Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, Objectives, Implementation, Roles

The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), in collaboration with the Ministries of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, has launched the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA), which aims to link Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) with rural development processes. This initiative was introduced to engage HEIs in improving rural infrastructure, governance, and livelihoods through collaboration with rural communities to develop sustainable solutions that can create employment opportunities and enhance economic growth.

Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Objectives

The Unnat Bharat Abhiyan aims to improve rural livelihood by engaging HEIs with the rural population. Below mentioned are the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Objectives that were discussed during the cabinet session:

• HEIs are tasked with adopting the group of nearby Gram Panchayats (GPs), especially those in rural and backward areas. The institutions provide technical, managerial, and advisory support to help these GPs overcome challenges and develop sustainable solutions for local issues.
• Institutions will contribute to community-level planning and solutions for issues like energy security, livelihood opportunities, and basic infrastructure (e.g., water supply, sanitation, and healthcare) to contribute to sustainable rural development, ensuring better livelihoods for rural populations and improving their standard of living.

Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Implementation

On 12th January 2017, a Tripartite Agreement was signed between MHRD, Ministry of Rural Development, and Ministry of Panchayati Raj. The agreement includes the roles and responsibilities of each Ministry in contributing to the scheme’s success.

• IIT Delhi has been designated as the coordinating institution for Unnat Bharat Abhiyan.
• The initial budget allocation for Unnat Bharat Abhiyan in 2016-17 was ₹10 crore.

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Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Ministry Roles and Responsibilities

The roles of various ministries in the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) are essential for the success of the initiative. Below Mentioned are the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Ministry Roles and Responsibilities: 

Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD)

• MHRD ensures that each Higher Education Institution (HEI) adopts at least five Gram Panchayats to contribute to the development of rural areas.
• The Ministry ensures that HEIs provide the academic knowledge, research, and technical expertise to resolve the key challenges in rural areas, focusing on improving livelihoods and basic infrastructure.

Ministry of Rural Development

• The Ministry coordinates with District Collectors, District Collectors, District Rural Development Agencies (DRDA), and local bodies to actively involve them in the preparation of the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP), ensuring that the development plans are synced with local needs and resources.
• The Ministry works to bring together various available resources (financial, technical, and human) to ensure effective implementation of the development plans created with the support of HEIs and local bodies.

Ministry of Panchayati Raj

• The Ministry provides guidelines and frameworks to state governments and local bodies to ensure that the collaboration of HEIs into the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) process is efficient, and impactful.