Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Rural Development in India: Lessons from the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (Improved India Mission) Programme

Abstract

The Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) is an initiative by the Government of India that fosters collaborations between Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) and rural communities to promote holistic rural development. The present study was conducted to examine the experiences, role, functions and perspectives of UBA Coordinators in transforming rural communities through UBA projects. Insights were drawn from a focus group discussion with 50 UBA coordinators from 50 HEIs from 15 districts of Tamil Nadu, a constituent state of India. The findings reveal that the UBA coordinators had made significant efforts to foster trust in community leadership, identify the needs of the community, and establish connections with partner organizations to carry out UBA projects. The findings of the study can be used to enhance UBA strategies, empowering rural communities across India with tailored, technology-driven solutions