PRAGATI CENTRE

 

 

Programme for Rural Advancement, Growth, and Transformation through Innovation (PRAGATI) Centre

Preamble

In an era of significant national development, addressing the persistent disparities between urban and rural India is a critical priority. A substantial majority of India's population still lives in rural areas, where they often face unique challenges such as low per capita income, inadequate infrastructure and public services, limited economic opportunities, rigid social structures, and gender disparity.

The proposed Centre for Rural Development at BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, aims to establish a dedicated research, education, and outreach hub focused on promoting the holistic and sustainable development of rural communities. By integrating rigorous academic research with practical, field-based solutions, the Centre intends to tackle key rural issues, including sustainable agriculture and livelihoods, rural entrepreneurship, employment and skills development, technology adoption, and access to essential services.

Rationale

The establishment of the Centre for Rural Development at BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, is driven by the urgent need to address and reduce the enduring disparities between urban and rural India. This Centre will harness interdisciplinary research to provide comprehensive insights into the multifaceted challenges faced by rural areas, enhancing the institute's contributions to policy-making and community engagement. By facilitating collaborations among academics, NGOs, government bodies, corporate bodies and international organizations, the Centre will translate scholarly research into impactful, practical solutions and innovative interventions.

Vision

To establish the Centre for Rural Development as a leading hub for interdisciplinary research, fostering deep understanding and innovative solutions for issues affecting rural India.

Mission

The goal of the Centre for Rural Development is to promote the comprehensive development of rural India through thorough interdisciplinary research and proactive advocacy.

Objectives

  • Research and Resolve Rural Issues: To conduct in-depth research into the diverse challenges faced by rural India with the goal of developing effective solutions to improve their conditions and opportunities.
  • Support Faculty Research Projects: To align and support research initiatives by various faculties at BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus. This includes synthesizing these projects under the umbrella of the Centre for Rural Development.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: To collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, including academic institutions, research Centres, policymakers, NGOs, corporate leaders, and local government bodies, to understand and incorporate their insights on field challenges, policy gaps, and skill requirements into our research agenda.
  • Educational Programs and Professional Development: To design and offer both short-term and long-term certification courses, as well as organize conferences and workshops, aimed at enhancing the skills of rural people. Focus areas will include entrepreneurship, health, digital/financial/computer literacy, among others, with the goal of creating employment opportunities and promoting overall well-being.

Approach

To effectively address and impact the landscape of issues related to rural areas, the Centre for Rural Development will deploy a comprehensive strategy, beginning with the identification of pertinent challenges and extending into research, advocacy, and education:

Identifying Key Issues: The Centre will initiate its efforts by conducting needs assessments and utilizing data analytics to identify critical areas where they face significant challenges. Engaging with community groups, conducting surveys, and reviewing existing literature will help pinpoint issues related to businesses/entrepreneurship, health, education, employment, and social security that require focused research and intervention.

Interdisciplinary Research Collaborations: Following issue identification, the Centre will leverage interdisciplinary collaborations across departments at Hyderabad campus to facilitate a holistic examination of identified issues, enriching the research with diverse perspectives and expertise.

Community-Based Participatory Research: Incorporating the voices and experiences of those affected by the identified issues is crucial. By engaging directly with people from various communities of rural areas, the Centre will ensure its research is rooted in real-world contexts, enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of its proposed solutions.

Policy Advocacy and Workshops: With research findings in hand, the Centre will organize workshops and advocacy meetings to engage policymakers, stakeholders, and the academic community. These events will serve as platforms for discussing research outcomes, shaping policy recommendations, and developing strategies for systemic change.

Capacity Building Programs: To directly address the challenges identified, the Centre will design and offer educational and professional development programs. These will target skill enhancement in areas such as digital literacy and entrepreneurship, thereby increasing their opportunities.

Leveraging Digital Tools: The Centre will employ digital platforms extensively to disseminate educational content, conduct virtual workshops, and ensure that its resources are accessible to a broader audience. This digital strategy will also support the continuous engagement of international collaborators and experts.

Publications and Dissemination: To amplify its impact, the Centre will actively publish its research in reputable journals and use media channels to spread awareness. This will enhance public understanding of rural issues and support advocacy for policy changes.

Networking and Alliances: Finally, by building networks with other research Centres, NGOs, and international bodies specializing in similar areas, the Centre will strengthen its resource base, share innovative solutions, and enhance the overall impact of its work.

Expected Outcomes

Enhanced Understanding of Issues faced by Rural Areas: Through its interdisciplinary research, the Centre expects to contribute significantly to the academic and practical understanding of the challenges faced by rural areas. 

  • Policy Influence: The research and advocacy efforts are anticipated to lead to the implementation of new policies that address the specific needs and challenges identified through the Centre's work.
  • Community Impact: The Centre aims to see measurable improvements in the communities it engages with, particularly through the implementation of solutions developed from its research. 
  • Educational Advancements: Another significant outcome will be the development and delivery of a range of educational programs that enhance  skills and knowledge of people residing in rural areas. 
  • Global Collaboration and Recognition: The Centre seeks to establish itself as a leading institution working in the area of rural development, recognized globally for its contributions to research and education in the field. This will be evidenced by partnerships with other academic institutions and NGOs, participation in international conferences, and publications in high-impact journals.