Funding cuts threaten Telangana's rural development institute

The future of the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (NIRD&PR) in Telangana is uncertain after the Indian government announced a major funding cut. This 65-year-old institute, located near Hyderabad, has played a crucial role in rural employment and development. Over 600 staff members and their families are now facing uncertainty due to the sudden halt in financial support. One beneficiary of NIRD&PR's training is Zubeda Begum, a woman who has overcome significant physical challenges to help others like her. She founded a self-help group for the disabled and started a successful business producing solar lamps with training provided by NIRD&PR. Her story reflects the positive impact of the institute, which has aided many in improving their lives. This funding cut is drastic. The government's allocation for NIRD&PR was reduced to just ₹1 lakh for 2025-26, down from over ₹73 crore the previous year. The decision follows years of reviews and recommendations that led to NIRD&PR being placed in a category for potential closure. Despite being deemed satisfactory, it was marked for disengagement. Concerns about this decision have arisen among staff and beneficiaries. Many worry about losing their jobs and the loss of support for future projects that help lift communities out of poverty. Experts emphasize the importance of NIRD&PR's role in rural development and criticize the government's approach to dismantling the institution. Protests by NIRD&PR's staff have not received significant attention from the government. With the institute's funding withdrawn, there is confusion about its future. Officials have yet to provide a clear plan, and the fate of the campus and its resources remains unclear. Many feel the gradual dismantling of this vital institution is a tragic end to an organization that has transformed countless lives.