Description
Orient Blackswan Pvt. Ltd. Making Development Happen (Tiss) by PRABHU
In 2012, the Ministry of Rural Development launched the Prime Minister’s Rural Development Fellowship (PMRDF). In this path-breaking initiative, young graduates from a variety of educational backgrounds—doctors, lawyers, engineers—were sent to some of India’s most backward and conflict-affected districts in a two-pronged approach: to harness the energy of the youth by connecting them to hands-on, grassroots public service; and to provide professional support at the ‘last mile’ of service delivery.
Making Development Happen follows a select number of these PMRD ‘Fellows’ on their individual journeys into India’s hinterland. Through personal narratives, the volume lays out the situation on the ground in the violence-torn districts the pioneers were posted in, and recounts their efforts to bring about social welfare with cooperation from the local district administration. In so doing, it brings to the fore the real-world challenges faced by the Fellows, and provides insights into the way the government machinery works at the grassroots level.
The first section highlights the personal experiences of working in conflict regions. The second looks into the question of entitlements owed to marginalised communities. The third focuses on using locally available resources to promote sustainable and alternative livelihoods, and the final part recounts attempts to ensure better governance. Together, these narratives show how, despite all scepticism, there is positive change occurring in India’s conflict-prone regions.
Documenting the transformative work undertaken by the PMRD Fellows, this volume emphasises that it is possible to channel the passion, curiosity and creativity of India’s youth to addressing the country’s developmental challenges. It will be of immense use to government officials, development practitioners, academicians, as well as the general public.