Role of Polytechnics in Community Development in Jharkhand

The community polytechnic programme is a national programme sponsored by the Ministry of Human Resources Development of Government of India to ensure a fair share of benefits of technical education and scientific research for the rural society. Based on the infrastructure, intellectual manpower, experience and capacity of the polytechnics, such institutions were entrusted with community polytechnic programme for their active involvement in the process of rural development. These institutions are expected to act as focal points for technology transfer and promotion of local innovativeness in rural areas. In the State of Jharkhand, appropriate technology may be transferred to the rural people for the sustainable growth of that area. Despite its achievement, the rural masses are not being benefited as has been expected. In order to identify the gap, this research study has been undertaken. An attempt has been made to evaluate the role of polytechnics of Jharkhand (India) in community development. The study reveals that various training programmes have benefited a large number of respondents. It is only after proper need assessment, the programmes can be successfully organised in a meaningful way. Technology transfer and technical-support services are the most urgent components to be diffused in rural areas of Jharkhand. Technical-support services, technology transfer, and need assessment are the prime areas of concern of the community polytechnic programme. By making the local villagers more aware of S&T inputs, the impact level can be further improved.