Kalinagar Mahavidyalaya

Best Practices

Best Practice 1:

Addressing value of higher education in adjoining villages

Objectives of the Practice :

1. Addressing value of Higher Education in the rural areas through spreading awareness among them mostly marginal and first-generation learner about the necessity of higher education.
2. This practice shall help to increase the number of student’s admission from this socio-economic echelon of the society.

The Context :

The admission statistics for the last five years show increasing admission in reserve category student’s section. During academic year 2018-19 & 2020-21 total admission in reserved category was as per seat allotment in Government guidelines. They are also admitted in general category as per merit. Whereas in 2019-20, 83% of the reserved post was filled. In 2021-22 & 2022-23 only 5 % sanctioned seat remained vacant. This statistic indicates major admission from reserved category students from the local villages in the light of higher education.

Practice :

In consultation with the local administration & philanthropists the staff, students along with Principal-in- charge visited several villages of tribal community to spread the message of importance of higher education and also the facilities provided by the college along with the government scholarships. They conducted several interactive sessions with the communities. From the communities the college stakeholders came to know about their difficulties of daily life. Though willing for higher education, financial crisis stop them to complete their educational journey and their wards are engaged in for family business or agriculture. So even if they are interested, they are unable to pursue higher education. The college visiting team, explain to the facilities provided by the government and college. They distributed hand bills among them and hosted banner to grow this awareness. Our student council students visited different parts of the island for campaigning. Local panchayat members along with pradhan, local administration along with block development officer, local financial bodies along with several multi-national banks, cyber centres extend their cooperation and lead to the college to make our practice success.

Evidence of Success :

The college has collected photographs of field visit and interaction with communities. College records depict increase of student’s admission after pandemic period. Students who accompanied the college team in their area have been sensitized about the socio-economic condition of their neighboring villages. They are also learning existing living practice of this community.

Problems Encountered and Resources Required:

This practice reveals several problems being faced by the villagers of this island of Sundarbans. Apart from financial crisis distance from the nearest locality, insufficient boat service for regular transport is another crisis for them to pursue higher education here as well as elsewhere. In 2009 & 2014 several natural disasters like AILA, AMPHAN, YASH make the life of these people miserable and they shifted in local relief centers (Multipurpose Cyclone Centre). In these hazards their important documentary proofs are lost. caste certificates for claiming reservation are not properly available.
The stakeholders assure them about facilities which college provides with the help of government and local elected bodies as well as its own fund.

Best Practice 2:

Socio-Economic Support to the People of Sandeshkhaliisland

Objectives of the Practice:

• To alleviate poverty and improve the socio-economic conditions of the people of Sandeshkhali Island.
• To enhance livelihood opportunities and food security.
• To promote sustainable development and environmental conservation in the region.

The Context :

Sandeshkhali Island, located in a vulnerable coastal area, faces several socio-economic challenges, including poverty, limited access to education and healthcare, acute water crisis and environmental degradation. The local population relies primarily on agriculture and fishing, which are often adversely affected by natural disasters and changing environmental conditions. There was a pressing need to implement initiatives that would address these challenges and improve the quality of life for the islanders.

The Practice:

The socio-economic support practice undertaken by the college in Sandeshkhali Island consists of a multifaceted approach that includes the following key components:

• Relief distribution activities by the institution faculty and students for cyclone devastated areas in the island. Attempts are being taken up by the institution in collaboration of the block disaster management office to conduct mock drills for the local villagers in the multipurpose cyclone centre housed in the college campus.
• Healthcare services are extended to the island's residents through health check-ups, and awareness programmes in collaboration with the local health centres (Block and District). This addresses healthcare disparities and promotes overall well-being.
• To mitigate environmental degradation, the practice includes awareness campaigns on sustainable farming practices and reforestation. This helps to protect the fragile coastal ecosystem. The green 14.54 acres of the campus houses approximately 2800 flora of the sunderbans. Plastic free campus and use of substitute bamboo baskets for garbage literates both students and intern the local villagers.
• The college tries to mitigate the acute water crisis in the locality by allowing villagers access to drinking water in the campus.

Evidence of Success:

• The success of this practice is evident through several key outcomes:
• Increased literacy rates and improved access to quality education.
• Enhanced healthcare access and improved health outcomes.

Problems Encountered:

While the practice has been successful, it has also encountered challenges:

• Funding and resources for implementing and sustaining these initiatives is limited, impacting the scale and reach of the programs.
• The island's remote location and limited infrastructure posed logistical challenges for the delivery of services and resources.
• The island is susceptible to the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels and increased cyclone activity, which threaten the sustainability of the initiatives.
• Cultural norms and economic disparities sometime hinder the adoption of new practices and ideas.

Resources Required :

To continue and expand this practice, the following resources are required:

• Continued funding for livelihood programs, education, healthcare, and environmental conservation efforts for which socio-economic surveys are conducted.
• Skilled trainers and educators to provide training and educational services.
• Healthcare professionals and support staff for medical camps and healthcare facilities.
• Investment in infrastructure such as healthcare facilities, disaster-resilient structures and the like.

Funds   for awareness campaigns on environmental conservation and disaster preparedness.

• Resources for ongoing research, data collection, and program monitoring and evaluation.

The socio-economic support practice in Sandeshkhali Island by the college in collaboration with local government bodies and NGOs is a comprehensive approach that addresses the unique challenges faced by its residents. Through a combination of livelihood diversification, education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and disaster preparedness, the practice has made significant strides in improving the quality of life for the island's population. However, ongoing support and resources are crucial to sustain and expand these initiatives, especially in the face of climate change and limited resources.