SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT

CHAPTER-No 1

NAME OF CHAPTER: Understanding rural and local economy and

livelihood

Week 1: Understanding Rural and Local Economy & Livelihoods

Introduction:

India, with its vast and diverse landscape, is home to a significant rural population whose
livelihoods are intricately linked to the local economy. This report aims to provide insights into
the dynamics of rural and local economies, as well as livelihoods in India, focusing on key aspects
such as agriculture, infrastructure, challenges, and opportunities.

Day 1: Rural Economy Overview

 Highlighted agriculture's dominance and the role of small-scale industries in rural India.

 Discussed the dominance of agriculture as the primary source of livelihood for a majority
of rural households.

 Explored the role of small-scale industries, forestry, and other traditional occupations in
supplementing rural incomes.

Day 2: Agriculture and Livelihoods

 Explored crop diversity, farmer challenges, and government support initiatives.

 Explored the challenges faced by farmers, including land fragmentation, water scarcity,
pest infestations, and price fluctuations.
  Highlighted government initiatives such as subsidies, credit facilities, and insurance
schemes aimed at supporting farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity.

Day 3: Infrastructure and Services

 Discussed rural infrastructure gaps and the need for improved access to basic amenities.

 Identified gaps in infrastructure development, particularly in remote and marginalized

areas.

 Discussed the importance of improving infrastructure to facilitate market access, reduce

transportation costs, and enhance the overall quality of life in rural communities.

Day 4: Challenges in Rural Economy

 Examined poverty, unemployment, climate change impacts, and policy responses.

 Explored the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.

 Discussed policy interventions and community-based initiatives aimed at addressing these

challenges and promoting sustainable development.

Day 5: Opportunities for Rural Development

 Identified diversification, agro-industries, tourism, and technology as avenues for rural

development.

 Explored opportunities for rural development in India, including diversification of income

sources, promotion of agro-based industries, and investment in rural infrastructure.
  Highlighted the potential of sectors such as tourism, renewable energy, and information
technology in creating employment opportunities and fostering economic growth in rural
areas.

1.1.1. Scrap collector collecting scrap for their livelihood

Scrap collectors, often called "kabaadiwalas," are an essential part of the informal waste
management system in India. They collect recyclable materials such as metal, plastic, and paper
from households, businesses, and streets. These materials are then sold to junkyards. You can see
that they are totally dependent on this for their livelihood.

Figure 1: Scrap collectors

 CHAPTER-No 2

NAME OF CHAPTER: Appreciation of Rural

Society

Week 2: Appreciation of Rural Society

Introduction:

Una district in Himachal Pradesh, India, presents a microcosm of rural society characterized by
its rich cultural heritage, traditional livelihoods, and natural beauty. This report aims to delve
into the nuances of rural life in Una district, appreciating its unique socio-economic fabric.

Day 1: Cultural Heritage and Traditions

 Explored the vibrant cultural heritage of Una district, including its festivals, rituals, folk
music, and dance forms.

 Highlighted the significance of traditional craftsmanship, such as pottery, weaving, and

wood carving, in sustaining local culture.

Day 2: Rural Livelihoods

  Examined the primary sources of livelihood in Una district, with a focus on agriculture,
horticulture, animal husbandry, and small-scale industries.

 Highlighted the role of community-based initiatives and self-help groups in promoting

sustainable livelihoods and income generation.

Day 3: Natural Resources and Environment

 Discussed the importance of natural resources like forests, water bodies, and fertile land in
supporting rural livelihoods in Una district.

 Explored challenges such as deforestation, soil erosion, and water scarcity, and initiatives
for environmental conservation and sustainable resource management.

Day 4: Social Institutions and Community Dynamics

 Analyzed the role of social institutions such as panchayats, cooperatives, and community
organizations in governing rural life and addressing local issues.

 Explored the dynamics of social cohesion, mutual support networks, and traditional
governance systems in Una's rural communities.

Day 5: Infrastructure and Development

 Evaluated the status of rural infrastructure in Una district, including roads, electricity,
healthcare, education, and connectivity.

 Highlighted government schemes and development initiatives aimed at improving

infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life in rural areas.
 CHAPTER-No 3

NAME OF CHAPTER: Rural and Local Institutions

Week 3: Rural and Local Institutions

Introduction:

India, is characterized by its vibrant rural communities and diverse local institutions. This report
aims to provide an overview of rural and local institutions in Una district, highlighting their
roles, functions, challenges, and opportunities.

Day 1: Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)

 Explored the structure and functioning of PRIs in Una district, including gram
panchayats, panchayat samitis, and zila parishads.

 Highlighted the significance of PRIs in decentralized governance, local development

planning, and grassroots democracy.

Day 2: Cooperative Societies

  Examined the role of cooperative societies in Una district, particularly in sectors such as
agriculture, dairy, credit, and marketing.

 Discussed the benefits of cooperative models in promoting collective action, improving

market access, and enhancing rural livelihoods.

Day 3: Self-Help Groups (SHGs)

 Explored the formation and activities of SHGs in Una district, focusing on their role in
women's empowerment, microfinance, and entrepreneurship.

 Highlighted the impact of SHGs in promoting financial inclusion, skill development, and
social cohesion in rural communities.

Day 4: Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)

 Analyzed the emergence and functions of CBOs in Una district, including NGOs,
community associations, and youth clubs.

 Discussed the contributions of CBOs in addressing local issues, promoting social welfare,
and building community resilience.

Day 5: Traditional Institutions and Practices

 Explored the role of traditional institutions such as village councils, religious bodies, and
customary laws in Una district.
  Highlighted the importance of integrating traditional knowledge and practices with

modern governance frameworks for sustainable development.

CHAPTER-No 4

NAME OF CHAPTER: Rural and Local Institutions

Week 4: Rural and National Development Programmes

Introduction:

Hasanpur, situated in Rupnagar district, Punjab, is a rural area undergoing significant

development initiatives driven by national and local programs. This report provides an overview
of rural and national development programs in Hasanpur, focusing on their objectives,
implementation, impact, and future prospects.

Day 1: Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM)

 Outlined the objectives and implementation strategy of SBM in Hasanpur, emphasizing

its role in promoting cleanliness, sanitation, and hygiene practices.

 Highlighted community participation, infrastructure development, and behavioral change

as key components of SBM's success in Hasanpur.

Day 2: Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)

 Examined the implementation of MGNREGA in Hasanpur, focusing on its role in

providing livelihood opportunities, enhancing rural infrastructure, and reducing
unemployment.

 Discussed challenges such as delays in wage payments, administrative bottlenecks, and

the need for skill development to maximize the program's impact.
Day 3: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)

 Explored PMAY's implementation in Hasanpur, including its aims of providing

affordable housing to rural households and addressing housing shortages.

 Discussed beneficiary selection, funding mechanisms, and the role of local authorities in
ensuring transparency and accountability in PMAY implementation.

Day 4: National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM)

 Analyzed NRLM's objectives of poverty reduction, women's empowerment, and rural

livelihood promotion in Hasanpur.

 Highlighted the formation of self-help groups, skill training, access to credit, and market
linkages as key strategies employed under NRLM to enhance rural incomes and
resilience.

Day 5: Digital India Programme

 Discussed the implementation of Digital India initiatives in Hasanpur, including efforts to

improve digital literacy, connectivity, and access to e-governance services in rural areas.

 Highlighted the role of digital infrastructure in promoting financial inclusion, education,

healthcare, and entrepreneurial opportunities in Hasanpur.
Fig 1.2: Dirty pond in hasanpur

FINAL REPORT

Submitted by
22BCE10068
 NAME OF THE CANDIDATE

Rishant Thakur
in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree of

BACHELORS OF ENGINEERING
IN
Civil Engineering

Chandigarh University
April&2024