Model Sanch

Internship Report

August, 2017

Slide design source: McKinsey and Company Shyamsunder Sriram

Contents

Project Objective and Survey Methodology 1

Nanakmatta Findings 5

Addressing the challenges 12

Short term requirements 17

Shyamsunder Sriram I 1
Project Objective and Survey Methodology
Aim to conceptualize the Model Sanch as role model for all Ekal villages
What is a Model Sanch? Learning outcomes of Model Sanch trickle down
A Pragat Sanch (Nanakmatta) was
chosen to be a Model Sanch, and a
study was conducted to assess the
gaps of village development.
Model Sanch indicators were
designed to set new standards for
village development that are a step
above Pragat Sanch level.
Intention for the Model Sanch is to
serve as a platform to try out pilot
projects such as Nayee Udaan.
Based on the 5 fold education model.
Aims to set a new ideal that all
Pragat Sanch villages should
achieve in the next couple of years.
SOURCE:
Model Sanch (Nanakmatta)
Pragat Sanch
Other Ekal Villages
FROM MODEL SANCH TO PRAGAT SANCH
The Model Sanch provides an ideal context which can help
Pragat Sanch to become better role model villages.
The pilot projects that have been proven successful in the
Model Sanch can be implemented in other Pragat Sanch
FROM PRAGAT SANCH TO OTHER EKAL VILLAGES
From our original model Pragat Sanch villages help Ekal
evolve from a primary education NGO to an integrated
village development NGO.
The Pragat Sanch provides regional context, where the
problems faced are very similar to other villages in the
same geographical area.
Shyamsunder
Shyamsunder Sriram3I
Sriram 2
Project Objective and Survey Methodology
Model Sanch Indicators based on integrated village development questions
Primary Education
Are the schools running at a superior quality?
Is there positive feedback from the TABS initiative?
Is there a positive relationship between Acharya and
Gram Samithi?
Is there a proper assessment mechanism for
Vidyalayas?
Ekal Model Sanch
Indicators
Health Education
Is adequate healthcare provided at the village level?
Do villagers have proper hygiene and nutrition?
Is there any major health issue prevalent in the village?
Is existing agricultural infrastructure running efficiently?
SOURCE:
Empowerment and Development Education
Is there a diversified source of income?
Is there positive feedback from DIT?
Is there awareness of citizen rights and government
resources in villages?
Is there scope for digitization and what are the short
term steps to be taken to achieve it?
Sanskar Education
Are Satsangs an effective medium for community
engagement?
Are alcohol and drugs prevalent in society?
Is there gender inequality in the village?
Is there community engagement from the villagers? If
not how do we improve it?
Shyamsunder
Shyamsunder Sriram4I
Sriram 3
Project Objective and Survey Methodology
Interviews were the main source of data collection
26 Interviews conducted in 9 villages 3-step interview methodology
9 Acharyas
7 Groups of villagers of on average of 5 people. (Gram
Samithis or Acharyas Family.
3 Karyakartas (Bhag, Aanchal and Sanch level)
2 Health experts (One Anganwadi and a village home
remedy expert)
1 Gram Pramukh
1 Panchayat Member
1 Group of young men
1 Sanch President
1 Sanch Vice president
Key Points
Each interview has been recorded by phone with the
interviewees consent
Reliability of answer was determined if different groups
of interviewees corroborated each others answer.
Each interview was an average of 25 minutes.
We had a discussion with 4 Karyakartas to discuss the
points made in interviews and devise a potential plan of
action.
Identifying the problem (~15 min)
Prepared questions were asked to identify major issues
in the 5 fold education model.
Assessed attitude and response to prepared questions.
Aimed to understand general level of village
development.
Focusing on the problem (~5 min)
Asked what was the biggest problem in the village.
Asked focused questions on why they faced problems in
a particular area.
Judged their interest level and knowledge of issue
based on their responses and behavior.
Discussion and suggestions
Encouraged them to ask questions about the organization.
Gave them background about the project.
Provided suggestions on how to overcome their problems
and engaged in healthy debate.
Process ended with them either considering our suggestions
or providing major insights into their problems.
Used suggestions to modify interview questions on insights
from previous interviews.

SOURCE: Shyamsunder
Shyamsunder Sriram5I
Sriram 4
Contents

Project Objective and Survey Methodology

Nanakmatta Findings

Addressing the challenges

Short term requirements

Shyamsunder Sriram I 5
Nanakmatta Findings
Development and empowerment are major concerns at the village level
Category Model Sanch Indicator Assessment
Productive use of tablets in the Vidyalayas
Primary Functional Gram Samithis in every village and Ekal Youth clubs.
Education Quarterly learning outcome assessment and rating for each Vidyalaya
Digital Literacy and use of ICT for better learning outcome.

Open Defecation Free Sanch

Children Health Check-up on quarterly basis
Health
Soak Pit and Waste Pit in every village
Education At least one nutritional garden in every village
Awareness on health issues prevalent in women

Awareness of Dream India Tour and urban volunteer link

Empowerment Organic farming camps - one organic farmer in every village
Education Government scheme awareness (MNREGA, Fasal Bima etc.)
Four mass awareness campaigns

Youth career guidance melas

Development Livelihood linked skilling opportunities for youth
Education Income generation program for women
Linkages with e-Mandi or similar platform

Tulsi plantation in every house

Sanskar Frequent Satsangs in the village
Appointing a storyteller in the village for community engagement Mostly implemented
Education
Awareness and Sensitization of negative effects of drugs and alcohol. Minor challenges
Major challenges

Shyamsunder Sriram I 6
Nanakmatta Findings
Findings: Primary Education
Vidyalayas are operating as per expectations with minor challenges ahead
Effective relationship between Acharya and Gram Samithi Tablets initiatives generated a positive response

in 7 out of 9 villages in all 9 villages visited

Effective engagement from children with the
Same answers given by Acharya and Gram Samithi from content in the tablets
prescribed questions in all fields. Tabs improved the teaching experience in all
Bi-weekly meetings held on average to discuss school villages according to all Acharyas
performance and to address Acharyas concerns. Responsible handling Ease of use Apt curriculum level
Children come to Vidyalaya on average of 17 days in a
month. Most of them attend a government/private school.
Most common reasons for children missing school are
either sickness, or too much school homework. 8/9 tabs have no Only 2/9 Acharyas Only 3/9 Acharyas stated
Acharya has capable monitors and substitute teachers in damage. faced minor issues Ghat 3 content was a little
And the damaged with use (charging, too fast paced for students.
place in case of absence. tab has only a sound adjustment Acharya has hard time
scratch etc.) explaining

Assessment of Vidyalaya can be improved

Daily attendance is taken by the Acharya, and a form is
filled up that is sent monthly to the office.
Some registers despite diligent work remain messy due
to wear and tear.
Villages had different grading systems for Vidyalaya
attendance. Some gave A grade for 21+ days, and
others gave it for only 19+ days . One school used an
unnecessarily complex formula for the grading system. A sample attendance register of a Vidyalaya

SOURCE: Shyamsunder
Shyamsunder Sriram8I
Sriram 7
Nanakmatta Findings: Health Education
Home remedies have been effective in maintaining good health in villages
Village has access to basic healthcare
in all 9 villages visited
All Acharyas mentioned that children were healthy
All villages have a Anganwadi/midwife that rely on their
own knowledge of home remedies passed on from
generations.
All interviewees responded that they go to a hospital in ,
the nearest city for serious illnesses.
No major health problems in all the villages.
NONE of the Anganwadis or home remedy experts knew
of the Ekal home remedy booklets existence, despite
frequent contact with Acharya.
Anganwadis are less accessible Only 3-4 vegetable crops are grown due to
in 4 out of 9 villages
Out of 5 villages with frequent access to Anganwadis
these, 3 villages have an Anganwadi living there.
6 villages reported Anganwadi to be too busy, and she
comes once a month on average.
Anganwadi corroborated this statement by stating that it
is hard to visit each village with her tight schedule.
SOURCE:
Women reported good menstrual health
in all 9 villages visited
All women mentioned that the older women in the
village teach the younger children.
All women mentioned that they use either sanitary
pads or absorbent cloth based on affordability.
Many men in the village do not have adequate
knowledge about periods leading to some stigma.
Scope for improvement in Nutritional Vatika
Soak pit is not in use in 3 villages.
Organic farming is conducted in villages
monsoon season or high seed prices.
Open defecation is not a problem
in 7 out of 9 villages
Occurs in few households that cannot afford a
private toilet. People prefer open defecation due
to few common toilets which are hard to clean.
Shyamsunder
Shyamsunder Sriram9I
Sriram 8
Nanakmatta Findings: Empowerment Education
Major gaps in government scheme knowledge and scope for digitization
Government Scheme knowledge is lacking DIT generated a positive response
Out of 40 villagers in 9 villages in all 8 DIT villages
People enjoyed interacting with urban youth and
40% 13% 93% sharing their experiences.
The projects were meaningful, and served as an
excellent way to build soak pits for the village.
Only 40% of people Only 13% of people 93% of people had a bank They are incredibly welcoming, and they appreciate
interviewed knew of interviewed knew of account open.
MNREGA Fasal Bima but less than half knew that urban youth come a long way to meet them.
about Jan Dhan.

Women were comparatively worse in knowledge of Limited scope for digitization*

government schemes than men.
Villagers unanimously mentioned that they had a
lack of knowledge of government schemes because
nobody was there to teach them. 6% 27% 2%

Youth have some access to career guidance Only 6% of people Only 27% of
Acharyas know how
Only 2% of families
own a computer
own a smartphone
to use a computer
Youth have access to guidance on career and
further education in their government schools from All interviewees mentioned that affordability was
teachers, but on an informal basis. main barrier for computer education.
Answer corroborated by groups of villagers in 3 Digitization of Vidyalaya assessment difficult since
different villages. most Acharyas lack technological proficiency.

*SOURCE: Allison and Nehas internship reports

SOURCE: Shyamsunder
Shyamsunder Sriram10I
Sriram 9
Nanakmatta Findings: Development Education
Underemployment and corruption in Nanakmattas primary sector economy
Subsistence farming and labor dominate economy
in all 9 villages visited
8 out of 9 villages have had labor in nearby factories
through MNREGA.
Farming and tailoring have been a secondary source of
income and are sold in local markets.
The richer families have more land and are able to sell
excess crops in the market, whereas the poorer families
with less land rely on subsistence farming.
Farming is an inefficient market because when crops are
abundant, demand is less and when demand is high in
the monsoons., crops are less in number.
Underemployment is a major issue
in all 9 villages visited
Many villagers possess BA and MA degrees but are
unable to find jobs, and resort to labor or farming.
This statement has been corroborated the Sanch
President and Vice President, the Panchayat, and all
Gram Samithis, Karyakartas and Acharyas.
SOURCE:
Corruption cripples the village economy
Following information corroborated by the Sanch
President and all Karyakartas:
MRNEGA workers are not being paid adequately.
Money is going to the middlemen who are
organizing the scheme. For every Rs.100 that is
supposed to the laborer at least Rs.20 goes to the
middlemen.
Fasal Bima is not effective. People are compelled
to bribe the worker to get their work done
otherwise the government worker will not work to
the best of his capability.
The villagers do not have the bargaining power to
handle corruption on their own. There is scope for
Ekal to help here.
Nanakmatta suffering from middle income trap
Subsistence farming and labor dominate economy.
Corruption prevents villagers from income growth.
Digitization is too expensive a transition for most
villagers. This leads to outdated systems.
Lack of political awareness from villagers
contributes to the problem.
Shyamsunder
Shyamsunder Sriram11I 10
Sriram
Nanakmatta Findings: Sanskar Education
Satsangs are not effective in curbing substance abuse and gender inequality
Only ~25 people on average attend Satsangs regularly Minor challenges ahead in women empowerment

in 7 out of 9 villages in 6 out of 9 villages

Satsangs only consist of prayer and singing bhajans.
Not popular among villagers except during festival time.
Only 2 villages reported that the Gram Samithi attends
the Satsang, and then talks about village problems.
All Karyakartas were open to the idea of holding
awareness programs after Satsangs.
Women safety at night is not an issue in any village.
Among those interviewed all men had significantly
better knowledge of government schemes than
women on average. All those who did not know
MNREGA were women. .
Panchayat reported that many working women face
domestic violence where men

Alcohol and drugs are a prevalent problem

in 5 out of 9 villages In one village, when we interviewed a group of
Out of the 5 villages with this problem, 3 of these
villages have a wine shop in the village.
All interviewees in the 5 villages have mentioned that
only the men partake in these activities.
They also responded that men that partake in
substance abuse often contribute less income, and are
prone to inciting domestic violence.
In the Gram Pramukhs village, they successfully filed a
police complaint to shut down the alcohol shop.
An unfortunate incident took place
village women of all ages, two young men walked
in. They started to talk on behalf for the women.
We politely asked them that we wanted the
womens opinion as well, to which one of them
responded with the following statement:
What do they know? They just sit at home all
day. Well tell you everything.
The group of women had no response to this.
We kicked them out and had two separate
interviews, and their answers did not match.

SOURCE: Shyamsunder
Shyamsunder Sriram12I 11
Sriram
Contents

Project Objective and Survey Methodology

Nanakmatta Findings

Addressing the challenges

Short term requirements

Shyamsunder Sriram I 12
Addressing the challenge
Corruption and lack of digitization are circular issues that lead to poverty
OUTDATED SYSTEMS
Greater reliance on
outdated systems and
skills that are not in
demand such as
subsistence farming or
manual labor
LACK OF TRUST IN
GOVERNMENT
Poor realize that government is
inefficient and are not helping
them progress in society.
Hence they adopt an
economically pessimistic
attitude and low productivity
SOURCE:
LACK OF AWARENESS
Lack of digitization leads to
greater first and third world
divide. There is less access
to information and resources
leading to major asymmetric
information and less
development
Digitization poverty cycle
LOW INCOME
Corruption poverty cycle
CORRUPTION AMONG
MIDDLE MEN
Corruption among middlemen
leads portions of income lost
due to inefficient systems.
Poor do not benefit from
government scheme.
Shyamsunder
LACK OF EDUCATION
Inability to afford
computer literacy
education, internet
access, and equipment
necessary for
digitization.
GOVERNMENT
SCHEME INTRODUCED
Schemes such as MNREGA,
provide greater economic
and social welfare for an
underprivileged section of
society. Leads to greater
income and development.
Shyamsunder
Sriram14I 13
Sriram
Addressing the challenge
Ekal can spread knowledge of government schemes to build income
Breaking digitization cycle is a long term process Ekal mandate should focus on spreading awareness
Many villagers do not have enough savings to send Give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day.
young generation students for computer education. Teach a man how to catch fish and you will feed him
Internet access in villages is limited due to lack of for a lifetime
available equipment.
Transitions of outdated systems into new ones will be Ekals goal should be to guide the villagers on the
a time consuming process. For instance, digitizing right path to build their income, so that they can
attendance forms for Vidyalaya assessment cannot become self sustaining and grow economically.
happen immediately since Acharyas do not have
enough technology background. Focus on breaking corruption cycle before the
digitization cycle.
Breaking corruption cycle is a SHORT TERM process
This allows the villagers to gain assistance from the
government to help supply the resources to break the
To break the cycle villagers need access to
digitization poverty cycle.
government schemes and awareness of processes.
Many villagers who were interviewed only attributed
Villagers must become empowered citizens and
Ekal Vidyalaya to teaching children. They were very
initiate dialogue with the local government.
surprised when we talked about what all Ekal does as
an organization.
Major feedback from villagers was that nobody
approached them about the schemes.
Ekal must focus on re-branding itself as a village
development organization in Pragat Sanch villages.
Ekal has the infrastructure to sensitize villagers about
government schemes through Karyakarta network.

SOURCE: Shyamsunder
Shyamsunder Sriram15I 14
Sriram
Addressing the challenge
Proposed method for introducing government scheme education in villages
Office side
The Ekal office can come up with a database of
government schemes and NGOs related to village
development, all of which can be compiled from the
internet and sent.
They can send mass queries from villagers to the
government and provide the answers to the villages.
Very few administrative costs and additional
resources required. This initiative largely uses Ekals
existing resources at the office and Bhag level.
Requires approval from Ekal Abhiyan.
Expansion strategy Potential for integrated village development
The Ekal office can start off this initiative as a pilot
project in one Aanchal with help from the Bhag office.
Once proven successful Ekal can expand out to the
Bhag level and then North India.
First start with Hindi speaking states before branching
out to states with regional languages.
Aim to expand initiative to North India in 2 years time.
SOURCE:
Field side
The database will be sent to the Bhag office where
the Karyakartas will be responsible for learning
these schemes, and teaching it to the villages.
Karyakartas will visit the village more often during
Satsang times and host bi-weekly village gathering.
They will become the Acharya for adults and work
with villagers to sensitize them on government
schemes periodically.
Karyakartas will collect queries and host phone
appointments for specific queries.
Provides a community engagement platform for
Ekal and the village to discuss other important issues
such as gender inequality and substance abuse.
Ekal can finally increase its presence at the layman
level and successfully expand its mission from solely
primary education.
Ekal can get greater feedback from day to day
problems through the Karyakartas.
Shyamsunder
Shyamsunder Sriram16I 15
Sriram
Addressing the challenge
Operations of the government scheme awareness education model

Bhag office gives Ekal

office full written report on
effectiveness of Feedback loop
government schemes.

Ekal
Office Aanchal Karyakarta gives
periodic reports to Bhag
office through Bhag
Karyakarta.
Creates database of government

Bhag
schemes and NGOs and sends it
to Bhag office by email.
Responsible for communicating
issues faced by villages to Sanch Karyakarta contacts
government. Aanchal head of feedback.
Aanchal Karyakarta addresses
Sanch specific problems and
Trains Karyakartas and creates
curriculum on what to teach in
Aanchal visits villages periodically for
inspection.
villages. Addresses queries at the
Aanchal level.

Gram Samithi contacts

Visits villages periodically for
evaluation and responsible for Sanch Sanch Karyakarta to give
feedback about schemes
dealing with queries at Sanch through written queries or
level.
phone appointments.
The image part with

Holds bi-weekly information relationship ID rId1 was

not found in the file.

sessions on government
Resource loop and answers queries at the
village level.
Village

Shyamsunder Sriram I 16
Contents

Project Objective and Survey Methodology

Nanakmatta Findings

Addressing the challenges

Short term requirements

Shyamsunder Sriram I 17
Short term requirements
Immediate plan of action to develop Nanakmatta into a Model Sanch

Challenges to overcome Description of challenge Immediate action(s) required

Lack of knowledge of SHORT TERM Write project proposal and gain approval from Ekal
Villagers do not have access to government Abhiyan to undertake pilot project.
government schemes schemes and are thus victims of corruption. Start creating database for income generation
This leads to a pessimistic attitude towards opportunities and mission-specific NGOs
economic empowerment. (agriculture, digitization etc.) in Hindi.

Assessment of Vidyalaya SHORT TERM Come up with standardized Vidyalaya grading

Different systems of Vidyalaya attendance system for students taking into consideration
grading makes it harder to benchmark number of days Vidyalaya runs. Students should
performances of schools not be penalized if Vidyalaya runs for less days.

Ekal home remedy booklet SHORT TERM Make it mandatory for each Acharya to show
Inefficient communication between Acharya home remedy booklet to village home remedy
not effective and health expert hinders Ekal from expert. It is important to know whether they are
achieving its health goals. operating at Ekal standards of home remedies.

Substance abuse SHORT TERM Invite the Gram Pramukh from Tapeda Gaon to
Leads to economic stagnation, social motivate other villagers to approach police and
instability and domestic violence. shut down alcohol shops.

Women empowerment LONG TERM Sensitize through community engagement

Protecting women from domestic violence platform established for government schemes.
and stigma, and provide with equal rights

Digitization and coping LONG TERM Conduct or refer to impact study of Uttarakhand
Villagers are not able to afford technology (U.S. Nagar District) economy to understand
with job market demand and are using outdated systems. Hence they possible job market trends.
struggle to cope up with changing job market. Construct a 5-year digitization plan of action.

SOURCE: Shyamsunder
Shyamsunder Sriram19I 18
Sriram