IIT Roorkee Initiative Advances Livelihoods, Education, & Women Empowerment

In a significant step towards enhancing livelihoods, education, and women empowerment, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has launched a transformative initiative in Khunt village, Almora. This project is part of the Rootage Smart Village Centre (RSVC), which is a collaborative effort backed by the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) to the Government of India. The initiative aims to bring about sustainable development through education, innovation, and community participation.

Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Development

The RSVC initiative is a collaborative effort involving IIT Roorkee, SETU Aayog, Nehir Himalayan Foundation, and AARTI Foundation, with support from the local sericulture department and active participation from villagers. This collaboration ensures that the initiatives are not merely theoretical but are actively integrated into the daily lives of the community.

Key Achievements of the RSVC

One of the most notable achievements of the RSVC is the plantation of over one lakh mulberry saplings, primarily led by the women of the region. This initiative serves as a powerful example of community-driven development and demonstrates the potential of women as catalysts for change.

• Integrated Farming: The cultivation of mulberry is creating new livelihood opportunities through sericulture and value-added products. Farmers are also practicing integrated farming by growing turmeric and ginger alongside mulberry.
• Community Library: The establishment of a community library and learning spaces is enhancing educational opportunities at the grassroots level.
• Technological Innovations: The upgraded Bageshwari Wool Charkha has been redesigned to facilitate easier spinning for local artisans, allowing for both foot-operated and electric modes.

Impact on Women Empowerment

The initiative has significantly empowered women in Khunt village, providing them with a platform to participate and lead in various activities. Many women who were previously confined to household roles are now actively engaged in plantation, planning, and livelihood activities.

Women from all age groups, from young girls to elderly women, have participated in this initiative, making it a truly inclusive community effort. The impact of this empowerment is evident in their newfound confidence and participation in community discussions.

Community Celebrations and Testimonials

On January 17, 2026, IIT Roorkee organized the “Harit Khulgad Nari Shakti Utsav 2026” in Khunt Village to celebrate the achievements of the local community. The event served as a platform for villagers to reflect on their collective efforts and discuss future pathways for sustainable development.

During the event, several women shared their experiences:

Saraswati Devi, aged 45, stated, “Earlier we stayed inside our homes all day. Now we go to meetings, work in the fields, learn new things, and feel confident speaking in front of others. This work has helped us earn, but more than that, it has helped us believe in ourselves and be independent.”

Sushri Jyoti Bisht, aged 25, added, “By being actively engaged in agricultural activities and being involved with RSVC, we have gained respect in our homes and communities. We have received a stage where our voices are heard and our opinions matter.”

Komal Bisht, 24, remarked, “By being associated with RSVC, we have been able to involve female farmers, encouraging our families and neighboring families to start farming, creating livelihood opportunities for everyone.”

Technical Support and Community Development

The initiative has also provided technical support to enhance agricultural productivity. Puran Negi, a 28-year-old villager, shared, “It has been a major boost for us to receive equipment for mulberry plantation. With the technical support of IIT Roorkee, we were able to increase productivity significantly—each person could prepare nearly 100 pits compared to just 20 through manual effort.”

Moreover, the establishment of a free community library has had a profound impact on education in the village. Villagers expressed their gratitude, stating, “Now our children can sit and read books, prepare for studies, and learn new things. Even adults come to read. This has changed the learning environment of our village.”

Commitment to Sustainable Development

Raj Shekhar Joshi, Vice Chairman of SETU Aayog, emphasized the importance of IIT Roorkee’s role in strengthening grassroots initiatives. He stated, “IIT Roorkee’s role as the Lead Knowledge Institution has significantly strengthened SETU Aayog’s grassroots initiatives. The centre at Khunt demonstrates how clustering of small farms and integrated, mixed cropping can unlock sustainable economic development in hill villages.”

Prof. KK Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, reinforced the message of the initiative, stating, “Education and technology together form the strongest foundation for progress in rural and hill regions. When scientific knowledge is translated into practical solutions at the grassroots level, it empowers communities to build local livelihoods, reduce migration, and grow sustainably.”

Conclusion

The initiative by IIT Roorkee in Khunt village exemplifies the potential of community-driven development in advancing livelihoods, education, and women empowerment. By fostering collaboration, providing technical support, and promoting inclusive participation, this project is paving the way for sustainable development in rural areas.

Note: The information provided in this article is based on the latest updates from IIT Roorkee and related organizations as of January 2026.