This research paper explores the critical interface between Gram Panchayats (GPs) and Self Help Groups (SHGs) in rural development and poverty reduction in India. Article 243G of the Constitution empowers GPs with the authority for local planning and implementation of schemes. The Fourteenth Finance Commission grants in 2015 provided GPs with an opportunity for independent development planning. The People’s Plan Campaign (PPC) introduced the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP), enabling citizens and elected representatives to collaborate in decentralized planning. The paper focuses on integrating Village Poverty Reduction Plans (VPRPs), prepared by SHGs and federations under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), with the GPDP. VPRPs allow poor families, through SHGs, to participate and project their demands for local area development. The VPRPs encompass five major components: social inclusion, entitlement, livelihoods, public goods and services, and resource development. Training for State Missions on VPRP is discussed, with ready-to-use tools and a phased approach for effective implementation. This research highlights the potential of convergence between DAY-NRLM and Panchayati Raj Institutions, empowering marginalized communities in their development initiatives. The integration of VPRPs with GPDPs fosters a participatory approach, addressing local development needs and promoting social inclusion, contributing to the holistic transformation of rural India.

Keywords: Rural development, Gram Panchayats, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Village Poverty Reduction Plans (VPRPs), Convergence, Participatory planning

The current study was carried out in Kashmir valley during 2022-23 to explore the impacts of hostel life on the behavior, and personality of the students staying in hostels. A well designed validated questionnaire was used to collect the information from 400 respondents chosen at random from different hostels of Kashmir valley where students stay. The data collected was analyzed statistically which revealed that hostels have great importance in the educational journey. Hostel is a mixture of multicultural social group so Hostel life expands the social circle of the students staying in hostel. The study revealed that majority of respondents were of the opinion that Hostel life increases confidence, Enhances management abilities, improves ones punctuality, helps one to become emotionally strong, boosts confidence and improves academic performance. Hostel life increases the students’ level of patience and prepares them to accept challenges in real life outside the hostel. Statistically, non-significant difference in the opinion of male and female respondents was observed regarding academic performance and staying in hostel (P>0.05) Further, significant difference in the opinion of rural and urban respondents was observed (P<0.01) in satisfaction level whereas statistically, significant difference in the opinion of students from joint and nuclear families was observed regarding satisfaction level in hostel (P<0.01). It was found that the food was stored in hygienic conditions in majority of hostels and there were few minor issues related food chart in some hostels due to financial constraints. The majority of students during discussion revealed that they are provided good environment, basic medical facility, transport facility, electricity, sports facility, furniture, water facility and internet facility. The hostel management and students had good understanding. The girl students were satisfied in staying in hostel as they were not feeling insure in any hostel surveyed. The researchers finally suggested that parents as well as the management should frequently visit hostels to support students and watch their routine activities.

Keywords: Kashmir, Hostel Life, Students, Discipline, Personality, Behaviour, Statistics