Maharaja Sayajirao University Completes NITI Aayog Assessment on Central Welfare Schemes

Overview of the NITI Aayog Project

Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) has concluded its third-round assessment evaluating the grassroots implementation of key Central government welfare schemes across selected regions in Gujarat. Being the sole university in the state chosen for this specific NITI Aayog monitoring and evaluation initiative, MSU examined scheme reach and local service delivery mechanisms across six villages spanning the Vadodara and Chhota Udepur districts.

The research project was commissioned by the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) under NITI Aayog. The final evaluation report was officially released on Tuesday during a university event led by vice-chancellor Prof Bhalchandra Bhanage, alongside principal investigator Prof Pushpanadham, co-investigator and officiating registrar Prof K M Chudasama, Faculty of Social Work dean Prof Sunita Nambiar, and Department of Sociology head Dr Virendra Singh.

Scope and Field Findings

The study focused on the practical execution and accessibility of several prominent national programs, including the Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission, Ayushman Bharat, and Poshan 2.0. Across the three designated blocks and six villages in Vadodara and Chhota Udepur, the research team documented localized adaptation strategies and community-level impacts.

Key observations from the field include:

• Water Supply (Jal Jeevan Mission): In Baroli village of Chhota Udepur district, researchers noted that handpumps serve as a supplemental water source for the community when piped water delivery from the gram panchayat experiences irregularities.
• Healthcare Access (Ayushman Bharat / PMJAY): In Sangma village, Vadodara district, residents demonstrated awareness of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. Proximity to empanelled healthcare facilities contributed to the potential utilization of the scheme.
• Nutrition and Child Development (Poshan 2.0): The geographical distribution of anganwadi centres across the assessed villages was found to support local access to essential services for women and children.

During Tuesday's release event, the project team shared detailed findings and field experiences from the evaluation cycle, and participating team members were presented with certificates acknowledging their contributions.

Practical Implications and Verification

For local stakeholders, policy analysts, and community researchers, the findings offer empirical insights into how national infrastructure and welfare programs function at the village level. The documentation of local practices—such as utilizing alternative water points during supply gaps—highlights adaptive measures that can inform future administrative improvements.

Readers interested in reviewing the official announcements and broader regional context can consult the primary reporting available through the official [Times of India Source](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vadodara/msus-niti-aayog-project-assesses-reach-of-govt-schemes/articleshow/135278647.cms). As this summary is based entirely on the published release, further detailed data tables or specific administrative recommendations would require direct reference to MSU's complete submitted report to NITI Aayog's DMEO.