Rural Development

In 2016, we launched the Sarpanch Leadership Internship Program (SLIP) in the tribal areas of Surat, Gujarat, to ensure the effective implementation of central and state programs in these regions. We brought together 10 interns from diverse backgrounds to work enthusiastically in Ashram Shalas, where they implemented a Kitchen Garden project with the support of the village Sarpanch and the local school. This initiative aimed to develop a framework for enhancing Sarpanch capacity and leadership, and it was successfully executed in 702 Ashram Shalas.

The Fellowship Program is designed with the dual objectives of empowering Sarpanches to enhance service delivery in their villages and leveraging the potential of committed and capable youth to address the multifaceted challenges faced by rural communities. The involvement of India’s dynamic youth in this program is crucial for driving a rural revolution. By engaging young fellows from diverse educational backgrounds, the program not only supports Sarpanches in their leadership roles but also contributes to the holistic development of villages.

Sarpanch Leadership Development Program (SLDP) in its new form, is a fellowship program that recruits fellows from across the country, each with diverse educational backgrounds, for a village immersion experience. Each fellow is assigned to a specific village and is expected to work closely with the Sarpanch over 12 months. During this time, fellows collaborate with the Sarpanch to expedite the implementation of various development schemes, assess the needs of the village, and propose sustainable solutions across multiple sectors.

The program collaborates with regional and national educational institutions, various government ministries, and rural start-ups, creating a unique synergy among the Sarpanch, village, and fellows. Upon completing the fellowship, participants gain invaluable skills and leadership qualities, opening up a wide range of opportunities, including placements and senior-level roles in various sectors.