Raj Partners with Unnat Bharat Abhiyan to Localize SDGs and Empower Grassroots Governance

New Initiative Bridges Academia and Rural Development, Engaging 15,000 Students in Gram Panchayat Planning

In a transformative collaboration, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) and Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) have united to enhance grassroots governance and localize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative, led by IIT Delhi as the National Coordinating Institute for UBA, aims to engage around 15,000 students from over 3,822 participating institutions in the development and implementation of Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) for the financial year 2025–26. The students will actively participate in Special Gram Sabhas on October 2, 2024, as part of the Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas initiative.

Bridging Theory and Practice

At the core of this initiative is the objective of merging academic insights with the realities of grassroots challenges. The People’s Plan Campaign (PPC), launching on October 2, 2024, will provide students a platform to engage in grassroots governance. By attending Special Gram Sabhas nationwide, students will leverage their technical skills and data collection expertise to contribute innovative perspectives to the planning process. This “Lab to Field” approach fosters creativity and infuses youthful energy into rural planning, offering students invaluable hands-on experience in nation-building.

Aligning with National Goals

This initiative aligns with the vision of “New India” (Naya Bharat) and supports programs such as “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and "Viksit Bharat", highlighting a strong commitment to creating a self-reliant and developed nation. The partnership between UBA and MoPR facilitates an exchange where students gain insights into real-world governance, while Panchayats receive essential professional support to advance their development agendas.

Empowering Local Communities

The collaboration ensures that GPDPs reflect the community's actual needs while being enriched with innovative, sustainable solutions proposed by students. This embodies the “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” mantra, emphasizing inclusive and participatory development focused on collective progress.

Fostering Future Leaders

Students will provide ongoing support to Gram Panchayats throughout the planning and implementation phases, offering fresh solutions to local challenges. This initiative cultivates a new generation of leaders who can actively engage in governance, applying their academic knowledge to tackle real-world issues. Their involvement contributes to a more inclusive and progressive model of rural development.

Commitment to Sustainable Development

Through this collaboration, MoPR and UBA aim to create a sustainable model of grassroots governance that is participatory, inclusive, and innovative. The partnership fosters an environment where education meets practice, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to the complexities of governance, thereby shaping the future of rural India.

This initiative also underscores the MoPR's commitment to localizing the SDGs, ensuring grassroots development is rooted in local aspirations and innovative solutions from young minds. It represents a forward-looking approach to governance in India, where the boundaries between classroom learning and community involvement blur, driving collective progress through knowledge and innovation.

A Vision for the FutureBy uniting efforts, MoPR and UBA are paving the way for a new era in grassroots governance, showcasing the potential of India’s youth and the collective strength of community-driven development. This partnership goes beyond strengthening governance; it aims to nurture a generation of citizens who are actively involved in shaping the nation’s future, making the vision of Gram Swaraj a reality.