when trains start plying.

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How the youth built and build India

Contrary to the myth that youth are self-absorbed, many young women and men not only fought for Independence but in the decades that followed have given up well paying jobs to work on India's development - which the youth of today carry forward.

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Chai and Bandhu brew a perfect blend for Chakla

Suspicious of his motives, his tea shop and Muslim identity, the people of Chakla village shunned Abdul Nazar until they realised his chai shop was a springboard to develop their village.

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The silent revolution: The DAY of hope and promise

Leading development expert, Sanjiv Phansalkar, is in awe of Deen Dayal Upadhya Antyodaya Yojana - a social programme that’s impacted over 86 million households through over 8 million self-help groups of women.

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Is digital planning working for India’s villages?

India’s villages are the last stop in the government’s drive to digitize administrative planning and ensure a more transparent allocation of resources. But how effective is this digital push? Development worker Jitendra Pandit tackles this in his Field Report.

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Odisha’s “Twitter Girl” helps solve people’s problems

This International Women’s Day, Village Square spotlights social media activist Charubala aka Deepa Barik. By tweeting and tagging the officials concerned, she helps resolve people’s grievances.

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What the budget means for rural India

The finance minister predicts big economic growth for the next two years, but will rural India be part of that growth spurt? From natural farming and “kisan drones” to more clean drinking water for the poor – here’s what the budget brings to rural India.

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Odiya tribes discover the wonders of millets

Being climate-resilient and needing less water – never mind being super nutritious – millets are becoming the crop of choice for Odiya tribes, thanks to the state government’s Odisha Millets Mission.

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Protesting farmers won’t back down

Despite a victory, protesting farmers show no sign of ending their demonstration on the roads outside Delhi, with thousands heading into the capital to mark the first-year anniversary of their protest.

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Home insurance ignored by market and government

Natural disasters cost India dearly. Home insurance could be the answer, yet uptake is abysmally low. Who is missing a trick – home owners, the insurance industry or the government?

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Mahatma’s dream in a digital world

Can Gandhi’s idea of self-reliant villages work today? Using technology, villagers can discover markets for natural homemade products they can produce.

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Community ensures sustenance of vital ancient ponds

By ensuring regular maintenance and by preventing encroachment, villagers who consider their water bodies as sacred, protect centuries-old life-sustaining ponds.

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Lockdown initiative links villagers to social welfare benefits

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Mission Gaurav, an initiative to support rural households during the lockdown, makes villagers aware of various government welfare schemes and helps them access the entitlements.

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Rural job guarantee program sequesters tons of carbon

MGNREGS, the anti-poverty scheme has ensured food security to millions, especially during the pandemic. The natural asset created through the scheme helps in carbon capture

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Women volunteers allay vaccine fears in Jharkhand

Acting as a bridge between communities and public health services, setu didis addressed the concerns of villagers and convinced them to get vaccinated.