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Learning Resource Centre Monthly Bulletin |
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Learning Resource Centre Monthly Bulletin |
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| New Books |
 B115379 Farming Futures By Kanitkar, Ajit ed: Prasad, C. Shambu |  B118507 Rural Marketing in India By Chakraborty Debarun |  B108565 Towards Sustainable Consumption and Lifestyles By Misra, Suresh ed |
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| Articles |
| Support To Rural Indias Public Education System (STRIPES2) and impact on numeracy and literacy scores: A cluster randomized trial in rural villages of Madhya Pradesh, India By Fazzio, Ila; Shivalli, Siddharudha; Magill, Nicholas; Elbourne, Diana; Keddie, Suzanne; Sharma, Dropti; Sajjan Singh Shekhawat; Agarwal, Arjun; Banerji, Rukmini; Karnati, Sridevi; PLoS One; San Francisco Vol. 20, Iss. 9, (Sep 2025): e0330203. DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0330203 Abstract :Rates of primary school enrolment have improved in India, but levels of learning achievement remain low. In the Support To Rural India’s Public Education System (STRIPES) trial, a para-instructor intervention improved numeracy and literacy levels in Telangana, India (2008−10). The STRIPES2 trial was designed to assess whether a similar intervention in a younger cohort of children would have similar effects in Satna and Maihar districts of Madhya Pradesh, India, and be cost-effective. Methods In this Madhya Pradesh cluster-randomized controlled trial, 196 villages (clusters) were randomized to receive either a health (CHAMPION2: community health promotion and medical provision and impact on neonates) or education (STRIPES2) intervention. Villages receiving the health intervention were controls for the education intervention and vice versa. For children newly enrolled in primary school, the STRIPES2 intervention comprised before/after-school classes (2 hours per day, 6 days a week) given by trained para-instructors from the local community, frequent monitoring, and engagement with caregivers to motivate children, delivered by the Pratham Education Foundation. STRIPES2 activities had to be suspended twice for around ten and a half months, and some components of the intervention modified due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The period of the trial was extended with the primary outcome (a composite literacy and numeracy score of Early Grade Reading and Mathematics Assessments) assessed around 30 months after classes started. Results Composite test scores were significantly higher in the intervention arm (98 villages; 3054 children) than in the control arm (98 villages; 3275 children) at the end of the trial. The mean difference on a percentage point scale was 14.17; 95% CI 11.36 to 16.97; p < 0.001, equating to a 0.58 (95% CI 0.47 to 0.71) standard deviation difference. The cost per child per 0.1 SD increase in composite test score was INR 2476 (US$33.5). Conclusion Despite COVID-19 interruptions and disruptions, STRIPES2 resulted in a major improvement in children’s literacy and numeracy. However, the cost of achieving such benefits was substantial. | |||
| Factors Influencing the Adoption of FinTech for the Enhancement of Financial Inclusion in Rural India Using a Mixed Methods Approach By Jena, Rabindra Kumar Journal of Risk and Financial Management; Basel Vol. 18, Iss. 3, (2025): 150. Abstract :The swift expansion of financial technology (FinTech) can substantially improve financial inclusion, especially in the rural regions of emerging nations such as India. FinTech has the potential to drive inclusive growth, reduce inequalities, and foster sustainable economic development. This research examines the determinants affecting the adoption of FinTech services in rural India by synthesizing three theoretical frameworks: The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and the Technology Readiness Index (TRI). A mixed methods approach that combines partial least squares structured equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy set comparative qualitative analysis (fsQCA) was used to evaluate the suggested framework. The integrated PLS-SEM and fsQCA offer a comprehensive, elegant, and resilient method for data analysis. While fsQCA addresses more intricate patterns within the data, PLS-SEM effectively identifies the relationships among significant factors. This makes the mixed method approach more judicious and advantageous than the single method approach. The findings showed that attitude (β = 0.35), perceived behavioral control (β = 0.28) from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), perceived ease of use (β = 0.31) from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and perceived insecurity (β = −0.19) from the Technology Readiness Index (TRI) all have a big impact on how people use FinTech. The findings also indicate that the desire to adopt FinTech positively influences financial inclusion among rural residents. These research findings enhance the debate on sustainable development by demonstrating how specific FinTech interventions can close the financial inclusion gap, empower rural populations, and achieve various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study’s findings could help governments, banks, and FinTech firms aiming to enhance the accessibility and use of digital financial services in rural India. | |||
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| News |
| New CPI to measure rural housing inflation, exclude employer-provided dwellings By The Indian Express; Oct 31 2025 |
| Haryana to set up mini industrial parks to boost rural economy By Times of India; 31 Oct 2025 |
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