Knowledge is a powerful weapon to help people and improve their lives. Knowledge provides the tools to understand society, solve problems, and empower people to overcome challenges and experience personal growth.

Limited sources were available to attain information on the events in and around us before local newspapers came to people’s homes, and the first “Good morning!” on the radio woke up everyone. With multiple channels and much-needed information readily available, technological advancements have helped ease our lives. Internet access can enhance creative skills and fact-check what’s happening on the urban roads, but the rural pavements are yet to explore the potential of accessing information via the digital route.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) reported that internet access in rural India stands at approximately 33 percent, in stark contrast to the 99 percent internet penetration rate in urban India. (Jahoo, Shishir, “How Internet Penetration Is Helping Rural India Grow Digitally. Entrepreneur, June 24, 2021) The disparity underscores a pronounced digital divide, despite the increasing number of internet users in rural areas. This challenge results in a visible mismatch in policies/content/guidance and whether information reaches the right audiences.

An abundance of information is available for people to access, but how does one sort through the authenticity of the facts, and how would that help in the development and growth of the people of rural India?

Knowledge sharing: the what, why, and how
Panchayati Raj institutions, designed by the Constitution, are presumed to be the connecting wire between people in rural India and the government; but in most cases, rural people do not exercise this benefit to its complete potential. So, how can we move forward to resolve this? Let’s visit this from the perspective of S M Sehgal Foundation, a Gurugram-based NGO working to empower the people of rural India.

If one has to find a common attribute among all Indians, it would be sharing conversation over a cup of tea – the warmth of discussing the recent trends, news, national and global updates, or just a casual exchange of greetings. “Chai pe charcha toh hoti hi hai.” (There is always discussion over tea). A part of community mobilisation, the crux of information sharing, and the first step toward approaching the community is at the roots of conversation.

“Every time we visit people at their houses in the project locations, they always offer us tea, while this is a common practice across India, it also lessens the layer of hesitation between us, and we are able to communicate the project details with ease. A community meeting with the Gram Panchayat is a great example,” says an SMSF field team member

What does S M Sehgal Foundation do that is different?
At the onset of any development initiative, establishing community-based institutions, such as village development committees, and women's groups among others, is crucial. These organisations play a vital role in representing the community's voice, planning and leading development activities, and supporting gram panchayats in their development efforts.

The Local Participation and Sustainability (LPS) programme raises public understanding of the need for community involvement in sustaining local institutions. The programme works with communities to incorporate local knowledge and preferences into village plans to support inclusive and sustainable rural development in India. It collaborates with the government and organisations to disseminate relevant information on policies and schemes to rural communities and to make it easier for them to contact their respective representatives. The programme also uses participatory theme-based knowledge-building games to deliver training sessions on key government programmes and themes such as soil health, nutrition, women’s empowerment, gender equality, and others.

While the programme has various features, the core aspect is ensuring that people are well-informed and involved concerning:

*    Development initiatives in their village, and
*    Government programmes and schemes they can avail benefit from (via village leadership schools and women’s leadership schools).

How is that achieved?
The existence of well-documented policies for rural development will not reap benefits until gaps are filled with on-the-ground implementation. This requires efforts to ensure a clear knowledge flow to the community.

The LPS programme dimensions ensure a clear flow of communication at the village level.

Promotion of health and hygiene
The programme team works with rural communities to promote good hygiene and sanitation in villages, improve awareness on preventive and remedial healthcare, and encourage the adoption of safe hygiene practices through behavior-change campaigns.

Participation in leadership schools
Village Leadership Schools and Women’s Leadership Schools provide information about government programmes and teach community leaders to engage effectively with government departments to improve access to the programs. This enables women to participate in village-level institutions and public life and provides them with a platform to come together, voice their concerns about community and development issues, and work collectively to address problems that affect their families and their community.

Online access to government programmes
This integrates digital technologies to widen its reach and the benefits of government programs to the communities. The program uses digital technologies, such as online platforms, toll-free helpline numbers, and e-Resource centers, to ease and advance last-mile delivery of government programs.

Knowledge sharing that includes men
Inclusive decision-making ensures that the voices of actively participating men serve as positive role models for other men and boys in the community. This demonstrates the value of equal partnership between genders and challenges harmful stereotypes. The needs of all community members, regardless of gender, are considered. A framework has been developed so that gender equity can be achieved in the true sense by educating men and women.

What are the outcomes?
A beneficiary in Manuwas village of Haryana says, “I was married off at an early age, had a child when I was still a minor; and today I have many health issues, just at age thirty. I want to urge everyone here not to make the same mistake with your daughters. I know now when to speak up. I don’t have a daughter; I have a niece, and my sister and I have already planned her career; we want to see her earn in lakhs and marry only if she wants to.”

Jaishree Devi, from Kudarkatta village in Muzaffarpur, had been a regular participant in Village Leadership School (VLS) in her village where she came to know of government’s Ujjwala Yojana. When she filed her application, the local dealer denied her utility connection, demanding a bribe. A tough week followed as she pursued the gas agency and middlemen for her rightful cooking gas and stove connection.

“I approached the foundation team for help. Suresh-ji processed my application and did necessary follow-ups. A few days later, I got a call confirming a gas connection in my name, and within a day I had it in my home,” she says.

A VLS member from Qutabgarh village says, “Our community was facing numerous challenges as the streets were becoming unusable, but thanks to the information assistance about the CM Window, we have been able to address this situation.”

Knowledge sharing is the first and foremost step toward building a developed society. The S M Sehgal Foundation model encourages rural communities to be accountable for their own development and ensures the inclusivity of every single person in the village. It emphasises the significance of an independent and empowered rural India. However, it is equally important to recognise that perseverance and seeking assistance when necessary are indicators of strength.

Priya Chaudhary is Assistant Program Lead, Outreach for Development at S M Sehgal Foundation.