From Skill Development to Self-Reliance: Malti Inspires Rural Women

14 August 2026, Chhota Banki (Gulmuri, East Singhbhum): Twenty-one-year-old Malti Singh is emerging as an inspiring example of women’s empowerment through skill development and local livelihood opportunities.

About a year ago, she joined the Sunahari Jute Bag Production Kendra, established by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) under Model Village Project Chhota Banki with support of Cummins India Foundation, where she received training in jute bag production, along with leadership, communication and teamwork skills.

Today, Malti earns around ₹300–400 per day, supports her college education and contributes to her family’s income. She also supervises production and trains SHG members and institutions such as Tata Steel Foundation.

Her journey is inspiring other women in Chhota Banki to pursue livelihoods within the village rather than migrate for daily wage work.

Malti’s story demonstrates how skills, guidance and local livelihood opportunities can build confidence, dignity and self-reliance among rural women.

World Tribal Day Special: Tribal Women of Khunti Write a New Chapter of Self-Reliance

09 August 2026, Khunti (Jharkhand): On World Tribal Day, the tribal women of Murhu block in Khunti are demonstrating how collective ownership, traditional knowledge and women-led entrepreneurship can transform rural livelihoods.

Promoted by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) and Collectives for Integrated Livelihood Initiatives (CInI) – Tata Trusts, the Murhu Nari Shakti Kisan Producer Company Ltd. (MNSKPCL) has emerged as a strong example of tribal women-led economic empowerment.

More than 3,766 tribal women are shareholders and owners of the company, while over 8,113 farmers benefit from its services. Registered on 5 March 2018, MNSKPCL has an all-women Board of Directors that takes key decisions related to procurement, processing, marketing and financial management.

The company’s annual turnover has grown from ₹48 lakh in 2018–19 to ₹6.11 crore in 2025–26, with a target of ₹6.78 crore for 2026–27.

MNSKPCL is adding value to traditional products and livelihoods through Kodo millet flour, lac bangles and handicrafts, tamarind, mango, jackfruit, paddy, vegetables, goat, pig and poultry rearing, and fisheries.

The initiative has contributed significantly to household incomes. 4,620 families have achieved annual incomes above ₹1.20 lakh, while 6,690 families are engaged in two or more livelihood activities. In addition, 66 rural micro-entrepreneurs have been developed.

The journey reflects a wider transformation: tribal women are no longer merely beneficiaries of development programmes—they are shareholders, entrepreneurs and decision-makers shaping their own economic future. Their collective success demonstrates how sustained mentoring, local leadership and community ownership can create lasting pathways to self-reliance.

LNJP Eye Hospital Organises Eye Screening Camps for Senior Citizens and Students

07 August 2026, Hazaribagh: A series of free eye screening camps were organised by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK)-run LokNayak JayaPrakash Eye Hospital (LNJPEH), Bahera (Chouparan), in collaboration with Sightsavers India, to provide accessible eye care to senior citizens and students in Hazaribagh.

An eye screening camp was organised at Muskan Senior Citizen Home, Sarouni, where the eyes of 22 elderly persons were examined. Of them, 8 persons were provided spectacles, while 8 were diagnosed with cataract. Medicines were provided to all the beneficiaries.

Subsequently, another eye screening camp was organised at the Old Age Home at Sarle, near SP Kothi. A total of 15 elderly persons underwent eye examinations. Five persons received spectacles, while 7 were found to have cataract. Medicines were provided to 12 elderly persons. All cataract patients have been referred to LNJP Eye Hospital, where they will receive free cataract surgery.

A free eye screening camp had also been organised at the University College of Engineering & Technology (UCET) on the previous day. The camp screened 319 students, teachers and staff members. Spectacles were provided to 185 persons with the support of the Vision Foundation of India, while one person was diagnosed with cataract.

The camp at UCET received active support from its Director Dr. A.K. Sinha and NSS Programme Officer Dr. Khemlal Mahto.

The camps were conducted with the significant contribution of Keerti Rawat, Coordinator, NBJK-Sightsavers Rural Eye Health Programme; Vikant Singh, Senior Optometrist, LNJP Eye Hospital; Ayush Kumar; Krish Singh; and the medical team of LNJP Eye Hospital.

Through such outreach initiatives, LNJP Eye Hospital and its partners are working to ensure that timely eye screening, spectacles, medicines and cataract treatment reach people who may otherwise have limited access to essential eye care.

Lac Handicraft Processing Unit Empowers Rural Women and Preserves Jharkhand’s Traditional Craft

06 August 2026, Khunti: The Lac Handicraft Processing Unit, functioning under the aegis of Murhu Nari Shakti Kisan Producer Company Limited (MNSKPCL) in Khunti district, Jharkhand, continues to emerge as a successful model of women-led entrepreneurship by promoting value addition to lac and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural women artisans.

Khunti district is naturally rich in lac resources, and the initiative has effectively harnessed this local potential by transforming raw lac into attractive handcrafted jewellery, accessories and decorative items with growing demand in both domestic and export markets. The enterprise not only enhances the economic value of lac but also preserves the state’s rich tradition of lac craftsmanship.

The initiative was initially established with the support of the ONGC Foundation under the CInI Lakhpati Kisan flagship programme and technical facilitation by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK). Today, it has evolved into a self-sustaining enterprise managed by Murhu Nari Shakti Kisan Producer Company Limited (MNSKPCL), a Farmer Producer Company promoted by NBJK and facilitated by CInI–Tata Trusts.

During the financial year 2025–26, the Lac Handicraft Processing Unit recorded sales of Rs. 1.83 lakh, reflecting increasing customer appreciation for its eco-friendly, handcrafted and value-added lac products.

Beyond generating income, the initiative has significantly strengthened the skills and confidence of rural women artisans, enabling them to become entrepreneurs while contributing to the local economy. Through vibrant, uniquely designed lac products and improved market linkages, the enterprise is successfully blending traditional craftsmanship with modern market opportunities, creating a sustainable livelihood model for tribal and rural communities in Jharkhand.

Gandhi House Wins Girls’ Inter-House Basketball Championship at SPBPS

04 August 2026, Bahera (Chouparan, Hazaribagh): The Girls’ Inter-House Basketball Competition at Surekha Prakash Bhai Public School, Bahera, run by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) and affiliated with the CBSE, concluded with an exciting and closely contested final.

The competition was inaugurated by the school’s Principal, Ms. Reena Pandey, with the ceremonial toss. In the semi-final matches, Gandhi House defeated Tagore House, while Subhash House overcame JP House to secure their places in the final.

The title clash between Gandhi House and Subhash House witnessed an intense battle, with both teams displaying determination, skill and team spirit. Gandhi House eventually emerged victorious, defeating Subhash House 12–8 to lift the championship trophy.

Mary Kumari of Gandhi House was adjudged Player of the Tournament for her outstanding performance throughout the competition. Her contribution, along with the commendable efforts of Roshi Kumari, Dolly Kumari, Sneha Kumari, Aaroshi, Anchal, Vaishnavi, Navya, Divya, Rupa, Pratigya and Sakshi Kumari, played an important role in Gandhi House’s victory.

Principal Ms. Reena Pandey presented trophies to the winning and runner-up teams. Appreciating the students’ performance, she said that their discipline, talent and enthusiasm on the basketball court were highly commendable.

The competition provided the students with an opportunity to demonstrate not only their sporting abilities but also the values of teamwork, discipline, confidence and sportsmanship.

NBJK Serves 16,822 Nutritious Meals to School Children under Feeding India Programme

01 August 2026, Chouparan (Hazaribagh): Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), with support from Eternal Foundation through the Feeding India programme, served 8,411 breakfasts and an equal number of lunches to school children during the period from 16 to 31 July 2026. Thus, a total of 16,822 nutritious meals were provided during the fortnight.

The initiative covered four schools associated with NBJK. Amoli Apurva High School, Mangarh, is run directly by NBJK, while Amoli Apurva Middle School, Bahera; Amoli Apurva Middle School, Prajapat Nagar; and Chandrakala Devi Daga High School, Kewaaliya are run under the aegis of NBJK’s sister organization, Nav Bharat Jagriti Trust.

During the period, the schools received the following number of breakfasts and lunches:

• Amoli Apurva High School, Mangarh: 7,036
• Amoli Apurva Middle School, Bahera: 4,046
• Amoli Apurva Middle School, Prajapat Nagar: 3,220
• Chandrakala Devi Daga High School, Kewaaliya: 2,500

The meals are designed to provide children with nutritious and wholesome food during school hours. Breakfast consists of sprouted gram or green gram with milk, while lunch includes rice, pulses and vegetables.

The programme is contributing to better nutrition among school-going children and supporting their regular participation in education. Parents and members of the local community have expressed their appreciation for the initiative, recognizing the value of providing nutritious meals to children from the surrounding communities.

NBJK appreciates the support of Eternal Foundation and Feeding India in making this initiative possible.

NBJK Distributes Breeding Goats to 300 Farmers under SBI Gram Seva Project

31 July 2026, Jamtara: Under the SBI Gram Seva Project, supported by SBI Foundation, Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) organized a large-scale livestock distribution event at the Gram Seva Kendra in Mahishakhura village, Jamtara district, Jharkhand. The initiative aims to strengthen rural livelihoods, reduce poverty and promote financial independence among low-income families.

As part of the initiative, healthy and vaccinated breeding goats were distributed to 300 selected farmers. The livestock were carefully selected and suited to local climatic conditions, enabling beneficiaries to develop a reliable and sustainable source of income through animal husbandry.

Dr. Manoj Kumar, Touring Veterinary Officer, Fatehpur block, and Shri Santosh Tudu, Mukhiya, Bamandiha Gram Panchayat, attended the programme as Chief Guests. The mobile medical team working under the project was also present to conduct community health check-ups and provide follow-up support.

The SBI Gram Seva Project is operational in five villages—Mahishakhura, Turka, Bamandiha, Karjori and Dudhani—of Bamandiha Panchayat in Fatehpur block, Jamtara district. The project promotes integrated rural development through interventions in education, healthcare, sanitation, livelihoods, women’s empowerment, youth development, animal husbandry and agriculture, with the vision of developing sustainable model villages.

Through such livelihood interventions, NBJK and SBI Foundation are helping rural families build productive assets and strengthen their capacity for long-term economic resilience.

Solar Irrigation Transforms Tribal Farmer’s Livelihood in Ranchi

30 July 2026, Ranchi: Solar-powered irrigation is helping tribal farmer Mr. Bablu Bhagat of Karkat village, Chanho block, improve farm productivity and household income under the PM-KUSUM Scheme, facilitated through the HDFC Bank Parivartan Program implemented by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK).

A farmer for over 15 years, Bablu earlier cultivated 1.5 acres of land with maize and finger millet, relying mainly on erratic rainfall and unreliable electricity. His annual agricultural income was around Rs. 25,000.

After learning about PM-KUSUM through a Village Development Committee (VDC) meeting, Bablu received a 2 HP solar irrigation pump after contributing Rs. 5,000 as his beneficiary share. Reliable irrigation enabled him to expand cultivation to 3 acres and diversify into vegetables such as cauliflower, chilli, coriander, pumpkin and grafted tomato.

Vegetable cultivation has generated an additional income of around Rs. 80,000, significantly strengthening his family’s livelihood. The solar pump is also benefiting four other VDC members, who collectively irrigate an additional 2 acres, demonstrating the value of community-managed resources and climate-resilient farming.

“The solar pump provides reliable irrigation throughout the year, allowing me to grow vegetables, increase my income and support my family with confidence,” says Bablu.

VRBEH Deoghar Conducts 11 Outreach Eye Camps, Screens 338 Patients

28 July 2026, Deoghar: Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital (VRBEH), Deoghar, run by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), conducted 11 outreach eye screening camps between 27 June and 27 July 2026 in remote villages across Banka, Jamui and Deoghar districts.

The camps provided eye care services to 338 OPD patients, detecting 131 cataract cases and 142 refractive error cases. Besides, 15 pterygium cases were identified, 27 patients received medicines and 23 patients were referred to the base hospital for advanced treatment.

All cataract patients identified through the camps will receive free surgery along with travel, food, medicines, black goggles and post-operative follow-up, with support from Kotak Neo and Seva Foundation. Spectacles for patients with refractive errors are being supported by Sarva Mangal Trust.

During the same period, VRBEH’s Vision Centre at Jamua, Giridih, treated 188 eye patients, including 130 with refractive errors, and identified 18 cataract cases.

In another significant achievement, on 9 July, the VRBEH team successfully managed and operated a full-thickness corneal rupture, demonstrating the hospital’s capacity to provide specialised and emergency eye care.

Through its outreach initiatives and Vision Centre network, VRBEH continues to bring accessible and quality eye care closer to underserved communities.

Community Health Workers Trained on Eye Health and Inclusion under Netra Vasant Programme

25 July 2026, Keredari, Hazaribagh: A one-day training programme on Eye Health and Inclusion was organised under the aegis of the CLF Livelihood Organisation, Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS) on 23^rd July at the Panchayat Bhawan, Keredari, as an activity of the Netra Vasant – Rural Eye Health Programme, implemented by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) with the support of Sightsavers India.

The training brought together 57 participants, including Sahiyas, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), health workers, Panchayat members and Gender Community Resource Persons (CRPs). The programme aimed to strengthen community-level capacity for the early identification of eye diseases and to promote inclusive access to quality eye care services.

During the training, participants were oriented on cataract identification, referral mechanisms, community-based eye care services and the importance of enhancing women’s participation in eye health initiatives. Discussions also focused on achieving the goal of eliminating avoidable blindness through village-level household surveys and the organisation of community eye screening camps. Cataract patients identified during these activities will be referred to the Community Health Centre for primary examination and subsequently to LNJP Eye Hospital, Chauparan, or Sadar Hospital, Hazaribagh, for cataract surgery, wherever required.

The technical sessions were facilitated by Mr. Vipin Kumar and Mr. Akash Kumar, who highlighted the crucial role of frontline health workers in ensuring timely detection and referral of patients with visual impairment.

The programme was attended by Mrs. Anju Devi, Mukhiya of Keredari Panchayat; Mr. Kirti Rawat, District Programme Officer, Rural Eye Health Programme; Mr. Sadanand Kumar; and other stakeholders, who appreciated the initiative and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening community participation in preventing avoidable blindness and ensuring inclusive eye health services for all.