Read the opinion pieces from those at the sharp end of development world – from practitioners in the field to district officers and even ideators creating schemes for the future. Field Journal is the place for civil society groups to share their experiences and insights – their highs and lows – in their journey to put India on the path to progress.
Ground Report
Rajasthan village teams up to revive dhok trees, vultures
The once-degraded common lands around Kekariya village in Rajasthan are now teeming with several treasured species of plants and animals, thanks to the community’s efforts.
‘All large animals are facing increasing human pressure’
Species become endangered due to several reasons and a multi-pronged approach is needed to boost their numbers, says wildlife-biologist Sumit Dookia, faculty member at GGS Indraprastha University, who also works on conservation projects in Rajasthan.
Banni Maldharis battle to rear cattle in Kachchh
The migrating Maldharis of Kachchh have been rearing cattle for generations but they now find it hard to sustain their traditional profession.
Canadian Punjabi returns to his roots to empower women
Onkar Jot Singh returned to India from Canada to help the youth – especially girls – of his town and nearby villages.
Overcoming the many hurdles to women’s inheritance rights
Prameelaben, a single child, faced many challenges on her way to claiming inheritance rights until support arrived from the local women’s collective and a grassroots organisation
Solar-powered water supply eases women’s struggles
Gone are the days when Andharkachhala village in Gujarat faced acute drinking water shortage. A solar-powered system managed by a woman-led user group ensures adequate water supply now, besides bringing multiple other benefits.
India’s population spike holds lessons for gender equality
The burden of family planning lies on the woman even as she struggles with patriarchal control over her body, preference for male children, limited access to pregnancy control measures and men’s apathy towards the issue.
Deepening pond to deepen farmers’ pockets
An intervention to make a pond deeper at Surendranagar in Gujarat has brought joy to many farmers in the region by ensuring more water availability and preventing soil erosion.
Digging pits to build lives the Chhattisgarh way
In a planned, coordinated effort by the government and other agencies, the employment guarantee scheme brings positive changes to the lives of tribal people in the extremism-affected Bastar.