KU Hosts National Conference on Rural Development, Emphasises Role of RGSA

Srinagar: The Department of Social Work, University of Kashmir (KU), inaugurated a two-day national conference on “Rural Development in India with Special Reference to Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA)” at the University’s Main Campus.
The conference focused on evaluating grassroots governance systems, capacity-building under RGSA, and strengthening community participation in rural development initiatives.
In her presidential address, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, stressed the need for linking academic knowledge with ground realities. “Strengthening grassroots institutions is essential for ensuring meaningful development. Universities must contribute through research rooted in field realities,” she said.
Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, highlighted that dialogue on RGSA enhances academic understanding of evolving Panchayati Raj requirements.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Bipin Jojo, Dean, School of Social Work, TISS Mumbai, emphasised integrating community-led models into rural development programmes, while also underlining the need for consistent institutional support.
Speaking on the occasion, Shabir Hussain Bhat (JKAS), Director, Rural Development Department, Kashmir, reiterated the role of RGSA in boosting the capacities of local bodies in the region. A departmental report on RGSA, prepared by the Department of Social Work, KU, was also released during the event. Prof. Shazia Manzoor, Head of the Department, and Dr. Adil Bashir, conference convener, highlighted that the event was aimed at bringing researchers, practitioners and students together to deliberate on policy implementation and field experiences in rural development.
The two-day programme featured paper presentations, panel discussions and interactive sessions on Panchayati Raj, rural governance, capacity-building models and community-centric interventions. Prior to the conference, the Department conducted an RGSA training programme led by Dheeraj, Lead Programmes, Praxis New Delhi, to familiarise participants with PRA tools and rural governance frameworks.