Abstract
In 1986, the National Research Institute (NRI) adopted Harinagar to improve its energy situation. The Rural Energy Group and the Social Forestry Group of NRI were made responsible for implementation of welfare programmes in Harinagar. In the same year, NRI formed the Village Energy Development Committee (VEDC), the members of which comprised villagers and the Sarpanch. NRI, however, was beset with several problems like negative attitude of villagers towards NRI, inadequate coordination between the two groups, etc. Apte, a programme associate of the Rural Energy Group, felt that it was essential to involve VEDC, Panchayat, and villagers in a more meaningful way.
The case raises some basic issues: What should be the organization structure of VEDC? What are the implications and effectiveness of the structure of VEDC as suggested by Apte? What should be the role of NRI in the envisaged structure?
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