Ground Report

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.

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Drop of change: Rajasthan village’s inspiring water resurgence

The people of Jodhpuriya, a village in Rajasthan that always faced water woes, come together, to revive their check dam and create rules for sustained water security.

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Rural fieldwork: A mosaic of learning and experiences

Fieldwork, an essential part of sociological and anthropological research, needs a bottom-up approach for holistic development. The difference between theory and practicalities also throws up many challenges in rural research.

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The perils of microfinance in rural Rajasthan

In the heart of rural Rajasthan, microfinance is emerging as a double-edged sword. Used as a tool for economic empowerment, it can also become a debt trap, especially for the tribal communities.

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Joining forces to transform a Gujarat village

Mahalpada village in Gujarat undergoes a transformation when the community comes together to improve water availability, leading to enhanced incomes and social well-being.

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Community revives Meghal river, ensures water security

After a three-year devastating drought, the community living along Meghal river in Gujarat has built and restored water harvesting structures, ensuring water-secure villages.

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Tackling sickle cell anaemia in Jharkhand’s tribal communities

The district administration at Khunti, Jharkhand, is tackling sickle cell anaemia, a hereditary disease, among the tribal community through a multi-pronged approach that includes awareness creation and better access to healthcare.

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Up-close with electoral politics

The India Elects Fellowship of the Indian School of Democracy is a platform for youngsters to actively engage in the electoral process, experience the Lok Sabha elections exercise and contribute in building a resilient democracy.

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A tailor-made solution for women to stop brewing alcohol

Sheela Devi, who became an entrepreneur as a married teen, thanks to her tailoring skills, trains other women in her Jharkhand village so that they can quit brewing liquor and migrating for work.

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Community transforms education in rural MP

Community-driven education initiatives spearheaded by Transform Rural India show a way and bring hope to remote rural locations in the country.