India’s vision for an inclusive and sustainable future is deeply rooted in empowering its rural communities. In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the country’s broader development goals, the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Ministry of Education have once again emphasized the critical role of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in rural transformation through the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA).
Launched as a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Education, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) aims to bridge the gap between academic institutions and rural communities. Its core objective is to enable HEIs to work closely with villages, identify their development challenges, and apply academic knowledge to offer sustainable, practical solutions.
UBA: A Strong Academia-Village Interface
Currently coordinated by IIT Delhi, UBA has grown into a massive national movement involving over 4,274 Participating Institutions (PIs), including IITs, NITs, IISERs, state universities, and colleges across India. These institutions engage directly with rural areas to address challenges in areas such as health, sanitation, education, waste management, energy, and agriculture.
Through UBA, HEIs are not only contributing to rural development but are also fostering social responsibility and civic engagement among students and faculty. This model of experiential learning ensures that students gain a deeper understanding of real-world issues while making meaningful contributions.
Course on Community Engagement & Social Responsibility
To institutionalize this engagement further, the UGC has introduced a two-credit course titled “Community Engagement and Social Responsibility,” which is available on the SWAYAM platform (Course Link). This course is designed to provide theoretical and practical knowledge to students, sensitizing them to societal needs and instilling a sense of duty towards the community.
Renewed Call for Participation
In a circular dated 13th August 2025, Prof. Manish R. Joshi, Secretary of the UGC, reiterated the importance of UBA and encouraged all HEIs that have not yet enrolled to do so via the official portal (https://unnatbharatabhiyan.gov.in). Furthermore, to monitor the progress and impact of UBA, UGC has developed a structured Google Form-based questionnaire for feedback, which must be submitted by 20th August 2025. Institutions are urged to submit data including photographs, reports, and case studies of best practices.
National Coordination and Support
For smooth implementation, a robust network of Regional Coordinating Institutes (RCIs) across the country has been established. These RCIs, hosted by prominent institutions like IISc Bangalore, IITs, State Universities, and Agricultural Universities, offer technical and logistical support to participating colleges and universities.
Institutions seeking guidance can reach out to:
Prof. Virendra Kumar Vijay
National Coordinator, UBA, IIT Delhi
📞 Contact: 011-26596451 / 011-26596351
📧 Email: uba.nci@iitd.ac.in
A Call to Action
The Unnat Bharat Abhiyan is more than a government program—it is a movement to reimagine India’s development through knowledge sharing, collaboration, and community-centric innovation. As India strides toward becoming a knowledge-based economy, it is imperative for HEIs to play their part in uplifting the rural heartland. Active participation in UBA not only enriches the educational experience but also contributes to nation-building at the grassroots.
Let us join hands in transforming villages into vibrant, self-sustaining units of growth—because a stronger rural India means a stronger nation.