THE SPARC PROGRAM. Supporting Parliamentarians on Analysis and Research in the Constituency

Transcription

1 THE SPARC PROGRAM Supporting Parliamentarians on Analysis and Research in the Constituency

2 About the Program 2

3 Program Brief SPARC was formulated in 2016 by Tata Trusts, Constitution Club of India and Swaniti Initiative to promote data driven governance and to catalyze development at the grassroots level. 20 SPARC Associates Constituency Development 20 Members of Parliament For a period of one year, Associates will be assigned to Parliamentarians across 20 constituencies, in order to support them in bridging the existing developmental gaps, by formulating and implementing interventions at the ground level. Key Activities Research and Knowledge Support Mobilising Resources on the Ground Promoting Data Driven Governance Focus Sectors Health Livelihood Education Water and Sanitation Strengthening PRIs and Institutional Mechanisms 3

4 Program Timeline Recruitment and Induction of SPARC Associates Constituency Placement and Identification of key interventions Assessment of Impact and Sustainability of Interventions Review and Capacity Building Achieving Specific Project Goals and Completion of the Program 4

5 SPARC The Journey So Far 5

6 Cohort: An Overview Gender Work Experience(Years) 30% 70% Male Female 15% 15% 35% 35% None Less than 2 2 to 4 More than 4 Academic Qualifications 40% Graduate 60% Postgraduate 20% Academic Background 15% 20% 45% Tech/Engineerin g Law Arts Development 6

7 Water and Sanitation Pond De Siltation Project: Bolangir Gap Identification Bolangir, with 90% rural population, is one of the worst drought affected districts in Odisha. It experienced drought in with 27% deficit in rainfall and a crop loss of more than 33% in all blocks. Project Undertaken Ponds were identified as an important source of water. The aim was to harvest rain water in the ponds which can then be instrumental in recharging the ground water levels which are fast depleting due to high dependency on tube wells. Impact of the Project Mobilized Rs 5 Crores of CSR Fund for 300 Ponds from Tata Trusts for 3Years. 27 th Rank out of 30 districts in Odisha In consultation with the Panchayat, passed a resolution in the Gram Sabha to take up the Pond De siltation project. 14 ponds successfully catered with approximately 78,000 people of 13 GPs To de silt 1 cubic meter of clay Rs 64 had been fixed (Rs. 24 to be borne by the Gram Panchayats) Stakeholders Involved District Collector For the remainder amount, reached out to CSR wing of Tata Trusts aimed at de-silting community and farm ponds & strengthening/ promoting agriculture/ fish based livelihoods. BDO, Deogaon BDO, Balangir Gram Panchayats Tata Trusts Contractors (JCB machines) 7

8 Livelihoods Development of Animal Husbandry: Mahabubnagar Why: The Gap Solution: Approach Undertaken The Planning And Execution The Impact (Expected) Mahbubnagar is drought-prone area; High distress migration rate * Focus on livestock as Telangana has 6% of India s total livestock population Multiple meetings held with BAIF, Sub- Collector, AH Dept. for Artificial Insemination (AI) technology Current Phase 1,000 calves to be produced by one center in a project period of 5 years Alternate sources of income required Animal Husbandry An alternative 10 Cattle Breeding Centers (using AI) Funds Required: Total: Rs 135 lakhs for 5- year project Higher income generation for 10,000 households High work participation rate (50%); More than 2/3 rd of work population involved in agriculture and allied activities ** Local presence of BAIF, a well-reputed NGO, which has expertise in livelihood interventions Proposal and plan prepared keeping in mind the local conditions, competitors and political factors Rs 98.6 lakhs: From CSR funds After 4-5 years, the centers generate enough revenue from farmers (as AI fees) to become sustainable Either the calves or milk can be sold; Farmers get benefit of farm yard manure and increased biomass Stakeholders: Collector, Sub-Collector, BAIF NGO, Joint Director Animal Husbandry (AH), Executive Officer District Livestock Development Agency, Corporate Donors (expected) 8

9 Education Model Primary School: Hamirpur Gaps Identified Approach Undertaken Proposed Impact 80% of SMC members in Anu Gram Panchayat unaware about School Development Plan Outdated Pedagogy Limited exposure to quality textbooks Issue of access, quality and equity. Capacity Building of Teachers Exposure to students through books and e- learning in Library Strengthening of SMCs Capacity Building of SMC members Volunteer from NYKS for library Mgmt. & writing sessions 60 primary school students; 500 children of the GP INR 5 lakhs assured through CSR & MPLADS Strengthening of Govt. Institutions which would further lead to sustainable growth in education system. Launch of a Monthly Magazine This intervention would establish a Model Government Primary School and alongside a open Public Library in all the schools of Anu Gram Panchayat. Exposure to quality learning methods and writing skills which would improve overall education of the students. 4 villages under Anu Adarsh Gram 9

10 Mobilizing funds through government schemes: Barrackpore Namami Ganga Project Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan WHY HOW PROPOSED IMPACT Barrackpore, due to its history, is a tourist attraction The Ganga river courses through the constituency providing opportunities for livelihood development. Under the Namami Ganga Project: Ghat development and beautification can be carried out thereby boosting the tourism. Coordinated with multiple departments as the funds for the project have not been mobilized Extensive stakeholder management was required in order to understand the roadblocks to fund disbursal crores has been allocated for Garulia Municipal Town; awaiting dispersal. Despite the relatively high literacy rate in Barrackpore, the condition of schools is really poor which could lead to potential drop-outs in the future Mobilized SSA scheme to augment and repair the present school infrastructure Conducted extensive secondary research in order to asses the exact status of infrastructure and quality of education in the schools. Prepared and disseminated knowledge products into the district machinery and SMCs in order to create awareness about the present status of the funds and how could they be mobilized. Total available funds for the district under SSA is INR 89.7 crore. Initiated the utilization of INR 1.42 crores into the region. 10

11 Livelihoods - Paddy Project: Kaliabor, Assam Gap Identification 75% of farmers in Golaghat have land holdings less than 2 hectares 62% Farmers in Golaghat sow one paddy crop in a year despite having ample water for irrigation Last year, pests destroyed paddy crops across the district Project Undertaken The aim of the project is to encourage farmers to sow two crops in a year using micro irrigation and plant paddy varieties that have high demand. This would bring down cost of farming by using organic fertilisers and pesticides. Impact of the Project Livelihood: Enable farmers to sell the Rabi Crop in the market and earn upto Rs. 6,00,000 Reduced cost of farming from Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 50,000 for 2 hectares Stakeholders Involved Community students and farmers Krishi Vigyan Kendra Mr. Sameer B, farming expert Implementation Farmers: 8 Impact: 40 persons Student team: 5 Farm Area: 2 hectares Funds Mobilised: Rs. 2,00,000 Source: Crowdfunding 11

12 Hear from the Associates SPARC has provided me with the space and freedom to conceptualize, plan and execute development projects which have a direct impact on the community Sumit Sharma (Shillong, Meghalaya) I have enjoyed taking up different projects from education to agriculture. As an associate, I have got a chance to start a project from scratch and work on every aspect - Simran Rana (Kalibor, Assam) It has been a great experience working directly with district administration, corporates (CSR) and NGOs to bring large-scale constituency development impacting thousands of households Harshvardhan Sharma (Mahbubnagar, Telangana) SPARC is an experience that will teach you to tackle grassroot level issues while working with government and administration in a politically active environment Prince Sehgal (Godda, Jharkhand) 12

13 SPARC The Application Process 13

14 Recruitment Timeline 9 th September: Applications Open 6 th October : Applications Close Task Submission for Shortlisted Candidates Telephonic Interview for Shortlisted Candidates In-Person Interview for Shortlisted Candidates 8 th November: SPARC Associate Cohort Announced 14

15 A unique opportunity to work closely with Parliamentarians to catalyse development APPLY NOW For more details visit: Contact: 15