In a transformative partnership, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) and Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) have come together to strengthen grassroots governance and help localize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This collaboration, led by IIT Delhi as the National Coordinating Institute for UBA, envisions a synergetic relationship where around 15000 students from over 3,822 participating institutions work hand-in-hand with Gram Panchayats (GPs) to shape and implement their Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) for the financial year 2025–26. These students from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) under the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan will actively participate in Special Gram Sabhas to shape Panchayat Development Plans on 2nd October 2024, as part of Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas initiative of Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

At the heart of this initiative is the goal of combining academic learning with real-world challenges. The People’s Plan Campaign (PPC), set to launch on 2nd October, 2024, will provide a platform for students to immerse themselves in grassroots governance. These students will attend Special Gram Sabhas nationwide, bringing their technical skills, data collection expertise, and fresh, innovative perspectives to the planning process. This “Lab to Field” approach is designed to foster creativity, infuse youthful energy into rural planning, and provide students with invaluable hands-on experience in nation-building.

This initiative aligns with the “New India” (Naya Bharat) vision and supports government programs like “Atmanirbhar Bharat" and "Viksit Bharat", reflecting a strong commitment to building a self-reliant and developed nation. The symbiotic relationship between UBA and MoPR allows for an exchange where students benefit from exposure to real-world governance, gaining a deeper understanding of rural challenges and the intricacies of local governance, while Panchayats receive the professional support needed to drive forward their development agendas.

The collaboration ensures that GPDPs not only reflect the actual needs of the communities but are also enriched with innovative, sustainable, and creative solutions that these students help to develop. This reflects the core of the “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” mantra, emphasizing the need for inclusive, participatory development with a focus on collective progress.

These students will support Gram Panchayats throughout the planning and implementation phases, providing continuous guidance and offering new-age solutions to local challenges. This initiative creates an opportunity for a new generation of leaders to actively participate in governance, applying their academic knowledge to real-world challenges. By doing so, they contribute to a more inclusive and forward-looking model of rural development.

Through this collaborative effort, MoPR and UBA aim to build a sustainable model of grassroots governance that is participatory, inclusive, and innovative. The partnership is expected to foster a new era where education meets practice, ensuring that students not only learn theories but apply them to real-life governance challenges, shaping the future of rural India in the process.

This initiative also serves as a testimony to the commitment of Ministry of Panchayati Raj to localizing SDGs, ensuring that development at the grassroots level is rooted in the aspirations of local communities and the innovative solutions provided by young minds. It offers a glimpse into the future of governance in India – where the lines between classroom and community blur, and the nation moves forward together, empowered by knowledge and innovation.

By joining forces, MoPR and UBA are setting the stage for a new era in grassroots governance, one that reflects the true potential of India’s youth and the collective power of community-driven development. This partnership is not just about strengthening governance; it’s about nurturing a generation of citizens who are actively involved in shaping the nation’s future, making the vision of Gram Swaraj a reality.

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