Disseminating the Information: Initiatives of Universities for Rural

Development
Mr. Vijay D. Aher
Assistant Librarian
Central Library, North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon
Abstracts:This article discusses the basic need and problems put forth before rural society in
todays ICT world. It also proposes the platforms where university or reputed big colleges
can provide a helping hand to rural society and also highlights some initiatives taken by
North Maharashtra University, Jalgoan in this regard.
Introduction:In India, Information communication technology opened new horizons where Indian
citizens getting opportunity to prove themselves in open market. India or Asia is counted as
third world countries/developing countries; still we have great potentials to compete with
developed countries. There are numerous examples in science and technology which prove
Quality of Indian knowledge e.g. PSLV and GSLV, Moon and Mars mission; IT hubs are
rapidly developing in Indian Cities etc. But this all growth is mainly limited to urban areas.
Till today, Agriculture is backbone of Indian economy and more than 79%
population in rural areas is related with agri based occupations. But due to climate change
and other calamities the major population is suffering. Information and Knowledge are the
important factors of present world to become successful.
In a study (Sami and Shahida, 2003) they have categorized the Information needs of the
rural areas as follows:
1. Economical Mainly on rurally relevant occupations such as agriculture, livestock
management, rural/cottage industries, food processing etc.
2. Health & Nutrition: - Preventive health care such as immunization, symptoms of
different diseases, pre-natal and post natal maternity care, baby and child care etc.
3. Career Opportunities:- Careers available, training required, design and provision of
training materials etc.
4. Education:- Various courses, skills, self learning and training packages specially for
children and youth, adult etc.
5. Transactions with Government:- Rules and regulations, land records, government
forms and procedures, different schemes and benefits and qualifications required for
benefits etc.
6. Financial:- Loans and subsidies available, source for funds/ loans, pre-requisites for
obtaining loans etc., information regarding status of applications for loans etc.
7. General:- Meteorological information, train and bus timings, climate change etc.

The Role of University:Universities are a place where research oriented work took place every day. This helps
to bridge gaps between the previously set knowledge areas. There are different departments
in university, which specialize in their own subject or stream, having specialized manpower
etc. If this departments join their hands with the rural community under the university
jurisdiction by setting up Community Centers then the above stated needs of the rural
society will be catered and there living standards can be made better.
1. Deptt. of Computer Science:- can fulfill the need of Information communication
technology knowledge and help rural community in the online transitions services,
form filling etc. available today for rural areas.
2. Deptt. of Earth and Environmental Sciences:- can set up soil testing unit, water
treatment unit for farmers and agriculture related personnels.
3. Deptt. of Chemical Sciences:- can provide the information on developments in
chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides etc.
4. Deptt. of Central Library & Deptt. of Library Science:- can build support for
enhancing literacy, reading habit etc. among rural childrens and youths.
5. Deptt. of Legal section:- can help to understand the government policies, rules and
regulation regarding various schemes
6. Deptt. of Mass communication & Journalism:- can start a community radio
through which latest news in agriculture, government schemes and other information
can be provided.
North Maharashtra University & Community Services:The University jurisdiction covers rural and tribal areas mainly i.e. Nandurbar, Dhule
and Jalgaon districts. There are some initiatives listed below taken by university
1. VCRMS:Under the scheme funds are made available to the teaching and non teaching
staff of the university as well as affiliated colleges to promote the researchers
especially to focus on various local issues, problems etc., and to look for the proper
solutions, as well it will provide guidelines for policy makers.
2. Community College :Since, the beginning, the North Maharashtra University has realized that
Nandurbar District has 65 % tribal population and in affiliated colleges of the
district 25 to 50 % students belong to the tribal and backward class community
therefore, the special attention should be given to the students in the tribal areas
hence, the University has established a study center named Eklavya Training Center at
Nandurbar , which is contributing towards education, welfare and development of the
scheduled tribes for their upliftment and work for integrating tribal life into the
mainstream of society . The center is also arranging various activities such as summer
and winter camps of 20 to 30 days duration, 1 2 day workshops, lectures, seminars
for tribal students

3. Mobile Science Exhibition Unit:This project arranges programs for school childrens on demand by schools
and high-tech vehicle goes to school basic science experiments, computer skills etc
are taught along with the demonstrations. This also aims at inculcating scientific
attitude among the folks.
4. Lab to Land:This is visionary project arranges workshops for farmers and agriculture
related personnels under which latests development in the agriculture field, new
development, climate change and different ways of precaution are discussed. Experts
of the concerned fields are invited. This has proved very beneficial for the NMU
region.
5. Extension activities by Central Library & Deptt. of Library and Information
Science:Workshops arranged for rural peoples and villagers for providing guidance on
the topics like Mother and Child development, AIDS and health, Seed processing
techniques, Free from Addict etc. The central library also provides Inter Library
Loan facility to the affiliated colleges and aspiring researchers from rural area.
Conclusion:Every university can take initiative on the same line to cater the needs and demands of
the rural. At the same time the educated youth of the area should take initiative to bridge the
gap between the knowledge and information providers, university and the rural people. As a
result the problem of language and information communication technology barrier can be
resolved.

References
1. Das. K. ed. (2011). Dynamics of Rural Development : Potentials and constraints.
New Delhi: Deep & Deep publication pvt. ltd.
2. http://www.nmu.ac.in/Portals/0/communitycollege.pdf accessed at 27/12/2014 at
11.45am.
3. J. Sridevi et.al. (2004) Rural India: IT penetration and knowledge revolution role
of MSSRF. http://ir.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/1944/441 accessed on 26/12/2014 at
3.38pm.
4. Sami, L. K. and Shahida. (2003) Role of universities in digitizing rural
communities. http://ir.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/1944/229 accessed on 26/12/2014 at
3.32pm.