Charitable Activity
In November 2015, State witnessed a significant initiative in the realm of elementary education. The educational landscape had undergone transformative changes over the past decade, particularly with the enactment of the Right of Child to Free and Compulsory Education Act in 2009. This legislation paved the way for various stakeholders to enhance the quality of primary education in India. Yet, there was still much work to be done, particularly in improving the quality of in-service teacher training in rural Telangana—a challenge eagerly taken up by the RG Rao Trust.
Under the guidance of Mr. M.C. Narasimha Rao, a retired professor from Railway Degree College, the training aimed to achieve several objectives. It sought to comprehend the role of teacher training within the existing pedagogic practices in schools and analyze the correlation between textbooks, teacher training, and student learning in Telangana State.
The training's purpose was clear: to enhance the quality of primary education by developing and testing a multi-level, evidence-based model that could be locally owned and operated while remaining adaptable for other regions. The training's specific goals were to improve student learning outcomes and reduce dropout rates.
Mr. M.C. Narasimha Rao's expertise played a vital role in achieving these objectives. His guidance ensured that the training program addressed the existing pedagogical practices in schools and their connection to student learning, ultimately contributing to the advancement of primary education in Telangana State.
The Parents and senior citizens Act-2007 Awareness Programs and Filed Cases 8th January 2013. Villages covered: Lingapur, Jagaiahpalle, Dharmapuri, Nemaragonda, Thigala Dharmaram In a collaborative effort between RG RAO Trust and Karimnagar Senior Citizens Association, a significant initiative was undertaken to raise awareness about the Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007 in the Karimnagar District. Smt. N.M. Rajeswari, a Trustee, passionately elaborated on the importance of understanding this act, emphasizing its significance for the elderly population. The act, designed to ensure the welfare of senior citizens aged 60 and above, places a vital obligation on children and relatives to support them in living a 'normal life.' This obligation extends to all Indian citizens, irrespective of their residence, even those living abroad. In cases where multiple relatives stand to inherit the property of a senior citizen, each relative is responsible for a maintenance fee proportional to their inheritance. Maintenance tribunals play a pivotal role in ensuring compliance. If these tribunals determine that a senior citizen is unable to care for themselves, and if neglect or refusal of maintenance by children or relatives is evident, they may order the latter to provide a monthly maintenance allowance, with a maximum cap set by the state government, not exceeding Rs 10,000 per month. To expedite resolution, the tribunal may refer the case to a conciliation officer, striving for an amicable settlement within one month. If such an agreement is reached, the tribunal can issue the corresponding order. Offences and penalties for non-compliance are also outlined in the act. Failure to fulfill maintenance obligations may result in imprisonment for up to one month or until payment, whichever is earlier. Abandonment of a senior citizen can lead to imprisonment for up to three months, a fine of up to Rs 5,000, or both. Moreover, the tribunal can declare property transfers from a senior citizen to a transferee void if made under maintenance conditions, and the transferee disregards the agreement. In cases where a senior citizen is unable to enforce these provisions, a registered voluntary organization can take action on their behalf. This awareness program stands as a testament to our commitment to the welfare and rights of senior citizens, ensuring they lead dignified lives in their golden years.
RG RAO TRUST, an esteemed NGO, embarked on a critical study focused on farmers' suicides within the Karimnagar district of Telangana State, seeking to unravel the underlying factors behind these tragic events and propose viable solutions to prevent their recurrence. The study encompassed an examination of 24 cases, predominantly concentrated in the Karimnagar region, constituting a staggering 180 instances. Notably, the majority of these farmers were engaged in cotton cultivation, accounting for a substantial 89 percent of the sample. The primary triggers identified for these distressing suicides were predominantly crop failures due to pest infestations and the utilization of substandard pesticides. Alarmingly, a mere 6 percent of farmers received any form of technical guidance from mass media outlets, with private pesticide vendors serving as the predominant sources of advice. The study further disclosed a harrowing spectrum of debt levels among the deceased farmers, spanning from less than Rs. 50,000 to over 1.5 lakhs. These loans were primarily allocated towards procuring seeds, fertilizers, pesticides (75 percent), financing trips to Dubai (15 percent), bore well drilling (6 percent), and covering marriage expenses (3.5 percent). Tragically, the most common method employed for ending their lives was pesticide consumption (90 percent), followed by hanging (8 percent) and drowning (2 percent). Shockingly, almost half of these farmers were under the age of 40. In response, the government initiated special compensation of Rs. 6 lakhs for the affected families, although only a modest 20 percent of the farmers had received any form of agricultural assistance. The remaining 80 percent were compelled to resort to private moneylenders, who imposed exorbitant interest rates ranging from 36 to 120 percent.