Empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions for Promoting Primary, Reproductive and Child Health Care Programme

Agency : CIDA, New Delhi

It was a two-year operations research project. The project was implemented in collaboration with a local NGO at Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan. The project was based on the premise that to build ownership of PRIs for developmental activities it was desirable that technical and managerial support be provided for a reasonable period of time along with training. The main objectives of this operations research study were:

  • To build technical and managerial capabilities of the members of panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) and to promote reproductive and child health care programmes in collaboration with public sector health care institutions
  • To provide technical and managerial support to PRIs for planning and carrying out innovative activities to promote RCH care of all people in collaboration with public sector health care institutions

The project has succeeded in developing a framework for involvement of PRIs in the Reproductive and Child Health Programme. Over 2000 members of panchayats were provided orientation training on their role and responsibilities in promoting reproductive and child health care in collaboration with public sector health care institutions. Ten selected panchayats were provided specific management and technical inputs to undertake innovative activities to promote the Reproductive and Child Health Care Programme. An assessment of the impact of interventions indicates that ongoing regular support has enabled panchayats to assume responsibilities for supervising developmental activities and undertaking innovative programmes on their own. It has significantly contributed to the improvement in the health scenario at the village level.


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