University Community Engagement: Insights from Field Work Practices

Abstract

Higher education cannot be enriched without active linkages with neighborhood. Community-university engagement is a reciprocal process which strengthens each other. Western world has accepted the said engagement as a means for aligning research with societal needs. Though, India is having a deep rooted history, legacy and various academic practices, only in the recent times University community engagement has acquired certain significance. For the promotion of new types of teaching and research the societal engagement need to be more deepened. In continuation to the recommendation and provisions earmarked in 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17), the University Grants Commission (UGC) has also launched a new scheme to support setting up a Centre for Fostering Social Responsibility and Community Engagement (CFSRCE) in various universities. The appeal of Hon’ble President of India for setting up “Community Development Cell” in Higher Educational Institutions (HEI) and Prime Minister’s idea of “Unnat Bharat Abhiyan” envisages the same thrust. Engagement with a community is a pre-requisite for Social Work Education and practice. Present paper is highlighting the community field work practice of Department of Social work, Central University of Rajasthan. The components of university community engagement are discussed in the context of social work practice

JEL Classification: Community Engagement, Neighbourhood, Sustainable Development