Extension and Community Outreach Activities

            Government General Degree College, Salboni, is located in a remote corner of West Bengal to address the academic needs of poor and underprivileged students in the region, who have suffered from a long history of deprivation. The college envisions uplifting students academically and, in turn, improving the socio-economic conditions of the residents of the Jangalmahal area. As the Jangalmahal region has a significant tribal population, the college makes every effort to support the upliftment of tribal communities, both within the campus and in the surrounding areas. One of its key initiatives is fostering the development of the Santal (tribal) community through their self-governance system, the Manjhi Pargana System.

            Government General Degree College Salboni is providing a curriculum grounded in holistic learning—that emphasis students not only to think critically but also to make them economically independent and socially committed to the nation. Service to mankind is service to God. Our traditional outlook is to take care of others. Extension Activities are mainly aimed at enabling our student/volunteers to develop social and cultural responsibilities and learning by doing. Service attitude is essential for learner to flourish in the job. The activities of our college are planned systematically with an objective of obtaining smart solutions to problems of society by creating Social Awareness and Social Consciousness.  The college maintains its social cohesiveness through extended activities in the nearby community to sensitize students about social issues. The college consistently promotes participation of students and faculty members in socio-friendly extension activities through various cells and activity centers. The objective of our institution is to develop students’ Emotional Quotient through their interaction with various challenges and hurdles faced by the people in the nearby community and encourage stakeholders to develop their positive attitude towards life.

            The main goal is community orientation to empower the rural women by inculcating the core values of truth and righteousness by extra-curricular activities for their economic independence, social commitment and national development. The focus of extension and community welfare is to make the nearby villages a better place to live.

         To achieve this goal various activities like health and hygiene awareness, recreational activities, interactive and participatory programmes, group working and group discussion are given to the students. Our college education/research/extension are based upon the basic human values to help individuals/families and community as a whole to lead a successful life in changing our neighborhood society. Our extension activities have multiple dimensions such as Curriculum Related Extension Activities, National Service Scheme, Centre of Studies for Tribal Development (CSTD), Unnat Bharat Abiyan etc., As an essential academia, college is keen on promoting the participation of students and faculty in outreach and extension activities that are operative at different levels through the above units. The professional as well as life skill development of arts and science graduates is balanced through extension and outreach activities. Students go to the adopted villages to involve themselves in the field work thereby knowing the real conditions of the villagers.

Main Activities of Extension and Community Outreach Programmes  - These are the main activities under Extension and Community Outreach Programmes  of GGDC Salboni-

• Strengthen Manjhi System - Strengthen the traditional self-governance system (Manjhi System) in Santal villages by enhancing legislative, executive, and judicial/grievance redressal functions.
• Documentation - Document existing practices related to legislation, execution, and dispute resolution to preserve and formalize the system for future development efforts.
• Bad Practices in Villages- Many rural communities still face harmful practices such as child marriage, alcoholism, school dropouts, and substance abuse, which hinder development and well-being. While national laws exist, effective change requires strong village-level regulations and active involvement of traditional leaders like the Manjhi and Naike. Community-based forums such as the Gram Sabha and Manjhi Akhra must take the lead in creating awareness, enforcing rules, and promoting healthier, more educated, and socially responsible village life.
• Integrating Government Initiatives with the Manjhi Pargana System- The Manjhi Pargana System is a traditional governance structure of the Santal community that ensures social harmony, cultural preservation, and grassroots development. However, recent attempts by anti-social elements to create mistrust between this system and government institutions have hindered effective implementation of welfare schemes. To bridge this gap, capacity-building and training programs must be organized for Majhi Morehors, Parganas, and Susariyas to enhance their understanding of government schemes, constitutional rights, and administrative processes. This integration will strengthen mutual trust and enable traditional institutions to actively support inclusive and sustainable development.
• Developmental Initiatives in Villages- The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), set by the United Nations for 2030, are being localized in Indian villages as part of the nation’s broader vision for a “Developed India” by 2047. These 17 goals, organized under nine thematic areas, must be achieved at the grassroots level. In Santal villages, the traditional Manjhi system—including the Manjhi Baba, Paranik, Jog Manjhi, Naike, and Godet—plays a crucial role in guiding development through participatory governance. To realize the SDGs effectively, these institutions must be actively involved in planning and decision-making through Manjhi Akhra (traditional Gram Sabha). This ensures that developmental efforts are culturally relevant, inclusive, and sustainable.

Institutional Social Responsibility Cell – To achieve the objectives and execute the activities of Centre for Extension and Community Orientation, Government General Degree College Salboni has the following units.

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