Projects

1. Learning in Adivasi Social Movements (2006-2009)

This funded research collaboration with the University of Alberta (Faculty of Education) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) aimed to develop knowledge for and about Adivasi-Dalit social movements in South Orissa and to provide a platform for Adivasi-Dalit small/landless peasants and forest dwellers with an opportunity to engage in a critical analysis of rural development and consider popular responses to the same. The research continues to inform popular education engagements in over 150 villages (including a widely circulated popular education newsletter, Ama Katha) in the region and has stimulated organizing activities to address food sovereignty and land and forest rights for Adivasis and Dalits.

2. Research on community forest resources and their use (2013-14)

CRDS undertook community based studies and research on natural resources available in the forests ,which are traditionally held or used by the tribal and forest dwelling communities .This was done in 233 villages in Kandhmal and Jharsuguda districts. This exercise helped the communities to identify and claim stretches of forests land with forest/trees and hills that came under their traditional occupation and use over a long period of time. The study/research helped the communities to develop written documents, maps of forests with demarcation of boundaries and lists of mountains and resources available etc. The same documents were presented before the district administration and on the basis of these documents communities forest rights claims are being settled.

3. Socio-economic studies (2014-15)

Socio-economic studies of the tribal and dalit communities in Gajapati, Kandhmal and Jharsuguda districts. The studies have been used to develop area and issues specific development plans and project proposals in the above districts. The studies have also helped in setting baselines, goals and development objectives.

4. Technical Support Unit (TSU) (2016)

CRDS has set up a technical support unit (TSU) in Gajapati district in accordance with the priorities of Adivasi and Dalit communities and in conjunction with the District Collector to regularly collect data, analyse and pin point the gaps in the health delivery services through VHND sessions (Village Health and Nutrition Day).

5. Untouchability, Casteism and Response/Resistance in Rural Schools (2013-2019)

CRDS is currently engaged with the University of Alberta (Faculty of Education) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) in a 5 year funded project examining "Resistance/Responses to Casteism and Untouchability in Schooling". In addition to informing the process of local/regional responses/resistances to these practices (and in accordance with the SC/ST Atrocities Act), the research process will also include local/national NGOs to inform policy advocacy initiatives at the state and national level and to encourage greater collaboration between NGOs and local organizations addressing untouchability/casteist practices in schools and communities.

The research is being undertaken in 3 related phases: (1) survey development/application regarding untouchability/casteist practices in schools, including analysis of classroom texts; (2) case/studies of resistance/responses at the local level (students, parents, village education committees, community organizations & local social action NGOs); and (3) considering current and potential NGO involvements in addressing these practices. Research findings will be shared in several public engagement forums, the CRDS web site and Ama Katha (popular education news letter) and in specific meetings with relevant Non Governmental Organizations.