Logical Framework Analysis

Logical Framework Analysis is a very important tool to describe the project in a simplified manner. It gives the summary of the whole project proposal. Usually this document will be prepared by grant seeking agencies and submit it the funding or donor organizations.  It is an analytical, presentational and management tool which can help planners and managers. It helps to analyze the existing situation during activity preparation and establishes a logical hierarchy of means by which objectives will be reached during the implementation of the project. It also identifies the potential risks to achieving the objectives and to sustainable outcomes and at the same time establishes how to monitor and evaluate outputs and outcomes. In a brief it gives complete picture of the project. All the stakeholders of the project can refer LFA and use wherever they feel necessary.

LFA can be a useful tool in the planning, monitoring, evaluation management of development projects. It is not the only planning tool, and should not be considered an end in itself, but using it encourages the discipline of clear and specific thinking about what the project aims to do and how, and highlighting those aspects upon which success depends. It increases the accountability and commitment of implementing agencies towards the success of the project.

Module Description

As it was a new concept to all fellows the instructor initially gave the meaning of LFA. According Department for International Development (DFID) the Logical Framework as "a tool to help designers of projects think logically about

•      what the project is trying to achieve (the purpose),

•      what things the project needs to do to bring that about (the outputs) and

•              .  What needs to be done to produce these outputs (the activities) ?

By looking above statement A log frame (also known as a Project Framework) is nothing but a tool for planning and managing development Projects. It looks like a table (or framework) and aims to present information about the key components of a project in a clear, concise, logical and systematic way. The log frame model was developed in the United States and has since been adopted and adapted for use by many other donors. Now a day’s all funders prefer LFA. That is why its importance has been increased.

Key Points of the module

In logical framework analysis module the instructor tries to teach the meaning, its importance, the contents and process to prepare the LFA. The specific structure is very essential to a log frame.  The person who prepares has to first define the problem for that he/she has to prepare problem tree. Because LFA is a way of describing a project in a logical way so that it should be well designed, described objectively, Can be evaluated, and clearly structured.

Problem analysis and problem tree helps to prepare a objective tree. Two main approaches for problem tree analysis and objective tree analysis first one is Focal problem method which means development problems (or constraints) are brainstormed by the group, a core or focal problem is identified, and the cause and effect analysis then pivots around the focal problem. And second one is Objectives oriented method; a broad/high level development objective is specified at the start of the analysis, and constraints to achieving this objective are then brainstormed, analyzed  and sorted in to a cause and effect logic. After this process stakeholder analysis has to be done in this process. It includes deciding who these problems actually impact on most, and what the roles and interests of different stakeholders might be in addressing the problems and reaching solutions.

The important activity starts after objective tree analysis that is setting the goal for the project. It means wider problem the project will help to resolve during the specific period. The project should have to have the purpose which gives the immediate impact on the project area or target group i.e. the change or benefit to be achieved by the project. Outputs setting is also an important activity these are the specifically deliverable results expected from the project to attain the purpose. To fulfill the purpose and goal the specific activities should be mentioned in the log frame, these are the tasks to be done to produce the outputs. After that inputs, measurable indicators, means of verification and assumptions should be framed and submitted to funder for the verification and approval.

Major Learning

The module helped to learn about the importance of logical framework in planning and management of development proposals and its various advantages. It reduces the conflict and confusion different stakeholders. It increases the accountability of the project implementing organization towards the donor and beneficiaries. LFA also provides a handy summary to inform project staff, donors, beneficiaries and other stakeholders, which can be referred to throughout the lifecycle of the project. In the present context by looking into the advantages majority of the funding agencies suggests to have the logical framework analysis in the project proposal. That’s why all development workers should know the process of preparing the logical framework analysis.

Education

Education is a fundamental right in India. The 86th constitutional amendment has made elementary education as a fundamental right for the children between the age group- 6 to 14. According to the 2001 census, the total literacy rate in India is 65.38%. The female literacy rate is only 54.16%. The gap between rural and urban literacy rate is also very significant in India. The present education system in India mainly comprises of primary education, secondary education, senior secondary education and higher education. Elementary education consists of eight years of education. Each of secondary and senior secondary education consists of two years of education. Higher education in India starts after passing the higher secondary education or the 12th standard. Depending on the stream, doing graduation in India can take three to five years. Post graduate courses are generally of two to three years of duration. After completing post graduation, scope for doing research in various educational institutes also remains open. 

Description of the Module

Education module mainly focused on the elementary education system, Annual status of education report (ASER) 2008 and higher education in India. Elementary education in India means eight years of schooling from the age of six. The government has made elementary education compulsory and free. But, the goal of universal elementary education in India has been very difficult to achieve till now. Higher education in India starts after the higher Secondary or 12th standard. While it takes 3 years for completing a B.A., B.Sc or B.Com pass or honors degree from a college in India, pursuing an engineering course would take four years and five years (with six months of additional compulsory internship) for completing a bachelor of medicine or bachelor of law degree. Postgraduate courses generally are of two years duration. But there are some courses like Master of Computer Application (MCA) that are of three years duration. For those who cannot afford to attend regular classes for various preoccupations can pursue correspondence courses from various Open Universities and distance learning institutes in India. After independence in five year plans government of India is spending more and more money to improve the educational status of the general population.

Key Points of the Module

ASER is an initiative of Pradhan a Mumbai based nongovernmental organization to study the quality of elementary education in rural India. ASER 2008 revealed following facts about primary or elementary education.

Among all 6-14 year olds, the proportion of children attending private schools has increased from 16.4% in2005 to 22.5% in 2008.. This increase in private school enrollment represents a 37.2 percent increase over the baseline of 2005. This increase is particularly striking in Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. In 2008, private schools have 20% more boys than girls in both age groups; 7-10 and 11-14.Half of all school going children in Kerala and Goa go to private schools. (According to DISE, 95% of private schools in Kerala and 70% of private schools in Goa are government aided.) Between 32% to 42% of all school going children In Nagaland, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan go to private schools. Nationally, the proportion of 7-10 year-olds not-in school is at 2.7%, and proportion of 11-14 year olds not in school is at 6.3%.  It find that Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh show dramatic improvement in reading and Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh show improvement in arithmetic also. 61% of children in Std V in India can tell time on a clock correctly. In states such as UP, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, about 50% children in Std V can tell time. Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Haryana, J&K, Punjab, Uttarakhand are all above the national average.

In another session on higher education following factors were discussed. India is today one of the fastest developing countries of the world with the annual growth rate going above 9%. In order to sustain that rate of growth, there is need to increase the number of institutes and also the quality of higher education in India. Therefore the Prime Minister of India has announced the establishment of 8 IITs, seven Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and five Indian Institutes of Science, Education and Research (IISERs) and 30 Central Universities in his speech to the nation on the 60th Independence Day. The outlay for education during the 11th Five Year Plan, which runs from the current fiscal to 2012-13, represents a four-fold increase over the previous plan and stands at Rs 2500 billion. It shows that growing population and available higher education institutions is not equal or proportional in India. ASER2008 also explored village infrastructure and household characteristics to find links with education. Primary schools are available within 1 km of 92.5% rural habitations and 67.1% villages have government middle school, and 33.8% have government secondary schools. Private schools are available in 45.6% Indian villages. STD booths are present in 58.5% villages while 48.3% village households have a cell phone or a land line connection. Electrical connections were available in 65.9% households surveyed. Pukka road connects 71.9% villages to the outside world. Lowest numbers are Assam (32.7%), West Bengal (44.2%), Bihar (53.2%) and Madhya Pradesh (58.9 %) are states among the poorest connected states. This reveals the relationship between infrastructure and status of elementary education system in India.

Major Leanings

 The education module clarified about the present status and the quality of education. The efforts should be initiated from now only to improve the quality of elementary and higher education. At the same time focus should be given to provide the essential infrastructure i.e. teachers, class rooms, libraries, sports materials etc. Sarva shikshana Abhiyana and mid-day meal program are somehow tried best in this concern. By 2015 education should reach to the poorest of the poor and it also accessible to the remote corner of India. To fulfill this dream government should allow private institutions to come forward and take the initiation. It is also the vision of Dr. Kalam.

Especially quality of higher education is losing its importance in the India. Government is only focusing towards elementary education. In this juncture only public - private partnership can enhance the capacity of higher education sector. That’s why government is promoting the domestic and foreign universities to start their institutions and help the people to access the desired need.

WE CELEBRATED HOLI

CAN ANYBODY IDENTIFY US !!!!!!!

Holi-Festival of COLOURS

HISTORY OF HOLI:
There are stories about Krishna spraying colors on Radha and other Gopikas and smearing their faces with 'Gulal' suggesting that Holi is older than the birth of these deities. In Bengal and Orissa, Holi is also celebrated as the birthday of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the famous saint-poet. One of the oldest festivals of India, there have been evidences which suggests that Holi was being celebrated here as a festival since several centuries before Christ. Jamini has mentioned such a festival in his religious works known as 'Purvamimamsa Sutras' and 'Kathaka Grhya Sutra'. The paintings and murals on the walls of the ancient temples have captured the scenes of Holi, either based on Radha and Krishna or the royalty. 

The 16th century panel found in a temple at Hampi belonging to the days when it was the capital of Vijaynagar Empire showcases beautiful sculptures of Holi in which a royal couple is shown being drenched by the surrounding maids who are sprinkling colored water on them by bamboo syringes known as 'pichkaris'. Other similar paintings include the 16th century painting of Ahmednagar depicting the theme of Vasanta Ragini or 'Spring Music' where the royal couple is depicted sitting on a grand swing while maidens play music and spray colors on them; the painting of Mewar (circa 1755), which shows the court of Maharana, who is bestowing gifts to people on Holi and is enjoying dance performances; and a miniature painting of Bundi depicting the procession of the king, seated on an elephant, and damsels showering 'gulal' on him from their balconies.

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture is a major source of employment for the Indian economy. Historical studies reveal that agriculture has had a major impact in the rise and fall of the Indian civilization. At present nearly 65% of the total population is dependent upon agriculture. Indian farmers grow all types of crops. India has achieved self sufficiency in the production of many crops. This means that India has an influential status in international trade and commerce.

Module Description

This module describes the importance of agriculture in India. The impact of climate change on the entire population is an important issue. Due to the intervention of modern technology in agriculture farmers are highly dependent on machines, chemicals and pesticides. However, improper use of these materials is harmful to crops and the health of the farmers. The ultimate solution for this problem is the proper and effective use of technology coupled with an organic farming system together. The AME Foundation has developed a unique model of sustainable agriculture and it is being implemented in Andra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Natural Resource Management (NRM) and Less External Intervention for Sustainable Agriculture (LEISA) projects are very helpful for implementing integrated farming.

During the session the instructor started with the status of agriculture in India and its prominent position in India. The instructor initially emphasized the evolution of agriculture and its development through various stages. The instructor spoke about the green revolution and its impact on farmers and on the Indian economy. The important topic which covered was global warming (climate change). At the same time the resource person explained about the AME Foundation and its approach to develop a sustainable agriculture model. The impact of chemicals and fertilizers on land and on the health of farmers is very hazardous. Techniques such as NRM and LEISA are the approaches which are developed by the AME Foundation and promoting farmers to practice integrated farming system and use livestock in agricultural activities.

Key Points of the module

 Agriculture in India is a livelihood system because farmers are struggle hard to grow crops for their domestic use. Indian farmers are not in a position to produce agriculture goods on a large scale. They don’t have proper access to the market place.  In this situation nobody can say agriculture is a business model for the majority of farmers. Only a few farmers are aware of forward linkages which can help them make agriculture into a more profitable entrepreneurial model.

 People who are involved in the development of the agriculture sector are searching for alternative practices. At the same time farmers are also in need of best practices which will increase the production level. Agriculture has a large scope for development organizations. These organizations must enhance the capacities of farmers by educating them about the proper use of technology, seeds, chemicals and pesticides, etc. At the same time their participation in collaborative learning and its adoption should take place. This means that farmers should come forward and use the new approaches in farming. The developmental approach should enhance the participation of farmers in the process.

The farmers should effectively utilize the natural resources which are readily available in and around their environment. By doing this the farmers can reduce expenditure and increase fertility.  Ultimately, yield will increase which should lead to greater income and profit.

 Major Learning

The module on agriculture helped me to learn about the importance of the agriculture sector in India. In spite of government support its growth is not up to expectations. The sector’s contribution to the Gross domestic product (GDP) of India is decreasing every year. Due to many factors agriculture has become only a livelihood option for majority of the Indian population. Consequently each year thousands of farmers are committing suicide because they fear a loss of status and respect.  It is a very unfortunate trend that is happening in India.

RTI-MILESTONE IN THE HISTORY OF INDIAN DEMOCRACY

“Even Ten rupees has the power to change the foresight of a common man (Aam Admi)”

It is very true that after five decades of independence we got Right to Information. The UPA government in the year 2005 has enacted this act as 22^nd act of the year and it came in to force from 12^th October in the same year. The law is applicable to whole of India except Jammu and Kashmir. According to the public authorities are those which are established by Constitution, established by the act of the Parliament or state legislature and bodies and committees of the government and organizations fully or partially funded by the government.

 After enacting this act we are finding many changes in the social paradigm of our country. The main purpose of this act is to make best use of government programs which are exclusively for the empowerment of underprivileged.  Sec.4 (1) and 4(1)(b) provides chance to get Suo-Motu (Self declaration) of every department. Under 6(1) we can get specific information of any department. Every department should provide the information sought by the applicant within 30 days. Failure leads to heavy punishment. This act established Central Information Commission and State Information Commission to look after the effective implementation of this act.

This act is playing an instrumental role in reducing the corruption, improving accountability and bringing transparency in governance. Totally we can say that whole corrupt system will collapses and build a strong and capable administrative system in our country. But at the same time the public should make best use this act. Many success stories reveals that even the highest man also cannot misuse this act. The real effort to bring our under privileged people to the main stream of the society has started with the enactment of this act. We can say that it is protecting the democratic principles and promoting the welfare state concept in our country. This act is fulfilling the broad objectives of our Constitution. That’s why government of India and all state governments are keenly enforcing the act.