Centre for Research in Schemes & Policies (CRISP)

As another remarkable year unfolds, we’re proud to share a special milestone for CRISP! Over the past year, we’ve been capturing our journey—milestones achieved, impactful initiatives, and our expansion across 9 states in India—through our monthly newsletter, MAASAM. This month marks one year of MAASAM, a testament to our commitment to keeping you informed and inspired. The January edition is now live, filled with highlights that reflect our relentless pursuit of our vision and mission. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gvtmAdpc Thank you for being a part of our story. Here’s to many more years of growth and innovation together! We’ve also curated all our previous editions of MAASAM to make your reading easier and to help you revisit our journey over the past year. Feel free to explore them and let us know your thoughts, feedback, or favourite moments in the comments—we’d love to hear from you! 1. January https://lnkd.in/guXENkaC 2. February https://lnkd.in/gqgxJhFf 3. March https://lnkd.in/gJp_2nUu 4. April https://lnkd.in/gEDr4t5w 5. May https://lnkd.in/gWYkn7es 6. June https://lnkd.in/gsHUgd5e 7. July https://lnkd.in/gTRbXcDF 8. August https://lnkd.in/g7aQvQGy 9. September https://lnkd.in/guqXHzR4 10. October https://lnkd.in/gUtEaHD6 11. November https://lnkd.in/g9zwvSsR 12. December https://lnkd.in/gUK6ezKS

Today marks a major milestone in CRISP's journey, as the 10 CRISP Fellows of 2023 graduate with flying colors after two years of dedicated work. Their efforts have resulted in the publication of over 10 reports, grounded in evidence collected directly from the field. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Akho Phira, Rahul Abrol, Divya Malakar, Ashutosh Kumar Singh, Arjoma M., Surbhi Kak, Neha Ashar, Harshitha Jagadish, Hashir P.V, and Daksha Jain. Your unwavering commitment and resilience in overcoming challenges have shaped CRISP into what it is today. Together, we have learned invaluable lessons about driving systemic change from within. These lessons will undoubtedly serve you well in your future endeavors, while the work you leave behind will continue to guide and inspire CRISP in the years to come. CRISP wishes you all the very best in your future careers! R SUBRAHMANYAM #CRISPFellowship

Happy to announce Centre for Research in Schemes & Policies (CRISP)'s partnership with The Convergence Foundation to launch the Centre for Higher Education Quality Upgradation and Excellence (CHEQUE) to address critical issues in higher education: quality and employability. It would also address challenges such as low enrolment, outdated curricula, inadequate research, and academic outcomes. Initially, it would take up (100) unaccredited institutions for quality improvement through the Affiliating Universities. The CHEQUE approach seeks to implement systemic reforms by empowering affiliated universities to enhance academic oversight. By involving respected academicians as Academic Mentors, the project aims to uplift academic outcomes and employability in non-accredited government and aided colleges. Project Highlights: ✅ Pilot in 5 universities, covering 100 colleges, and benefiting over 1.5 lakh students from socially and economically weaker backgrounds. ✅ Integration of apprenticeship-embedded degree programs under CRISP’s NISHE initiative to boost employability. ✅ Faculty capacity building via Faculty Development Programmes and fostering research on local issues. ✅ Enhanced campus vibrancy through student activities, driving attendance and skill development. With this MoU and TCF’s support, CHEQUE is set to redefine the landscape of Indian Higher Education, ensuring inclusive growth and opportunities for the next generation. CRISP thanks the TCF leadership, which is represented by the operating partners Mr Subramanian KR and Bikkrama Daulet Singh. R SUBRAHMANYAM | Akhil Ravella #HigherEducation #AcademicExcellence #CRISP #ConvergenceFoundation #EducationReform

We are delighted to share that Sri S.M. Vijayanand, President of CRISP, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Committee constituted by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India Official. The Committee aims to enhance the quality and effectiveness of Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs), contributing significantly to grassroots development and governance.

🔔 Exciting Update: CRISP Fellowships 2025 – Additional Openings! In response to new organizational requirements, we’re thrilled to announce 2 additional Fellowship positions in the CRISP Fellowships 2025 program: 📍 Karnataka – 1 position – National Initiative for Skill Integrated Higher Education (NISHE) 📍 Andhra Pradesh – 1 position – National Initiative for Skill Integrated Higher Education (NISHE) If you’ve already applied and are interested in these new opportunities, you are welcome to submit a fresh application for these States, provided you meet the criteria and are familiar with the local language. ⚠️ Please note: The application deadline remains unchanged: 20th December 2024. With CRISP Fellowships, you’ll work on transformative projects such as: ✨ National Initiative for Skill Integrated Higher Education (NISHE) ✨ Inclusive Livelihoods Programme (BRAC) ✨ Grassroots Level Institutions Strengthening and Transformation (GIST) ✨ Centre for Higher Education Quality Upgradation and Excellence (CHEQUE) ✨ Quality and Universal Access for ECCE through Systemic Transformation (QUEST) Join us in driving systemic change and shaping the future of the social sector. 🔗 Apply today : https://lnkd.in/gNjmP8Wd #CRISPFellowship #CRISPIndia #SocialImpact #PublicPolicy #Leadership #SkillDevelopment #HigherEducation The Convergence Foundation | R SUBRAHMANYAM

Happy to share that the Umed-Maharashtra State Rural Livelihoods Mission, the Government of Maharashtra, has launched Maha-Samruddhi (“Greater Prosperity”), an adaptation of graduation inspired inclusive livelihoods program (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY - NRLM) supported samaveshi aajeevika). BRAC International is supporting Umed in this new journey.   Thank you to the State Mission Director RUCHESH JAIVANSHI and Chief Operating Officer PARMESHWAR RAUT of UMED for their leadership. Many thanks also to the former Chief Secretary of Maharashtra Sitaram Kunte, and Centre for Research in Schemes & Policies (CRISP) team for their partnership.   The launch featured experts like the Additional Commissioner, Tribal Development Department Ms Supriya Chavan, General Manager Samriti Bhagat of NABARD, the Deputy Vice President of TATA AIG Prashant Chopde and the Asia Pacific Head of Trickle Up Sushant Verma. BRAC Ultra-Poor Graduation Initiative Smriti Sharan Ajit Ranjan Jafreen Hussain Mona Dave Gregory Chen.

We are delighted to announce that Centre for Research in Schemes & Policies (CRISP) and the Government of Odisha have signed an MoU to strengthen collaboration in the social sector, encompassing Higher Education, Employability, Poverty Alleviation, Tribal Development, and Panchayati Raj. Under this MoU, the following key projects will be implemented: 1️⃣ Strengthening Grassroots Institutions: Enhancing SHGs' capacity and ensuring their convergence with Gram Panchayats. This includes localizing SDGs, protecting common property resources (commons), and leveraging MGNREGS for convergent action. 2️⃣ Improving Employability in Higher Education: Introducing apprenticeship-embedded degree programs to bridge the gap between education and employability, particularly in technical education. 3️⃣ Livelihood Development for the Poorest: Strategizing identification and entitlement provision for the poorest households and designing livelihood interventions using district-level mining development funds. 4️⃣ Strengthening Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE): Enhancing the Anganwadi system by designing a scheme for an additional educator in each Anganwadi, and providing comprehensive training for ICDS leadership and Anganwadi teachers. 5️⃣ Reforming School Education: Focusing on improving academic outcomes in middle schools, teacher training, and introducing vocational education programs in schools. 6️⃣ Reducing Distress Migration: Designing impactful programs to address and mitigate distress migration from Odisha. 7️⃣ Evaluating and Strengthening Tribal Development Programs: Conducting in-depth evaluations of tribal education programs and providing strategic advice for their improvement. Our teams at CRISP are already working on detailed action plans for these initiatives. To ensure seamless execution, an expert team comprising members from CRISP and the Government of Odisha will be operational from 1st February 2025. With this partnership, Odisha becomes the 12th State where CRISP is supporting State Governments in transformative initiatives. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Chief Secretary Shri Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Smt. Anu Garg, and all the proactive Secretaries of the Government of Odisha for their support and collaboration. Together, we are committed to driving sustainable development and making a tangible impact on the ground. R SUBRAHMANYAM | The Convergence Foundation | Government of Odisha

CRISP and Govt of Odisha signed an MoU today for partnership in the social sector covering Higher Education, Employability, Poverty alleviation, tribal development and Panchayat Raj. The following projects will be taken up under this MoU: a)   Strengthening the grassroot level institutions like SHGs and their convergence with gram panchayats, localising SDGs and protection of common property resources (commons) through convergent action and use of MGNREGS. b)   Improving employability in the higher education including technical education through the apprenticeship embedded degree programmes. c)   Strategy for identification, provision of entitlements and designing of livelihoods for the poorest of poor households, using the mining development funds available in the districts. d)   Strengthening the ECCE component of Anganwadi system through various means including preparing a scheme for placing an additional educator in each Anganwadi and also training the ICDS leadership and the Anganwadi teachers. e)   School Education reforms including improving the academic outcomes in middle schools, teacher training and vocational education in schools.  f)     Design programmes for reducing distress migration from Odisha. g)   Evaluation of the tribal development programmes including education programmes and strategic advice for improving the same. CRISP teams are already working on detailed action plans covering these areas. CRISP will also be setting up an expert team with Govt of Odisha from 1st Feb 2025 for operationalising these projects.   Odisha is the 12th State in which CRISP teams are supporting State Govts. Thanking the CS (Manoj Ahuja) and DC (Anu Garg) and all Secretaries of Govt for their proactive actions.  The Convergence Foundation

🌟 Announcing CRISP Fellowships 2025! 🌟 Since its inception in 2023, the CRISP Fellowship has become a beacon for passionate young professionals eager to make a mark in the social sector. Our inaugural cohort of 12 Fellows, graduating this December, has set the bar high—contributing impactful publications, managing transformative projects, and collaborating with 7 State Governments. Guided by our Founding Members, they’ve gained invaluable experience and insight into driving change at scale. We are proud to share that half of this cohort will be joining CRISP full-time, recognizing their exceptional contributions and preparing to lead upcoming initiatives. Now, it’s YOUR turn to join this inspiring journey. The application process for the CRISP Fellowships 2025 is officially open! 🔹 What’s new this year? We’re prioritizing candidates from public policy institutions and individuals with relevant experience or exposure to our 5 key projects. 🔹 Why apply? • Collaborate with the best minds in the social sector. • Be mentored by accomplished civil servants. • Contribute to impactful projects with lasting value. 📅 Key Dates: • Applications Open: 2nd December • Applications Close: 20th December If you’re a committed young professional ready to make a difference, we want YOU to be part of this transformative experience. For more details and to apply, please check the link. Apply now and be part of the change! 🔗https://lnkd.in/gNjmP8Wd The Convergence Foundation R SUBRAHMANYAM #CRISPFellowship #SocialSector #PublicPolicy #Leadership #Impact #CRISPIndia

Centre for Research in Schemes & Policies (CRISP) and Living Landscapes have come together to collaborate on the GIST (Grassroots level Institutions Strengthening and Transformation), an initiative by CRISP. This collaboration aims to drive ecologically sustainable and inclusive rural development by empowering grassroots institutions and promoting decentralized, community-led governance. GIST will focus on building the capacities of Grama Panchayats and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), which will be implemented in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, and Odisha. Together, we aim to converge efforts with State Governments and SRLMs to develop Gram Panchayat Development Plans that foster clean, green, and poverty-free villages. This partnership marks a significant step towards strengthening local governance and creating sustainable rural communities. R SUBRAHMANYAM Jagdeesh Puppala Ministry of Rural Development, GoI Dr.Vijaya Raghavan #Sustainability #RuralDevelopment #GrassrootsEmpowerment #CommunityGovernance