Community Development Programme - History, Principles, Objectives, Features, Phases & More!

Community Development Programmes (CDPs) are essential strategies employed by governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) worldwide to promote social cohesion, economic upliftment, and overall betterment of communities. At the heart of any successful community development initiative lies the conviction that communities themselves are best positioned to identify their needs, assets, and solutions. These programmes facilitate a bottom-up approach, focusing on the strength and capacity of the community, thus encouraging sustainable development.

The topic of community development programmes comes under the UPSC Mains syllabus in General Studies Paper 1 (Indian Society) and Paper 3 (Economic Development). Additionally, an understanding of CDPs aids in understanding decentralized planning and the importance of local self-governance, which are essential topics for the exam.

In this article, we shall discuss the ‘Community Development Programme’ in detail. This topic of the ‘Community Development Programme’ is important from the perspective of the UPSC IAS Examination.

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What is Community Development?

Understanding the basics of community development is crucial to comprehend the multifaceted nature of CDPs. Community development is a process where community members come together to take collective action and generate solutions to common problems. It is a long-term endeavour that aims to improve the social, economic, and environmental situations of a community.

Community development relies heavily on participation, empowerment, capacity building, and social change. It fundamentally believes in the principle that communities hold within themselves the ability to identify and solve their issues. Thus, community development is not about giving aid but rather about enabling the community to improve its own conditions.

Key Principles of Community Development

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History of Community Development Programme in India

• The CDP was first introduced in India in 1952. It was inspired by the Community Development Programs that were being implemented in other countries.
• The main objectives of the CDP were to:
  • improve the living standards of the rural poor, 
  • promote economic development in rural areas, and 
  • create a sense of community among rural people.
• The CDP used a bottom-up approach. It involved the participation of the people at the village level in the planning and implementation of the program.
• The program also emphasized the use of local resources and the need for self-help.
• The CDP was implemented in three stages: 
  • identification of potential villages, 
  • formation of village panchayats (councils), and 
  • implementation of development projects.
• The CDP faced many challenges, such as a lack of financial resources, a lack of trained personnel, and resistance from local elites.
• Yet, the program also achieved some successes, such as the construction of roads, schools, and irrigation canals.
• The CDP has been discontinued in its original form. Its basic principles are still being used in many rural development programs in India.

The Community Development Programme in India

The concept of the community development programme in India was introduced post-independence as a multi-purpose project to ensure the social and economic transformation of rural areas. The programme was based on the idea that progress could be achieved through the development of human resources and the use of local resources.

The Community Development Programme started in the year 1952 in India and is considered one of the largest rural reconstruction programmes globally. The programme aimed to transform the socio-economic landscape of rural India and was a significant attempt towards decentralized planning and democratic local self-governance.

Objective of Community Development Programme

The key objectives of Community Development Programmes are:

• Most community development programmes aim at the overall development of rural areas. They focus on improving the social and economic conditions of rural people.
• Many programmes seek to reduce poverty and generate employment opportunities in rural areas. They provide skills and resources to improve the livelihoods of the poor.
• Community development programmes follow a participatory approach. The community actively participates in planning and implementation. This ensures people's needs and priorities are met.
• Programmes focus on building the organizational, technical, and managerial capacities of the community. This empowers them to sustain development activities on their own.
• The programmes aim to bring about positive social change in the community. They change mindsets, attitudes, and traditions that hinder development.
• The ultimate aim is to make the community self-reliant by improving human and social capital. This enables them to meet their own needs in a sustainable manner.
• The programmes seek to enhance the living standards of rural people.

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Features of Community Development Programmes

Community Development Programmes (CDPs) are typified by certain distinguishing features that make them effective and sustainable tools for socioeconomic change. Here, we examine some of the prominent characteristics that set these initiatives apart:

Comprehensive and Holistic

CDPs generally adopt a comprehensive approach that addresses multiple interconnected issues simultaneously. Instead of tackling individual problems in isolation, they view the community as a holistic entity. This means that a wide range of areas, such as health, education, sanitation, income generation, and more, are addressed in a coordinated manner to ensure comprehensive development.

Participatory Nature

One of the most striking features of CDPs is their participatory nature. This characteristic encourages active involvement from the community members themselves in all stages of the process – right from identifying issues to planning, implementing, and monitoring the development initiatives. This ensures the initiatives are contextually relevant and have a higher chance of success and sustainability.

Capacity Building

CDPs lay a strong emphasis on capacity building at individual and community levels. These programmes often entail skill development, training, and education initiatives that enable the community members to improve their own conditions. This focus on building inherent capabilities reduces dependence on external help and empowers the community for long-term self-reliance.

Collaboration and Partnerships

Community Development Programmes often involve a high degree of collaboration and partnerships. Stakeholders from diverse sectors, such as government agencies, non-governmental organizations, private sector companies, and local community-based organizations, often work together to achieve the common goal of community development.

Sustainability

Sustainability is at the core of all community development initiatives. The aim is not just to provide temporary relief or assistance but to create conditions and capacities for long-term, sustainable development. This includes fostering economic sustainability by promoting livelihood opportunities, environmental sustainability by encouraging environmentally friendly practices, and social sustainability by fostering social cohesion and inclusivity.

These key features make Community Development Programmes a powerful tool for promoting comprehensive, inclusive, and sustainable development at the grassroots level. They enable the transformation of communities in a manner that respects their autonomy, encourages their participation, and values their potential.

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Three Major Phases of Community Development Programme

Community Development Programmes typically pass through three major phases, each with unique characteristics and goals:

National Extension Phase

The National Extension Phase represents the inception of the community development initiative. During this phase, there is a broad focus on mobilising and sensitizing the community about the proposed programme. Activities may include community meetings, focus group discussions, and preliminary surveys to understand community needs and resources.

Intensive Community Development Phase

Following the National Extension Phase, the Intensive Community Development Phase is embarked upon. In this phase, the focus is on intensive action to address the identified needs and problems. Strategies and plans formulated in the earlier phase are put into action. This phase often involves the most substantial community engagement, cooperation from various stakeholders, and utilisation of resources.

Post Development Phase

The Post Development Phase represents the transition towards community self-reliance. The focus during this phase is on ensuring the sustainability of the development initiatives and transferring the responsibility to the community. The goal is to enable the community to carry forward the initiatives on their own, with minimal external support.

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Organisation for Community Development Programme

Here is the information about the organization for Community Development Programme (CDP) in India:

• National Extension Service (NES): The NES was launched in 1953 to provide technical and financial support to the CDP. It was responsible for:
  • providing training to the village-level workers and 
  • coordinating the activities of the various government departments involved in rural development.
• Village Level Worker (VLW): The VLW was the key worker at the village level. He/she was responsible for the following:
  • organizing the villagers,
  • mobilizing their participation in development activities, and
  • providing them with information and guidance.
• Block Development Officer (BDO): The BDO was the head of the block development office. He/she was responsible for the overall planning and implementation of the CDP in the block.
• District Development Officer (DDO): The DDO was the head of the district development office. He/she was responsible for the overall planning and implementation of the CDP in the district.
• State Government: The state government provided financial and administrative support to the CDP.
• Central Government: The central government provided overall policy guidance and financial support to the CDP.

Administration of CDP

The administration of a Community Development Programme often involves a blend of government and non-government organisations. The government usually plays a central role, providing policy, financial, and infrastructural support. The actual implementation, however, may be carried out by a variety of stakeholders, including NGOs, community-based organisations, and even private companies.

Limitations of CDP

While Community Development Programmes have significant potential for bringing about social and economic transformation, they are not without their limitations. These could include:

• Limited resources: Financial, human, and infrastructural resources often fall short of the needs.
• Socio-cultural barriers: Resistance to change, gender inequalities, and caste/class divisions can hinder the implementation and impact of these programmes.
• Lack of participation: Community involvement and ownership are often less than optimal, affecting the sustainability of the initiatives.
• Inadequate capacity: Limited skills and capabilities can hinder the implementation and effectiveness of the programmes.

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Suggestions for the Betterment of the Programme

Considering these limitations, certain suggestions for enhancing the effectiveness and impact of Community Development Programmes are:

• Enhance resources: Increase financial allocation, strengthen human resources, and improve infrastructural support.
• Overcome socio-cultural barriers: Conduct sensitization programmes to address resistance to change, promote gender equality, and foster social inclusion.
• Enhance participation: Use participatory approaches to involve the community in all stages of the programme.
• Strengthen capacity: Implement capacity-building initiatives to improve skills and capabilities within the community.

By addressing these limitations and implementing these suggestions, Community Development Programmes can achieve their full potential in transforming communities and enhancing the lives of their members.

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