Role of Universities in Designing Inclusive Policy for Socially Excluded Communities in the State of Maharashtra, India
Chandrakant Puri (SNDT Women's University, Mumbai, India)
Abstract
The tribal communities of Maharashtra state, India are still struggling for survival. Though several projects are implemented by the Government and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) are either done haphazardly, halfheartedly or halfway and are not reaching the real target group. Recent studies on the impact of GO & NGO programmes on tribals reveal that there are serious problems in the way the policies are formulated, implemented and monitored. In order to put the development of indigenous communities on fast track, a new approach is needed. Based on the long field work and research with the tribal communities the author has established a new department called “Centre for Study of Social Exclusion & Inclusive Policy” at SNDT Women’s University which is reviewing the existing policies of the Government based on which the field action is being undertaken for which new framework has been developed which is named as ‘Chancellor’s initiative for Tribal Development” as the Governor of the state of Maharashtra, who is also the Chancellor of the University has asked the author to design the programme for tribal development blue print of which is submitted below.
THE INITIATIVE :
Any initiative aimed at the development of people must have active people’s participation. Most of the programmes fail as this aspect of participation is not taken into consideration. The Government programmes are good on paper but they need to be made people-friendly and realistic for which the policy reorientation is required. The programme and people alone coming together is not sufficient as there is a need of financial support where the role of Corporate sector comes in. Assuming that all the factors mentioned above are taken into consideration, progress may not be assured as the programme can be based on wrong assumptions hence the money invested will go to waste. What is required is the initiative which is based on very strong research, the research which is conducted at the community level making people involved in expressing their aspirations for development. This role of researcher can be played very effectively & actively by the Universities.
THE PROJECT AREA :
Amravati district of Maharashtra which has tribal population of 3,57,000 has been selected as a project area for the pilot project. Melghat which is known for malnutrition among the tribal children consists of two tribal tehsiles viz. Dharnit & Chikhaldara are considered as focus. Special emphasis is being given to the Korku tribe which consists of 75% of the total tribal population in Melghat area.
THE ACTION PLAN
Newly established Centre for Study of Social Exclusion & Inclusive Policy (CSSEIP) with the financial help of the University Grants Commission is undertaking the following activities :
Need assessment study of the tribal areas of Amravati District of Maharashtra with active community participation;
Developing an action plan based on the research results;
Finding a suitable funding agency to sponsor the activities;
Implementation of activities as per the action plan with active participation of people, government and non-government organizations in the area;
Ongoing monitoring and evaluation;
Post impact study;
Preparation of Model for development which will be sent to all the policy formulating organizations.
