Holistic Rural Development Program

2.Holistic Rural Development Program -PI015

Project Status: Ongoing

Partner: HDFC Bank CSR

Reach:2000 Farming Household 

Region: Behea and Shahpur Blocks, Bhojpur, Bihar.

Focus Areas :Child Protection and Education, Health and WASH, Livelihood and Skill Development, Women Empowerment, Natural Resource Management

Program Overview

HDFC Bank, in partnership with Bhartiya Jan Utthan Parishad (BJUP), has launched the

Holistic Rural Development Programme (HRDP) to address the socio-economic challenges

faced by rural communities in Shahpur and Bihiya blocks of Bhojpur district, Bihar. The

initiative is set to improve the quality of life for the residents of 15 villages, focusing on the

sectors of agriculture, livelihoods, health, education, and natural resource management.

The program will span over three years and six months, from October 2024 to March 2028.

These villages were primarily selected based on the alignment of HRDP activities such as millet processing,vegetable production, and other developmental initiatives. The primary beneficiaries of the HRDP are farmers, women entrepreneurs, youth, students, and marginalized communities living in the 15 target villages. The project has created measurable, positive changes in 15 villages, promoting an integrated model of rural development. It has strengthened local institutions, enhanced agricultural practices, improved health and sanitation conditions, supported marginalized women, and improved learning environments for children.

Approach

1. Four Focus Components: Education, Livelihood, Health & WASH, Natural Resource Management, Women Empowerment.
2. Activities for large and small groups as well as individuals.
3. Entrepreneurship development in the village.
4. Promotion of natural farming for livelihood improvement.
5. Infrastructural development to ensure accessibility of health and education.

Implementation:

Facilitated the formation, strengthening, and capacity building of Village Development Committees (VDCs) to promote community-led decision-making.

Awareness and promotion of soil testing to guide farmers on balanced fertilizer use and improve crop productivity.

Promotion of poultry farming, mushroom production units, kitchen gardening, intensive vegetable cultivation, and high-yield pulses to diversify income sources and enhance nutritional security.

Encouraging organic farming practicesthrough the establishment ofvermicompost pits at household and community levels.

Established farm field schools and organized training and exposure visits to provide hands-on learning and knowledge exchange.

Set up tool banks to improve access to farm equipment and reduce the cost of cultivation.

Installation of solar-based group irrigation systems to promote sustainable water management.

Supporting bedsheet manufacturing enterprises and other income-generating activities to create off-farm livelihood opportunities.

Implemented livelihood promotion programs with women’s groups, enabling financial independence and skill development.

Facilitating the formation of farmers’ collectives/cooperatives to strengthen bargaining power, market access, and peer learning.

Established Smart Schools equipped with mini libraries, science laboratories, sanitary complexes, drinking water facilities, and sports materials.

Promoted smart classes for digital learning and enhanced classroom engagement. Renovated and beautified Anganwadi (ICDS) centers to provide a safe and child-friendly environment for early childhood care and education.

Organized health camps and veterinary camps to improve access to medical care for both community members and livestock.

Renovated existing hand pumps to ensure safe and adequate drinking water.

Marginalized communities achieve significant improvements in health, hygiene and environmental sustainability, leading to greater equity, dignity and long-term well-being.

Over the years, we have positively impacted the lives of more than 10,000 individuals through our Health and WASH programs. With your support, we can expand these efforts, reaching even more children, women, and vulnerable communities in need.

Join us in this journey—together, we can bring healthier futures and smiles to countless lives.