Ramanan Ramanathan

Rural poverty in India is a complex issue, and several socioeconomic factors contribute to it. The key determinants include: #Dependency #Ratio Households with a higher dependency ratio, meaning more non-working members, are more likely to be poor * #Education Lower levels of education, particularly years of schooling, significantly impact #poverty levels -* #Occupation* #Engagement in low-paying or unstable occupations contributes to poverty #Gender of Household Head Female-headed households are more vulnerable to poverty Per #Capita Monthly Income Lower income levels directly affect poverty status #Access to #Credit Limited access to credit and financial services exacerbates poverty - #Caste and #Tribe Poverty is disproportionately high among certain caste and tribe groups #Health and #Education Limited access to quality healthcare and education perpetuates poverty #Geographical #Location Remote or resource-scarce areas face unique challenges These factors intertwine, creating a poverty trap that's difficult to escape. For instance, limited #education options lead to lower-paying #jobs, reducing income and access to #credit, #healthcare, and #education. The 2024 #Global #Multidimensional #Poverty #Index report highlights that 84% of the world's poor live in rural areas, with India being one of the countries with the largest number of poor individuals. Addressing rural poverty requires a multifaceted approach, incorporating #education, #economic #empowerment, and social inclusion strategies. Reforming #policies and #programs, such as those supported by the UNAccc (UNITY OF NATIONS ACTION FOR CLIMATE CHANGE COUNCIL) , can play a crucial role in addressing these #socioeconomic determinants. Some potential solutions include: Improving Access to Education and Healthcare Investing in #qualityeducation and healthcare services in rural areas. #Economic #Empowerment Providing training, credit, and livelihood opportunities for rural households. #Social #Inclusion Addressing caste and tribe disparities through targeted programs. #Infrastructure #Development Enhancing rural infrastructure to facilitate access to markets and services. By understanding the complex interplay of #socioeconomic factors contributing to rural poverty in #India, we can work towards effective solutions to improve #livelihoods and #quality of #life. Narendra Modi NITI Aayog NITI Aayog Official Rajiv Kumar Rajiv Kumar UNAccc (UNITY OF NATIONS ACTION FOR CLIMATE CHANGE COUNCIL) Gottlieb W. Keller Neville Gaunt 💡⚡️ H.E. Sir Dr Ian Peter Anderson Prof. Amit Sharma (PhD) United Nations UN SDG Action Campaign

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My latest book on Rural Transformation in Tribal Domain

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"Digital Survey Of Crop: Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) Supported FPOs" Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Budget for 2024-25 in Parliament today, said that during this year, digital crop survey for Kharif using the DPI will be taken up in 400 districts. She said the details of 6 crore farmers and their lands will be brought into the farmer and land registries. We are glad to share that we have been actively onboarding FPOs and their farmers for informed decision making at FarmPrecise platform. A farmer app and App for FPO (supported with web based application system), are available at Playstore. The farmer app has been utilized by over 92,000 farmers and more than 15 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) have been onboarded to manage their farmers' crop data, monitor crop progress, sell products and services, and oversee crop procurement. This digitization has significantly benefited the FPOs. In the first year of the pilot run, the FPOs collectively achieved a turnover exceeding 18 crore INR. Our goal for the year 2024-25 is to onboard 50 new FPOs to this platform, digitize approximately 100,000 hectares of land, and link these FPOs to institutions for input and output businesses. Digitization is indeed crucial for the growth and sustainability of FPOs. ECOBARI Madhavi Kadrekar Emmanuel Murray Sandip Jadhav Partha Sarathi Biswas Ajay Shelke Samunnati Venky Ramachandran Om Routray Deepak Pareek Devinder Sharma NABARD - National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development ICAR- Indian Council of Agricultural Research ICRISAT CABI International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

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Privileged to be able to contribute to the development of the Public Affairs profession as part of the PAFI Advisory Board.

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Pleased to share my latest article, published in The ETGovernment - https://lnkd.in/gDJ4p5w3 In this piece, I explore the critical yet under-discussed link between climate change, disrupted education, and rising poverty levels. Climate-induced events like floods, droughts, and extreme weather conditions are not just environmental challenges—they are robbing millions of children of their right to education. Entire communities are being forced to prioritise survival over schooling, leading to a generational ripple effect that deepens poverty. Education has always been a powerful tool for social mobility, but climate disruptions are making it increasingly inaccessible for marginalised populations. Without access to schooling, children from vulnerable backgrounds are pushed further into the cycle of poverty, with limited prospects for economic empowerment. Climate action and education policy can no longer function in silos—they need to converge to safeguard the futures of millions of children. I look forward to your thoughts on the article and welcome ideas on how we can create a more resilient world where education remains a right, not a casualty. #ClimateChange #EducationForAll #SustainableDevelopment #PovertyAlleviation #ClimateResilience #FutureGenerations

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NGOs face a lot of challenges but continue to contribute significantly to the social sector. Being aware of some of the challenges is the first step towards resolving them. From my experience of nearly four decades, i list a few of them. #ngos #challenges #socialsector Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement GRAAM India Read my article at https://lnkd.in/gbK5BSAH

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10 reforms critical for achieving social development & economic growth agenda of next five years https://lnkd.in/gkh4CUE3

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The #6thQUADSummit and #WilmingtonDeclaration further underscored the importance of the #IndoPacific #FoIP and #Rulesbasedorder underpinning the collaborative paradigm while expanding the matrix of cooperation in new areas like #MAITRI #CancerMoonShot #CoastGuard that confirm Indian imprint as #PMModi refers to it as a #Force for #GlobalGood . wrote this with @AmbikaKhemka in the Firstpost https://lnkd.in/gRVUMq2S? Ministry of External Affairs, India

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Celebrating Social Responsibility Arun Arora, Director of Chetak foundation, along with senior industry leaders, government officials, bureaucrats, and academicians, launched *We the Responsible People* – 14th Indian Edition of CSR Good Book #SustainabilityInAction #CSRGoodBook #ResponsibleLeadership #ChetakGroup"

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State Good Governance Committee A Committee for Governance Support to Strengthen India www.rebuildindia.net India’s journey towards sustainable development covers a wide range of priorities, including poverty alleviation, employment, skill development, all-inclusive growth, gender equality, environmental protection and infrastructure development. Achieving these goals requires more than rhetoric; it requires concrete action, visionary leadership, effective good governance and structures. In response to these challenges, the initiative was taken to form the State Good Governance Committee, a pioneering effort aimed at advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals across the country. Led by Shri Nitin Mane, the committee is dedicated to promoting effective governance processes, planning and transparency and achieving sustainable development across the country. The objective of the State Good Governance Committee is to act as a convener and facilitator by bringing together diverse groups to share knowledge, resources and expertise. By fostering participation and encouraging active participation, the State Good Governance Committee strives to establish a strong good governance. Objectives 1. Promote effective governance 2. Align with Sustainable Development Goals 3. Engage stakeholders 4. Assist in capacity building 5. Provide support in governance projects 6. Harness innovation and technology 7. Ensure integrity and accountability 8. Support government initiatives 9. Streamline bureaucratic processes 10. Address emerging challenges 11. Advocate anti-corruption measures 12. Advance legislative and policy reforms 13. Ensure compliance with administrative guidelines 14. Enhance public outreach and citizen participation 15. Implement social audit processes Project sectors to work on • Environmental Protection • Education and Literacy • Health care and well-being • Women and Child Welfare • Community Development • Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment • Disaster Prevention and Management • Social Justice and Advocacy • Arts, Culture and Heritage • Technology and Innovation Opening for committee members • District President of District • Vice President of District • Honorary Member of Commitee • General Secretary Who can apply? • Citizen • Retired Government Officer • Government Officer on Contract • Elected Public Representative • Political Leader or Party Member • Social Activist • Businessman • Advocate or Judges • Member of Recognized International Organization • Academic Professional For detailed list of activities under State Good Governance Committee visit https://lnkd.in/dczJsj8H To apply visit https://lnkd.in/d5Duv4AH

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Most useful contemporary Course to strengthen the CSR ecosystem

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Harshit & I write that India's approach to #cooperative #federalism should evolve by linking #state #loans from the central #government to the improvement of #socialindicators, rather than just #economic metrics. While states have been granted increased borrowing limits during #pandemic crises, the focus has primarily been on fulfilling specific economic conditions rather than measuring social progress. The piece highlights the disparities in human development across states, particularly in the BIMARU+ regions, and suggest that tying financial assistance to improvements in social indicators could incentive states to prioritise effective #governance, address horizontal inequities, and ultimately lead to more inclusive and sustainable growth for the entire nation. https://lnkd.in/dM-8yF75 NDTV Profit #CooperativeFederalism #SocialIndicators #StateLoans #EconomicDevelopment #InclusiveGrowth #BIMARU #IndiaDevelopment #PolicyReform #SustainableGrowth #GoodGovernance

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This week, my article looks at how to adapt to the changing role of civil servants, particularly the IAS, as it expands beyond revenue collection, coordination, maintenance of order, and quasi-judicial work - to being called upon to deal more and more with complex changes. #Governance #CivilServices

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Strongly recommended

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India's rapid digital transformation is a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and equitable world. In just nine years, India has harnessed the power of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to leapfrog development challenges and improve the lives 1.4 billion people. From revolutionizing healthcare and agriculture to driving financial inclusion, India's #DPI model offers a blueprint for other countries to follow. A key focus of India’s #G20 Presidency last year, the Task Force on DPI, co-chaired by Amitabh Kant and Nandan Nilekani, has outlined a clear path forward for global DPI adoption. Let's build on India's success and work together to create a digitally empowered future for all. It’s encouraging to see that G20 has DPI as an important lever for digital governance and strengthening delivery for citizens. 

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**Ayushman Bharat: Expanding Healthcare Access in Bihar** Ayushman Bharat, India's flagship healthcare initiative, continues to transform the healthcare landscape across the nation. Bihar, with its unique challenges and opportunities, is emerging as a key player in this transformative journey. The state has witnessed a significant increase in hospital enrollments, reflecting the growing trust and participation of healthcare providers in the region. With over 316 hospitals enrolled under Ayushman Bharat in Bihar, we are witnessing a crucial shift towards accessible and affordable healthcare for millions. This momentum is not just a statistic—it’s a testament to the collaborative efforts of the government, healthcare providers, and community leaders who are driving this change. For development stakeholders—both national and international—Bihar’s progress under Ayushman Bharat is a case study in leveraging public health schemes to address regional disparities. It offers valuable insights into scaling healthcare initiatives in challenging environments, ensuring that no one is left behind. As we move forward, the focus must remain on strengthening these partnerships, enhancing the quality of services, and ensuring that every citizen in Bihar and beyond can access the healthcare they deserve. Let’s continue to build on this progress and work together towards a healthier, more equitable future. #AyushmanBharat #HealthcareForAll #Bihar #SustainableDevelopment #PublicHealth #GlobalHealth #UniversalHealthCoverage

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It was a privilege to speak last week at the CAG’s (Comptroller & Auditor General) unique workshop chaired by Shri Girish Chandra Murmu, CAG of India on Digital Public Infrastructure and Gender Divide. Based on my work in strengthening public health systems, I spoke about how such initiatives could practically bridge the gender divide. For the last 10 years I had worked at Dell implementing Digital Lifecare, a technology platform with Tata Trusts for the National Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) program of Health Ministry, Govt of India project that today has digitally enrolled over 400 million people. It’s concerning to see how NCDs like heart disease, diabetes, and cancers have become the major health burden in India, causing 66% of deaths and driving million into medical poverty annually NCDs are particularly challenging to manage due to their silent, chronic nature and the lifelong follow-ups they require. They disproportionately impact the poor, driven by risk factors like poor nutrition, tobacco & alcohol usage. The NCD program launched in 2018 preventively screens the entire adult population for five common NCDs, followed by diagnosis, treatment, and lifetime management. Technology is a key enabler of this program, enhancing productivity, efficiency, and patient tracking across providers and facilities. Over 1.2 million frontline health workers, ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) and ANMs (Auxiliary Nurse Midwives), provide these screening and follow-up services in villages and sub-health centers. They are all women, usually 8th to 12th grade education with minimal digital literacy. They manage populations of up to 5,000 people and carry a heavy workload including maternal and child health, communicable and NCDs. As someone deeply involved in the implementation of the National NCD Portal, I’ve advocated for designing technology that caters to female health workers’ needs and context. The National NCD Portal includes mobile apps that function offline, accommodating their door-to-door visits in areas with unreliable internet connectivity. These apps, available in 11 local languages, require minimal typing and data entry. Beyond data collection, these digital tools empower health workers by providing dashboards to monitor their progress, automated reports to save time on paperwork, and work plans listing individuals due for follow-ups. I've witnessed firsthand how adequate training and handholding can overcome initial hesitancy and resistance to learning new technology, resulting in increased digital adoption. ANMs have shared with me how they feel respected walking through their communities tablets in hand, updating patient records in real time. I truly believe that when designed sensitively and deployed with sufficient training and support, technology tools can empower frontline female health workers. #DigitalPublicInfrastructure #GenderDivide #NCD #India

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https://lnkd.in/gDtHjhXF Why coalition politics is good for democracy, writes Abhay Kumar in Sabrang India (July 5, 2024) #coalitiongovernment #democracy #indiapoliticsnews

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Policy Brief Update!!! Do you know that between FY 18- FY 20, 5 districts consistently reported the highest preterm birth incidence in #Maharashtra? To know more, visit: https://lnkd.in/gbbU5EUd #children #data #policy #India

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