UBA (Unnat Bharat Abhiyan)
Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) is a flagship program initiated by the Ministry of Education (formerly Ministry of Human Resource Development), Government of India. The National Coordinating Institute of this initiated is IIT Delhi and Coordinator is Prof. Vijender Kumar Vijay. Regional Coordinating Institute of this initiated is IIT National Kharagpur and Regional Coordinator is Prof. Rintu Banerjee (Deputy Director of IIT Kharagpur). The objective of UBA is to connect higher education institutions with local communities to address developmental challenges through appropriate technologies and methods. Faculty and students to be involved in village development plan in collaboration with district administration. UBA unit of Government General Degree College Salboni is establishing in 2024 and work for rural Development continuously. College has adopted five tribal (Santal) Villages of Garhmal Panchayat of Salboni Block.
Adopted Villages - 1. Tasapara 2. Khir Suli 3. Khasjangal 4. Jorakusmi 5. Susnibari
The UBA (Unnat Bharat Abhiyan) Cell's focus on adopted villages, predominantly populated by Santals, underscores the need for development strategies that align with local cultural practices. Traditional institutions provide a framework for local governance and leadership that is already trusted by the community. Strengthening these institutions can enhance their capacity to manage developmental projects effectively. Implementing developmental activities in Santal villages without acknowledging and integrating these traditional institutions risks undermining the effectiveness and sustainability of such efforts. Traditional institutions are not merely cultural relics; they are functional and adaptive structures that address the community’s needs and aspirations. It is vital to respect the autonomy of traditional institutions and avoid imposing external solutions. Development initiatives should be designed to complement and enhance existing structures rather than replace them. This respect for cultural integrity fosters trust and cooperation between external agents and the local community. Investing in capacity building for traditional leaders and institutions is crucial. Training programs should focus on enhancing skills related to project management, resource mobilization, and conflict resolution while respecting traditional practices. This approach not only supports the growth of Santal villages but also upholds their rich cultural heritage, paving the way for harmonious and inclusive development.
Approach - Government General Degree College Salboni has a practice of “Promotion and Conservation of Indigenous Culture”. For Promotion and Conservation of Indigenous Culture we should strengthening Traditional Social Institutions of Tribal’s. Traditional institutions play a central role in the governance and social organization of tribal communities, serving as custodians of indigenous culture, law, and community welfare. The Santal community has its own traditional social institutions (TSIs) known as the Majhi Pargana System, which functions as a self-governance mechanism. At the village level, the Majhi System operates as the grassroots unit of the Majhi Pargana System. Within this system, various activities such as legislation, execution, and judicial functions are carried out. In comparison, the Panchayati Raj System, which is a well-known model of decentralized governance in India, operates through Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) at the village level.This includes activities like the Gram Sabha for the preparation of the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) and social audits.
Our approach emphasizes the importance of involving college students and Faculty in developmental work within Gram Sabha’s, particularly in Tribal (Santal) villages, while also participating in traditional Gram Sabha activities. This dual engagement ensures that modern developmental initiatives are harmoniously integrated with the existing social frameworks of these communities. By acknowledging and incorporating traditional social institutions, our efforts not only respect local customs and governance structures but also enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of development projects. Neglecting these traditional mechanisms could lead to a disconnect between modern interventions and community needs, ultimately undermining the success of developmental initiatives and their long-term impact.
Key Focus Areas:
- Agriculture: Improving agricultural productivity through modern techniques and practices.
- Water Management: Efficient management and conservation of water resources.
- Health and Sanitation: Enhancing health and sanitation facilities in rural areas.
- Education: Improving educational infrastructure and quality of education.
- Renewable Energy: Promoting the use of renewable energy sources to meet rural energy needs.
- Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) - Traditional institutions such as the Majhi system is crucial in this context, as they provide a trusted framework for local leadership and community management. Strengthening these institutions and incorporating them into the GPDP ensures that development projects are culturally sensitive, effectively managed, and sustainable, thereby fostering greater community support and enhancing the overall success of development efforts.
Main Activities of Extension and Community Outreach Programmes
- Activities and awareness Programmes related to Rural Development
- Activities and awareness Programmes related to Environment Protection
- Entrepreneurship Development for Rural Women’s
- Personality Development for Rural School Children
- Activities related to Strengthening Traditional Social Institutions (Majhi Pargana System) of Tribal Communities
- Energy Savings and Promote Renewable Energy
- Life Skill Development
- Skill Development Programmes
Coordinator (UBA)
Aampa Kumar Hembrom
Assistant Professor and HOD, Department of Santali
Governnment General Degree College Salboni
Mob- 7047027705
Email – aampakumar002@gmail.com
