Village-Sarthi

đźšś Village-Sarthi Project

The Village-Sarthi Project is a rural development initiative by UDGI Foundation that aims to build a strong network of trained local youth (called “Saarthis”) to support government schemes, digital services, and community awareness in villages.
Each Sarthi acts as a bridge between the villagers and essential services like education, health, digital access, skill training, and welfare schemes.
The project focuses on empowerment through knowledge, access, and last-mile delivery.
Currently active in multiple rural blocks, the project strengthens self-reliance and governance at the grassroots level.

Why Village-Sarthi

Village-Sarthi was launched to solve the problem of information gaps, scheme unawareness, and lack of local support in villages.
Many rural citizens are unaware or unable to access government services due to lack of digital literacy or proper guidance.
Local youth often migrate due to unemployment, yet they have the potential to lead and serve their own communities.
This project empowers youth to become change agents, while helping villagers access their rights and entitlements.

🔹 Main Focus Areas

  1. Scheme Awareness & Access – Help villagers apply for schemes like pensions, ration cards, Ayushman Bharat, etc.

  2. Digital Support & Services – Assist in online forms, bill payments, Aadhaar updates, and more.

  3. Health & Sanitation Awareness – Support campaigns for hygiene, vaccination, menstrual health, and disease prevention.

  4. Education & Skill Guidance – Connect students to online learning, scholarships, and vocational training.

  5. Community Problem-Solving – Identify local issues and coordinate with panchayats and government officials for solutions

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How Village-Sarthi Works

The Village-Sarthi Project works through the selection and training of rural youth who become trusted community guides.
Each Sarthi is given basic digital tools, orientation, and a monthly action plan to help their village stay informed and connected.
UDGI Foundation monitors and mentors them regularly, while encouraging village-level collaboration with schools, SHGs, and panchayats.
This model is sustainable, low-cost, and based on local leadership for long-term rural transformation.

🔸 Key Activity Areas

  1. Sarthi Selection & Training – Local youth (18–30 years) are selected and trained in digital, social, and field work skills.

  2. Village Help Desk Setup – A physical or mobile support desk where villagers can get digital or scheme-related help.

  3. Door-to-Door Support – Saarthis visit homes to spread awareness and assist in form filling and document work.

  4. Monthly Village Camps – Organize camps for health, education, banking, or employment guidance.

  5. Collaboration with Local Bodies – Work alongside anganwadis, ASHA workers, schools, and gram panchayats.

  6. Regular Impact Reporting – Each Sarthi submits monthly activity reports with data and feedback to UDGI team.

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Self‑Help Group (SHG) Formation & Women’s Entrepreneurship Training

"UDGI mobilizes rural women into SHGs, offering skill-building in tailoring, handicrafts, and small-scale business management. These women are also connected through WhatsApp communities to showcase and sell their products, aiming to help each woman earn ₹3,000–₹10,000 monthly and gain Udyam Aadhar (MSME) registration "

Youth Empowerment via P2E (“Passport to Earning”)

"argeting rural youth aged 14–29, the P2E initiative equips them with digital and financial literacy, certification courses, and guidance on accessing online employment opportunities. This program supports participants across multiple states"

Menstrual Hygiene Management & Yuvati Forum

"Village Sarthi leads awareness drives in schools and communities, distributes sanitary pads at discounted rates, and sets up sanitary pad incinerators. They also establish monthly “Yuvati Forums” in villages, where adolescent girls (14–18 years) receive life-skill training, health education, and leadership opportunities to address common local issuesOverall, great experience."

Light a Life – Solar Lamp Distribution & Environmental Awareness

"Through their Light a Life scheme, solar lamps are distributed to households lacking reliable electricity, enabling safer study and work at night. Complementing this, Village Sarthi organizes environmental activities like tree-planting and plastic-free campaignsOverall, great experience."

Education Cumulative

Impact

500+ Women Empowered

through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and entrepreneurship training, earning between ₹3,000–₹10,000 per month

30,000+ Rural Youth Enrolled

in Future Skills & Digital Literacy Courses under the “Passport to Earning (P2E)” initiative

50+ Villages Covered

Our Reach

35 States and Union Territories