A Closer Look into Best Practices in Social Sector: A Comprehensive Study, 2023:

• The research was conducted by NITI Aayog in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and it includes 75 case studies.
• The case studies mark 75 years of Indian Independence and showcase the efforts made by various ministries and state governments in 14 key sectors.
• The case studies facilitate peer-to-peer learning for all states and encourage the adoption of best practices according to their context.
• The document also underscores India's accomplishments in various sectors and serves as a learning resource for other countries.
• The seventy-five best practices highlight innovative, sustainable, replicable and impactful models that can improve life at the grassroots level.
• The cases chosen in the compendium cover a wide range of themes such as education, health and nutrition, e-governance and digitization, agriculture, women’s empowerment, sports, and financial inclusion among others.

Rythu Bharosa Kendralu (RBKs):

• The NITI Aayog in its comprehensive study of best practices has highlighted the Rythu Bharosa Kendralu (RBKs) initiative of the Andhra Pradesh state government.
• The objective of RBKs is to ensure the provision of inputs for agriculture and related sectors at affordable prices at the village level. These inputs are pre-tested and certified to guarantee quality.
• This initiative is a first-of-its-kind in India and it offers services from seed to sale.
• The AP government introduced RBKs to prevent farmers from being charged exorbitant prices for inputs such as seeds, fertilisers and other necessities.
• The RBKs initiative of the AP government holds significance as, despite technological advancements, farmers still lack access to information and knowledge about quality inputs and often rely on the advice of fellow farmers and input dealers.
• Due to this lack of knowledge and information, farmers often face poor yields, low remuneration, and consequently fall into the debt trap of middlemen. The RBKs initiative aims to prevent farmers from falling into such vicious cycles.