परिणाम केंद्र
परिणाम केंद्र
Community-led solutions. Stronger, more resilient futures. Explore how local partnerships are helping communities strengthen health, water security, education, livelihoods and their voice in local governance.
Project I
Improving Health and Strengthening Resilience of Vulnerable Groups in Bahraich District, Uttar Pradesh, India
Location: Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh
About the Project
Improving Health and Strengthening Resilience of Vulnerable Groups in Bahraich District, Uttar Pradesh, India, implemented by Sahbhagi Shikshan Kendra (SSK) in collaboration with Malteser International and supported by German Cooperation and Aktion Deutschland Hilft, aims to improve health, nutrition, sanitation, and disaster resilience among vulnerable communities in Kaiserganj Block, Bahraich District, Uttar Pradesh. The project covers 10 flood-prone villages across 8 Gram Panchayats, reaching over 33,000 people through community-led initiatives focused on safe water, healthcare, nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and disaster preparedness.
Objective
To improve the health and nutritional status of vulnerable families and strengthen their resilience to natural disasters through three key areas:
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH):
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Improve access to safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene practices.
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Food, Nutrition Security and Healthcare: Promote better nutrition, sustainable farming, and access to essential healthcare services.
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Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM): Strengthen community preparedness and response mechanisms for floods and other disasters.
Major Activities
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WASH: Distributed 2,775 water containers, repaired 53 handpumps, constructed 13 community bathrooms, and conducted cleanliness and handwashing campaigns.
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Health and Nutrition: Organized 110 health camps, distributed nutrition garden seed kits to 400 women, and conducted menstrual hygiene and maternal nutrition sessions.
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Sustainable Agriculture: Installed 150 trellis farming structures and constructed 10 vermicompost pits to promote sustainable farming practices.
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Community Capacity Building: Trained 100 frontline workers and 20 WASH volunteers to strengthen community-level health and sanitation services.
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Disaster Preparedness: Trained Village Disaster Management Committee members and distributed 30 sets of boats and lifesaving equipment across the 10 project villages.
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Community Support Services: Organized 51 Mobile Resource Centre camps and distributed 500 solar home lights to vulnerable households.
Achievements
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Reached over 33,000 people across 10 flood-prone villages.
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Repaired WASH facilities in 6 schools, benefiting 778 students.
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Distributed 2,000 WASH kits to schoolchildren across 15 schools.
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Conducted 110 health camps, providing treatment to over 12,500 people.
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Engaged 900 adolescent girls and women in menstrual hygiene management training.
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Reached approximately 4,300 people through Mobile Resource Centre camps.
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Distributed 500 solar home lights and 30 sets of boats and lifesaving equipment to strengthen household safety and disaster preparedness.
Case Study: Restoring an Elderly Woman’s Pension Through a Mobile Resource Centre Camp
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Kalia Devi, a resident of Mukhiya Purwa, Danawal, had been unable to receive her old-age pension for several months due to an Aadhaar-related issue. During a Mobile Resource Centre (MRC) camp organized under Samarth Samuday Pariyojana, the project team identified her problem and supported her in resolving the discrepancy.
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Following the correction, her pending pension of ₹16,500 was credited directly to her bank account.
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This intervention restored access to an essential social security benefit and demonstrated how MRC camps help vulnerable community members overcome administrative barriers and access government entitlements.
2 Project
SBI SAMMAAN – Hom(e)age to the National Heroes
Honouring the “Mountain Man” Dashrath Manjhi
Location: Gehlaur, Gaya, Bihar Supported By: SBI Foundation
About the Project
The SBI Sammaan Project is a holistic rural development initiative implemented by Sahbhagi Shikshan Kendra in partnership with SBI Foundation across 10 villages of Mohra Block, Gaya, as a mark of respect and tribute to Dashrath Manjhi. The project works towards improving the quality of life of rural communities through interventions in health, education, women’s empowerment, livelihoods, digital inclusion, sanitation, renewable energy and community infrastructure.
Objective
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Strengthen access to quality education and healthcare.
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Promote women’s empowerment, skills and livelihood opportunities.
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Improve access to government services and digital facilities.
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Strengthen sanitation, safe water and community infrastructure.
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Promote renewable energy, community participation and inclusive development.
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Support the creation of healthy, educated and self-reliant communities.
Major Activities
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Healthcare: Maternal and neonatal support, ambulance services, health camps, antenatal care and nutrition support.
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Education: School infrastructure upgradation, remedial learning centres, Anganwadi strengthening and digital education.
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Women’s Empowerment: Prerna Kendra providing sewing and tailoring skills for livelihood generation.
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Digital Inclusion: Gram Seva Kendra providing digital services, e-governance and access to government schemes.
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Renewable Energy: Solar systems for schools and community facilities and solar street lights in Gehlour Ghati.
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Community Infrastructure: Bus stand, community bathroom, handpump repair and other public facilities.
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Heritage & Tourism: Tourist guides, caretakers and LED display facilities at the Dashrath Manjhi Memorial Campus.
Achievements
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2,303 beneficiaries supported through Gram Seva Kendra.
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1,159 people reached through health camps.
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880 pregnant and lactating women received nutrition kits.
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80 women participated in Prerna Kendra training.
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300 students benefited from school upgradation.
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100 children benefited from Anganwadi upgradation.
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70 children supported through remedial learning centres.
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25 institutional deliveries supported through ambulance services.
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185 pregnant women supported through antenatal ambulance services.
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15 solar street lights installed and 2 KW solar systems established.
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4 persons with disabilities supported with hand-operated tricycles.
Case Study – From Skills to Self-Reliance
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Name: Rinki Devi Husband’s Name: Anil Kumar Village: Gehlour
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Rinki Devi, a resident of Gehlour village, belongs to a farming family. Her husband, Anil Kumar, earns a livelihood through agriculture and supports the household.
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Under the SBI Samman Project, implemented by Sahbhagi Shikshan Kendra with the support of SBI Foundation, healthcare services in the region are being strengthened. As part of this initiative, the Dashrath Falguni Janani Vahini Ambulance Service has been provided, which includes the support of a nurse. The nurse conducts regular monthly health check-ups of pregnant women in Gehlour Panchayat.
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In addition, nutrition kits are provided to ensure better health and proper nourishment for pregnant women. Rinki Devi actively participated in the health camps organized under the project.
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About 15 days before her expected delivery, she suddenly experienced severe labour pain one night. She immediately informed the nurse. With the assistance of the ASHA worker, she was promptly transported by the Dashrath Falguni Janani Vahini Ambulance to CHC Atri Hospital, located approximately 15 kilometres away.
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Due to timely medical care, she delivered a healthy baby boy within an hour of reaching the hospital.
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At present, both the mother and the newborn are healthy. Rinki Devi and her family have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Sahbhagi Shikshan Kendra and SBI Foundation for their timely support and care during this critical time.
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This success story highlights the significant role of the SBI Samman Project in strengthening maternal and child healthcare services in rural areas.
3 Project
SBI SAMMAAN – Hom(e)age to the National Heroes
Honouring Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey
Location: Rudha, Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh Supported By: SBI Foundation
About the Project
BI SAMMAAN – Hom(e)age to the National Heroes is a CSR initiative of SBI Foundation, implemented in partnership with Sahbhagi Shikshan Kendra. The project aims to honour freedom fighters, war veterans, and national heroes by undertaking developmental activities in their native villages.
The initiative focuses on improving essential community infrastructure such as schools, Anganwadi centres, health centres, and other public facilities, with the support of Gram Panchayats and local stakeholders. Along with development, the project seeks to preserve and promote the legacy, values, and ideals of national heroes among local communities and future generations.
Objective
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Holistic Village Development: Strengthen essential village infrastructure, including solar lighting, water supply, sanitation, toilets, dustbins, and other need-based facilities, with a focus on improving the quality of life of economically vulnerable households.
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Access to Services and Digital Inclusion: Enhance access to essential government and community services through the Gram Seva Kendra, while promoting digital literacy and awareness among villagers.
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Youth Empowerment and Capacity Building: Provide youth with opportunities for skill development, training, education, and career advancement through the Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey Youth Training Centre.
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Community Development and Legacy Building: Foster community participation and promote the values, ideals, and legacy of national hero Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey among the local community and younger generations.
Major Activities
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Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey Youth Training Centre: Physical training, defence/police exam preparation, career guidance, and skill development for rural youth.
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Shaheed Captain Manoj Pandey Library: Provision of books, reading facilities, and digital learning resources for students and community members.
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Gram Seva Kendra: Facilitation of digital services, government schemes, agricultural information, education, and community awareness.
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Anganwadi Centre Upgradation: Improvement of infrastructure and creation of safe, child-friendly spaces for early childhood care, nutrition, and learning.
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Rural Education Infrastructure: School repairs, drinking water and sanitation facilities, solar electrification, computer labs, smart classrooms, Girls’ Common Rooms, and digital learning support.
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Vatika Development: Development of a herbal garden with 150+ medicinal plant varieties, walking pathways, and community wellness spaces.
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Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey Memorial Development: Beautification and development of the memorial with visitor facilities and displays highlighting his life and sacrifice.
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Common Pond Rejuvenation: Cleaning, embankment strengthening, beautification, and restoration of the village pond to improve water conservation and environmental sustainability.
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Solid Waste Management: Door-to-door waste collection through the SBI Swachhataa Saathi vehicle and promotion of wet and dry waste segregation.
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Prerna Training Centre: Skill development in sewing and tailoring to promote women’s livelihoods, confidence, and economic empowerment.
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Rural Infrastructure Development: Installation of 20 solar street lights and 20 cement benches in Rudha and nearby community areas.
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Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey Cultural Stage: Development of a community space for cultural programmes, public gatherings, and activities commemorating his legacy.
Achievements
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Quality Education & Model Schools: Student enrollment increased by 11.6% at Upper Primary School–Rudha (112 to 125) and 11.5% at Primary School–Charasi (78 to 87), supported by improved infrastructure and digital learning.
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SBI Prerana Kendra: 54 women completed tailoring training, with 17 women starting income-generating work and earning approximately ₹2,000–₹2,500 per month.
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Gram Seva Kendra: Supported 2,988 villagers with government scheme information and consultations and delivered 1,968 digital and documentation services, with 20–30 daily visitors.
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Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey Library: Added 191 books, recorded 391 book issues, and received 900+ student visits, with an average daily footfall of 15+ students.
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Youth Training Centre: 135 youth enrolled from 35 villages; 74 appeared for competitive examinations, 18 qualified in physical/written exams, 11 were selected for Agniveer, and 1 for RPF.
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Anganwadi Kendra: 86 children enrolled, with regular early learning, nutrition, health, and growth-monitoring services in a safe, child-friendly, solar-enabled facility.
Case Study A: Youth Training Centre
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Arti Yadav, a dedicated government job aspirant from the local community, had always aspired to serve the nation by joining the police force. With determination, discipline, and a strong commitment to her goal, she underwent focused preparation at the Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey Youth Training Centre, Rudha.
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The structured academic guidance, regular physical training, and continuous motivation at the centre helped her strengthen both her knowledge and physical fitness. Her consistent efforts and perseverance ultimately enabled her to qualify for the RPF Constable examination, bringing her one step closer to her dream of serving in the police force.
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Arti’s achievement is an inspiring example of how aspiration, dedicated preparation, and the right guidance can transform a young person’s dream into a meaningful career opportunity. Her success will motivate other youth at the centre to pursue their own aspirations with confidence, discipline, and determination.
Case Study B: Empowering Rural Community Women and Girls Through Skill Development
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Minakshi, a resident of Chharasi village, always harboured a deep desire to pursue higher education and build a meaningful career. However, she continued her studies after completing her Intermediate (Class 12th) exams and also prepared for government exams. Despite this, due to financial constraints at home, her innate passion stayed alive.
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Having learned baseline sewing techniques from her mother, Minakshi decided to channel her energy into professional skill development.
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She enrolled in the first batch of Phase 1 at the Prerna Training Centre, where she completed a rigorous 75-day professional tailoring program. Empowered by the new techniques she learned and backed by her family's support, Minakshi confidently started her own home-based tailoring work.
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Today, she regularly stitches clothes for residents across Chharasi and neighbouring villages, earning a steady income of ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 per month. This newly found financial independence allows her to substantially support her family’s livelihood.
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Minakshi’s journey stands as a powerful testament to how structured, skill-based interventions can empower young women, foster self-reliance, and unlock vibrant new economic opportunities at the grassroots.
4 Project
SBI SAMMAAN – Hom(e)age to the National Heroes
Location: Gadhakola, Unnao, Uttar Pradesh
Supported By: SBI Foundation
About the Project
SBI Sammaan-Hom(e)age to the National Heroes is a unique CSR project initiated by SBI Foundation, with a vision to honour renowned freedom fighters, war veterans, and public heroes from various parts of the country by carrying out developmental activities in their villages.
While the Hindi word denotes honour for heroes of the nation, the uniquely styled Hom(e)age indicates homage being paid right in their native villages.
Objective
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The SBI Sammaan – Hom(e)age to the National Heroes project aims to promote holistic rural development in Gadhakola village, Unnao, through integrated interventions focused on strengthening education, healthcare, village infrastructure, digital literacy, and access to essential public services.
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The initiative seeks to improve quality of life, enhance community participation, and create sustainable development opportunities through institutions such as schools, health centres, and the Gram Seva Kendra.
Major Activities
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Gram Seva Kendra: A village hub providing digital services, government scheme access, agricultural guidance, education, and community support through trained local youth.
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Anganwadi Centre Upgradation: Upgradation of Anganwadi centres into safe, child-friendly spaces supporting early childhood care, nutrition, and foundational learning.
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Rural Education Infrastructure: Development of safe, modern, and technology-enabled schools through infrastructure repairs, drinking water, sanitation, solar power, playgrounds, computer and STEM labs, and smart classrooms.
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Park Upgradation: Development of walking pathways, open gym, and green spaces to promote community wellness, recreation, and environmental sustainability.
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Nirala Memorial Development: Beautification and development of visitor facilities and displays highlighting the life and legacy of Suryakant Tripathi ‘Nirala’.
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Common Pond Rejuvenation: Restoration and beautification of the village pond to improve water storage, groundwater recharge, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
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Solid Waste Management: Promotion of village cleanliness through door-to-door waste collection using the SBI Swachhta Saathi vehicle and segregation of wet and dry waste.
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Prerna Training Centre: Skill development for rural women through sewing and tailoring training, promoting livelihoods, confidence, and economic independence.
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Rural Infrastructure Development: Installation of 20 solar street lights and 20 cement benches to improve safety, accessibility, and community infrastructure.
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Nirala Cultural Stage: Development of a community space for cultural programmes, public gatherings, and local events.
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Nirala Literary Award: Promotes reading, writing, poetry, creativity, and literary awareness among rural youth while carrying forward Nirala’s literary legacy. 75 applications received; 16 students shortlisted for final selection.
Achievements
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Gram Seva Kendra: Operational since March 2026, supporting 1,400+ beneficiaries with government schemes and essential services.
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Education: 5 KW solar electrification, 2 smart classrooms, 1 STEM lab and 2 computer labs established. Infrastructure upgraded at 2 schools, benefiting 200+ students. Open gym and ball wall painting also completed.
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Anganwadi & Health Centre: Anganwadi renovation completed; Health Centre upgradation nearing completion.
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Nirala Library: Renovated with furniture, books and storage facilities; 10–15 students use it daily for reading and self-study.
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School Attendance: Improved infrastructure, digital learning, computer education and STEM activities have contributed to better student attendance and regularity.
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Prerna Centre: 48 women and girls enrolled in tailoring training. 8 women from earlier batches have started home-based tailoring, earning approximately ₹1,500–₹2,000 per month.
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Community Park: Fully functional and regularly used for recreation and physical activities, with developed pathways, an open gym, and Nirala Ji’s Jeevani panels.
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RO Water Plants: 2 RO plants operational, serving residents and people from around 5 nearby villages.
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Community Infrastructure: Community Stage, Market Shed and Bus Shelter are functional and regularly used for public gatherings, market activities and transportation.
Case Study: Training to Self-Employment
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Priyanka Devi, a resident of Gadhakola, Unnao, completed the three-month tailoring training under the first batch of Prerna Training Centre.
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With the support of her family, she purchased a sewing machine after completing the training and started stitching clothes for her family as well as taking orders from people in the community.
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Currently, Priyanka earns approximately ₹1,500–₹2,000 per month through her tailoring work. The training has helped her turn her skills into a source of income and has strengthened her confidence to pursue self-employment.
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Priyanka now aims to save her earnings and open her own tailoring shop in the future to expand her work and increase her income.
5 Project
Holistic Rural Development Project
Location: Gurua Block, Gaya Ji, Bihar
Supported By: SBI Foundation
About the Project
SBI Gram Seva Program focuses on holistic rural development to build self-reliant and empowered village communities. It focuses on enhancing digital access, improving education, health services, promoting hygiene and sanitation, empowering women and youth, developing rural infrastructure, encouraging environmental sustainability, and livestock management.
Through integrated and community-driven interventions, the project works to improve the overall quality of life in rural areas.
Objective
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Providing education, health, sanitation, and livelihood facilities in rural areas.
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To disseminate information about digital services and government schemes to every village.
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To help farmers in modern agricultural techniques, irrigation, animal husbandry and natural resource management.
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To increase self-employment opportunities by providing skill training to women and youth.
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Development of basic amenities like drinking water, sanitation, green cover and renewable energy.
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To lead villages towards self-reliant and sustainable development through community participation.
Major Activities
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Establishment of Gram Seva Kendra for digital access, e-governance, and public services.
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Upgrading schools into Model Schools with Smart Classrooms, Computer & Science Labs, Open Gym and Girls’ Common Rooms.
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Running Remedial Learning Centres for 130 underserved children, promoting foundational education and life skills.
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Farm equipment support for farmers.
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Support for women-led enterprise development and animal husbandry initiatives.
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Installation of solar-powered street lights and off-grid solar systems for energy sustainability.
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Operation of SBI Sanjeevani Mobile Medical Unit under health initiatives.
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Operation of waste collection vehicles under Swachhta Saathi to improve rural sanitation.
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Primary School and Anganwadi Kendra upgradation.
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Operation of Shalihotra Express for ensuring livestock care services at the doorstep.
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Veer Kunwar Singh Youth Training Centre for guiding and training students for securing careers in the Indian Army, paramilitary forces, Bihar Police, SI, etc.
Achievements
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Gram Seva Kendra: 1,582+ villagers benefited from digital services, government schemes, agricultural guidance, education, and awareness activities.
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Anganwadi Centres: 6 centres renovated and upgraded, benefiting 245 children with improved infrastructure, play equipment, drinking water, and toilet facilities.
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Education: 6 schools upgraded, benefiting approximately 2,100 students through computer labs, science labs, smart classrooms, solar electrification, open gym, drinking water, toilets, and kitchen improvements.
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Remedial Classes: 5 remedial centres established, with 130 children enrolled in non-formal education.
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Prerna Training Centre: 60 women trained in sewing and tailoring.
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SBI Sanjeevani Health Initiative: 2,040 people benefited from primary healthcare services, with 23 institutional deliveries supported through ambulance services.
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Shalihotra Express: 770 cattle treated and artificial insemination provided to 150 cows/buffaloes; livestock-care awareness reached 1,000+ livestock farmers.
Case Study: Sakil Kumar’s Journey to the Indian Army
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This is the story of determination and hard work shown by one of our Babu Veer Kunwar Singh students, Mr. Sakil Kumar (first batch), who has successfully cleared all stages of qualification for Indian Army Agniveer, i.e., the written test for Agniveer (General Duty), Physical Efficiency Test and medical round.
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Before the project, Sakil, a resident of village Nagwangarh, had to travel 20 km daily to get physical training and was struggling to find proper theory classes.
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In July 2025, Sakil enrolled himself at our Youth Training Centre, which has provided him with physical training, including running, balancing beam, push-ups, beam, long jump and high jump, along with strategies for written exams.
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Throughout his training session, he was guided through structured theory classes and exam preparation under the guidance of our physical trainer and theory teacher to build a career in army, police and paramilitary services.
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This combination of fitness, discipline, and knowledge has helped him grow into a confident youth ready to serve the nation.
6 Project
Palamu Water Initiative Project
About the Project
The Palamu Water Initiative is a community-led water security initiative being implemented in 2 blocks of Garhwa district, Jharkhand, i.e., Ramkanda and Chiniya, focusing on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups and Scheduled Tribes.
The project works with communities to improve access to safe drinking water, strengthen local water governance, and promote sustainable management of water resources and assets.
Objective
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Improve access to safe and reliable drinking water for vulnerable communities across seasons.
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Reduce waterborne diseases through improved water quality and hygiene practices.
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Strengthen community participation and local water governance by building the capacity of local water cadres and community institutions.
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Promote sustainable management of groundwater, springs, wells and recharge areas.
Major Activities
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Participatory natural resource and water-resource mapping in villages.
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Community mobilisation, village meetings and preparation of village-level water security planning.
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Formation and strengthening of Water Management and Planning Committees and user groups for targeted project implementation.
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Repair and renovation of non-functional handpumps, wells and water towers with due convergence of departmental stakeholders, such as Panchayat, PHED, JJM and the forest department.
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Static groundwater level trend monitoring and database preparation.
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Pre- and post-monsoon water quality testing of drinking-water sources through an NABL-accredited laboratory.
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Training of community water cadres in handpump repair, plumbing, and water management.
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Promotion of groundwater recharge and sustainable water-resource management.
Achievements
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42 open wells and 1 spring brought under regular monitoring, establishing a baseline for water availability and groundwater recharge planning.
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266 drinking water sources surveyed across 10 villages, including wells, handpumps and Jal Minars.
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Participatory resource mapping completed in all 10 villages, strengthening understanding of local water resources and vulnerabilities.
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Immediate water infrastructure repairs undertaken by villagers, with major participation from women, with support from SSK, PHED and Panchayats for open wells, handpumps and Jal Minars.
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Community participation strengthened through labour and local material contributions, including women’s participation in restoration works.
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15 potential check-dam sites identified, with 4 sites emerging as particularly promising for future groundwater recharge interventions.
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Regular engagement with Panchayats, PHED and local administration has strengthened institutional convergence around drinking-water issues.
Impact
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Improved access to drinking water for approximately 558 households across 10 villages through repair and restoration of select water infrastructure.
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Restoration of non-functional water sources has contributed to more reliable access to drinking water, particularly in water-stressed locations, across seasons.
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Community involvement in water-source restoration has strengthened ownership, trust and collective action around local water management.
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Baseline monitoring, water testing and resource mapping have created an evidence base for village-level water-security planning.
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Identification of potential check-dam and recharge sites has established a pathway towards long-term groundwater and water-resource security.
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Convergence with PHED and Panchayats has enabled additional repairs and expanded the reach of project interventions beyond direct project support and intervention villages.
Case Study: Restoring a Handpump Through Community-Led Action
The Challenge
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Ranicheri Akela Tola is a remote hamlet where most families depend on daily wage labour and seasonal agriculture. The community faced a severe drinking water crisis as the only handpump in the hamlet had remained non-functional for nearly three years.
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Families, particularly women and adolescent girls, had to walk around 700 metres several times a day to collect water. The situation became more difficult during summer, affecting household activities, education, livelihoods and the overall dignity of the community.
Community-Led Intervention
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During regular village visits and water-source mapping under the PWI Project, the issue was identified as the community's highest priority.
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A Water Management and Planning Committee (Yojana Samiti) was formed with the participation of women and other community members. Through collective discussions, the community decided to restore the existing handpump as the most immediate solution.
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Sahbhagi Shikshan Kendra provided the required repair materials and technical support, while villagers contributed voluntary labour (Shramdaan). The collaborative process strengthened community ownership and responsibility for maintaining the water source.
The Change
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With the handpump restored, all 17 households now have access to water within the hamlet.
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The intervention has:
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Reduced the need for women and girls to walk 700 metres multiple times a day.
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Reduced the physical burden and time spent collecting water.
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Enabled children to spend more time on education and play.
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Improved access to water for drinking, cooking and household needs.
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Reduced the community's exposure to unsafe drinking water.
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Freed up time for agriculture, childcare, household and livelihood activities.
Restoring Dignity & Community Ownership
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The intervention has particularly improved the lives of women, who previously spent several hours carrying heavy water containers over long distances.
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With safe drinking water now available within the hamlet, women have experienced reduced physical stress, greater availability of time, and increased freedom to participate in family and community activities.
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The Water Management Committee will continue to monitor the handpump and ensure timely maintenance. Community participation through Shramdaan has further strengthened the sense of ownership, making the handpump a shared community resource.
Impact at a Glance
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17 PVTG households | 1 handpump restored | 700 m distance reduced | Community-led action | Improved access, dignity & ownership
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A simple repair became a meaningful community-led solution, transforming a three-year water crisis into improved access to safe drinking water, reduced drudgery, and greater dignity for the people of Akelwa Tola.
7 Project
Promoting Inclusive & Participatory Gram Sabha to Ensure Community Forest Rights and Welfare Schemes of Government in Tribal-Dominated Blocks of Garhwa District, Jharkhand
Supported By: Azim Premji Foundation
District: Garhwa, Jharkhand
About the Project
The Local Self-Governance Empowerment Project, supported by the Azim Premji Foundation and implemented by Sahbhagi Shikshan Kendra, works in the tribal-dominated blocks of Chinia and Ramakanda in Garhwa, Jharkhand, to strengthen local self-governance and amplify the voice of Gram Sabhas under the three-tier Panchayati Raj system.
The project promotes tribal participation, traditional knowledge, and community-led decision-making.
It supports Gram Sabhas and Village Forest Rights Committees in implementing the Forest Rights Act, 2006, including conducting meetings, identifying and demarcating forest rights, and preparing necessary documentation.
The project also provides capacity building, continuous handholding, and coordination with government departments at the district, sub-division, and block levels to strengthen community rights over water, forests, and land.
Objective
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Improve access to safe and reliable drinking water for vulnerable communities across seasons.
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Reduce waterborne diseases through improved water quality and hygiene practices.
-
Strengthen community participation and local water governance by building the capacity of local water cadres and community institutions.
-
Promote sustainable management of groundwater, springs, wells and recharge areas.
Major Activities
-
Participatory natural resource and water-resource mapping in villages.
-
Community mobilisation, village meetings and preparation of village-level water security planning.
-
Formation and strengthening of Water Management and Planning Committees and user groups for targeted project implementation.
-
Repair and renovation of non-functional handpumps, wells and water towers with due convergence of departmental stakeholders, such as Panchayat, PHED, JJM and the forest department.
-
Static groundwater level trend monitoring and database preparation.
-
Pre- and post-monsoon water quality testing of drinking-water sources through an NABL-accredited laboratory.
-
Training of community water cadres in handpump repair, plumbing, and water management.
-
Promotion of groundwater recharge and sustainable water-resource management.
Achievements
-
42 open wells and 1 spring brought under regular monitoring, establishing a baseline for water availability and groundwater recharge planning.
-
266 drinking water sources surveyed across 10 villages, including wells, handpumps and Jal Minars.
-
Participatory resource mapping completed in all 10 villages, strengthening understanding of local water resources and vulnerabilities.
-
Immediate water infrastructure repairs undertaken by villagers, with major participation from women, with support from SSK, PHED and Panchayats for open wells, handpumps and Jal Minars.
-
Community participation strengthened through labour and local material contributions, including women’s participation in restoration works.
-
15 potential check-dam sites identified, with 4 sites emerging as particularly promising for future groundwater recharge interventions.
-
Regular engagement with Panchayats, PHED and local administration has strengthened institutional convergence around drinking-water issues.
Impact
-
Improved access to drinking water for approximately 558 households across 10 villages through repair and restoration of select water infrastructure.
-
Restoration of non-functional water sources has contributed to more reliable access to drinking water, particularly in water-stressed locations, across seasons.
-
Community involvement in water-source restoration has strengthened ownership, trust and collective action around local water management.
-
Baseline monitoring, water testing and resource mapping have created an evidence base for village-level water-security planning.
-
Identification of potential check-dam and recharge sites has established a pathway towards long-term groundwater and water-resource security.
-
Convergence with PHED and Panchayats has enabled additional repairs and expanded the reach of project interventions beyond direct project support and intervention villages.
Case Study: Restoring a Handpump Through Community-Led Action
The Challenge
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Ranicheri Akela Tola is a remote hamlet where most families depend on daily wage labour and seasonal agriculture. The community faced a severe drinking water crisis as the only handpump in the hamlet had remained non-functional for nearly three years.
-
Families, particularly women and adolescent girls, had to walk around 700 metres several times a day to collect water. The situation became more difficult during summer, affecting household activities, education, livelihoods and the overall dignity of the community.
Community-Led Intervention
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During regular village visits and water-source mapping under the PWI Project, the issue was identified as the community's highest priority.
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A Water Management and Planning Committee (Yojana Samiti) was formed with the participation of women and other community members. Through collective discussions, the community decided to restore the existing handpump as the most immediate solution.
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Sahbhagi Shikshan Kendra provided the required repair materials and technical support, while villagers contributed voluntary labour (Shramdaan). The collaborative process strengthened community ownership and responsibility for maintaining the water source.
The Change
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With the handpump restored, all 17 households now have access to water within the hamlet.
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The intervention has:
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Reduced the need for women and girls to walk 700 metres multiple times a day.
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Reduced the physical burden and time spent collecting water.
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Enabled children to spend more time on education and play.
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Improved access to water for drinking, cooking and household needs.
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Reduced the community's exposure to unsafe drinking water.
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Freed up time for agriculture, childcare, household and livelihood activities.
Restoring Dignity & Community Ownership
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The intervention has particularly improved the lives of women, who previously spent several hours carrying heavy water containers over long distances.
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With safe drinking water now available within the hamlet, women have experienced reduced physical stress, greater availability of time, and increased freedom to participate in family and community activities.
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The Water Management Committee will continue to monitor the handpump and ensure timely maintenance. Community participation through Shramdaan has further strengthened the sense of ownership, making the handpump a shared community resource.
Impact at a Glance
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17 PVTG households | 1 handpump restored | 700 m distance reduced | Community-led action | Improved access, dignity & ownership
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A simple repair became a meaningful community-led solution, transforming a three-year water crisis into improved access to safe drinking water, reduced drudgery, and greater dignity for the people of Akelwa Tola.