In 2021, The National Achievement Survey (NAS) made a categorical statement about the state of education in Jharkhand. It stated that in the state, the performance of SC, ST, OBC, and other social groups is lower than the national average in language while the performance of both rural and urban students is below the national average in language as well as mathematics. The report informs that tribal districts lag behind in learning outcomes, conveying that while more infrastructure facilities in schools are necessary, improved pedagogy and inclusivity are critically important as well.
Transform Rural India addresses such inequities with initiatives like PPIA (Public Policy in Action) which delivers transformative rural design solutions where they are needed the most. Acknowledging the importance of staying cognisant of grassroots realities. TRI's PPIA program places a cadre of young professionals and future policymakers directly in the heart of rural India who then design specific solutions to address systemic problems like educational inequality at the root.
On International Literacy Day (September 8), here is an overview of two pioneering PPIA projects that are making education more accessible and inclusive across Jharkhand.
A PPIA Fellow Ramesh Kumar, played a pivotal role in the success of the inaugural Gumla Book Fair in the Chotanagpur region of Jharkhand. He assisted with its planning and execution, reached out to guest speakers and publishers, and coordinated with the education department. The Gumla Book Fair was an attempt to rekindle a culture of learning and intellectual fervour in an underserved region whose cultural and literary heritage dates back to the reign of Nagvanshi rulers. The inaugural Fair celebrated this legacy and brought together local authors, poets, publishers, and literary enthusiasts from across the region.
Another significant project is Gumla’s Library Mission. The goal of this district-led effort is to establish libraries and make a wide range of books and literary resources accessible to the youth.
Another PPIA-supported initiative is a Braille Literacy drive for visually impaired students for more inclusivity in education. A Smart Braille Literacy Device for students has been introduced in Latehar District by the district administration, in collaboration with a dedicated PPIA Fellow Sonali Layek. This initiative harnesses technology to ensure that visually impaired rural students have equal access to education. The PPIA Fellow identified the educational disparities faced by visually impaired students in the district, collaborated closely with the District Administration and introduced the Smart Braille Literacy Device to revolutionize the way visually impaired students learn and interact with educational content.
The introduction of the Smart Braille Literacy Device is a significant intervention aimed at enhancing educational outcomes for visually impaired students. The primary objective of the assistive technology is to improve literacy rates and the outcomes so far have been overwhelmingly positive, with students demonstrating improved Braille literacy skills, increased engagement in the classroom, and a heightened sense of inclusion.
The success of this program serves as a powerful example of how innovative solutions and collaborative efforts can transform lives and ensure that every student has the chance to succeed.
