Rural Development and Decentralised Planning at TISS
- Tata Institute Of Social Sciences, Hyderabad -

AMR-ANDHRA PRADESH ACADEMY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT, HYDERABAD
&
TATA INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, HYDERABAD
Certificate Course on Rural Development and Decentralised Planning

AMR-Andhra Pradesh Academy of Rural Development (AMR-APARD), the apex training institute for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development departments of GoA.P in collaboration with Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, a premier social sciences education institute jointly announce a certificate course on 'Rural Development and Decentralised Planning' for development practitioners and implementers at district, block (mandal) levels.

Context

India's development lies in the development of its villages. The gamut of Rural Development encompasses a wide range of issues, approaches and actors. The successful implementation of various programmes to achieve the objective of the sustainable development requires knowledge and skills in planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation. Panchayat Raj Institutions play a vital role in the delivery of services at community level. Further, the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments envision decentralised planning for achieving economic development and social justice.

Village Panchayats are expected to prepare comprehensive development plans which in turn pave the way for efficient Block (Mandal) and District level development plans. Constitution of District Planning Committees and the introduction of Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) programme are considered to be important mechanisms for facilitating efficient decentralised planning for sustainable rural development and inclusive growth.

Course and its objectives

Rural Development and Decentralised Planning course, which is spread over fifteen weeks covering 24 credits, aims to bridge the gap in conceptual, theoretical understanding of decentralised planning and rural development. The course work focuses on imparting knowledge and concepts of various issues impacting the rural scenario, project management, information collection, analysis and preparation of decentralised plans. Hands on training will also be given on skill sets to facilitate preparation of decentralised plans. On successful completion of the course the participants will receive a certificate with a grade sheet conferred by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai.

The objectives of the course are
a) To develop perspective building on India's rural scenario, development trajectory, challenges and prospects
b) To inculcate the essentials of value frameworks focusing on human rights, constitutional rights, equality and peoples' rights in participatory development and
c) To enhance the skill sets on participatory techniques, micro planning and Decision Support systems with a comprehensive understanding of natural, social and economic resources.

Course designed for

a. Block (Mandal) level officials involved in planning, implementation and monitoring of development initiatives.
b. NGO functionaries who take up similar tasks in programmes supported by Govt and other funding agencies.
c. Any graduate who intends to take up career with agencies engaged in rural development

Eligibility Criteria

a. Graduation in any subject with exposure to rural environment and inclination to work with rural communities.
b. Fluency in reading, writing and comprehension of English is essential as the medium of instruction will be English.
c. Reservations for weaker sections and women will apply as per the State Government Rules.
d. Short listed candidates will only be admitted in to course after scrutiny.

Venue and Fees

a. The course will be conducted at AMR-APARD Campus located in Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, and TISS Tuljapur Campus, Maharashtra.
b. Field work will be organised at different locations in Andhra Pradesh.
c. Fee for the course is Rs 35,000 (Rupees Thirty Five Thousands only) for course work, material and field work. Boarding expenses (approximately Rs 10,000/-) shall be borne by the candidates.

Application

Candidates are required to download the application form and other details at www.amr-apard.gov.in and email the filled up application as attachment to [email protected] with subject line "Application for CRDDP 2009' or can be sent by post to Commissioner AMR-APARD, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, 500030, Andhra Pradesh super scribed with "Application for CRDDP 2009" on the envelope .

In service candidates shall forward their applications through proper channel. However they may submit an advance copy. The applications should reach on or before 25th January 2009. The course is likely to commence in the 1st week of February 2009.

The coordinators for the course are
Dr.V.S.S.Prasad, Jr. Faculty,
AMR-APARD
([email protected], Mobile 9912313135)

and
Mr.P.Narendra Babu, Associate Professor,
TISS Hyderabad
([email protected], mobile: 9440169713)

Commissioner, AMR-APARD
Tel: 040-24015959, Fax: 040-24017005

Download the whole brochure here (PDF - 161)