Once a day-long ordeal has become a seamless experience for the community of Neechkohra village. This small village in the Rajanandgaon district of Chhattisgarh, and home to a population of 946, primarily consisting of tribal and agricultural families, has overcome the long-faced barriers to accessing essential government services. By establishing Common Service Centres and equipping local youth with essential skills, Caritas India’s Gram Nirman program has helped in bridging the gap between the community and government resources, creating a brighter future for all.

With no Common Service Centre (CSC) nearby, villagers often had to travel three kilometers to access online services, a journey that consumed an entire day. However, the Caritas India Gram Nirman Program is transforming this reality, complementing the Indian government’s efforts under Atmanirbhar Bharat and Skill India initiatives.
The challenge of unemployment among youth in India is a pressing concern. The government has launched various programs, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Skill India Mission, aimed at empowering young people to become self-sufficient. Yet, these initiatives require local support and implementation to truly make an impact. This is where Caritas India steps in.

Through its innovative ABCD (Asset-Based Community Development) approach, the Gram Nirman Program focuses on empowering youth by bridging the gap between the community and government services. By facilitating access to schemes and resources, the program enables young people to harness their skills for self-employment. The initiative has engaged with local youth through peer learning, vocational training, and networking with government departments, creating a robust support system for aspiring entrepreneurs.

One inspiring story from this initiative is that of Mr. Kedarnath Yadav, a young man from Neechkohra who participated in the skill development training offered by Caritas India. With a keen interest in technology, Kedarnath honed his computer skills through the program. During a meeting of the Rajiv Yuva Mitan Club, the Gram Nirman Project team introduced the youth to the idea of establishing a Common Service Centre in their village. This initiative aimed to provide essential online services to the community, thereby reducing the need for long and arduous journeys to access government schemes.

Encouraged by the Caritas India team, Kedarnath applied for a CSC ID, a pivotal step towards establishing his own service centre. In April 2024, he launched the Common Service Centre, which quickly became a vital resource for the villagers. The centre now offers a range of online services, including assistance with government examinations, Aadhar registration, and various certificate downloads.

Kedarnath’s venture has not only provided him with a steady income—earning between ₹300 and ₹350 daily—but has also significantly benefited the entire community. Villagers no longer have to travel long distances to access essential services; they can now do so within their own village. This accessibility has fostered a sense of empowerment among the community members, who now feel more connected to government resources.

The impact of the Gram Nirman Program extends beyond individual success stories like Kedarnath’s. By creating local employment opportunities, the initiative helps reduce migration to urban areas, thereby strengthening the local economy. Caritas India’s efforts to equip youth with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge are instrumental in enhancing their standard of living.

Moreover, the partnership with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) further amplifies the program’s reach, providing additional training, workshops, and support for placements. This collaboration underscores the importance of a multi-faceted approach to youth empowerment, where government, NGOs, and communities work hand in hand.