Located in the northern part of Bihar, India, the district of Purnia is distinguished by its vast fertile plains and rural landscapes. This region, rich in cultural diversity, faces significant socio-economic challenges. The geographical isolation of many communities makes it difficult to access essential services, further deepening inequalities. Karuna-Shechen, already active in southern Bihar, extended its efforts to Purnia in January 2025 to support the most vulnerable communities.
Despite the difficulties it faces, Purnia has considerable agricultural potential due to its fertile land and favorable climate for diverse crops. Additionally, the dynamism of its young population presents an opportunity for local skill development. However, according to the National Family Health Survey (2019-21), 50.7% of the population in Purnia lives in multidimensional poverty. As a result, it is one of the most economically vulnerable areas in India, where rich potential remains untapped.
Assessment of needs and socio-economic challenges in Purnia
To combat poverty in all its forms and better address the needs of the Purnia population, Karuna-Shechen conducted a data collection across the district’s 14 blocks. The data points were based on poverty indicators such as the availability of educational and medical facilities, literacy rates, and percentages of marginalized or unemployed individuals. In light of these findings, the field teams reported:
- Limited access to healthcare and high infant mortality rates
- Malnutrition and food insecurity
- Low literacy rates, particularly among women
- Deficient infrastructure
- Massive labor migration
This data collection is crucial for Karuna-Shechen as it ensures our intervention strategy is based on true socio-economic needs.
A holistic approach for multidimensional needs
To effectively address the numerous challenges in Purnia, we will focus on a comprehensive approach that combines multiple development areas: healthcare, education, agricultural support, and infrastructure improvement. By integrating these actions in a coordinated way, we will address immediate needs while strengthening the resilience and autonomy of the communities.
Targeted interventions, adapted to the specificities of each community, are ensured through systematic approach grounded in local needs analysis.
“When Karuna-Shechen started its work at Purnia, I saw an opportunity to improve our living conditions and submitted a request to build toilets.”
Amiya Khatoon, résident of Sadipur village, Purnia
Her request was quickly heeded, and soon a well-built toilet was installed at her home.
Bringing healthcare to the heart of villages
In the rural and remote areas of the district, access to healthcare is a major concern. Many communities are isolated and lack essential medical services, exacerbating infant mortality, malnutrition, and untreated diseases. In response, Karuna’s teams are implementing an innovative approach to make healthcare accessible to the most vulnerable populations.
To reach the most isolated villages, mobile health camps will be deployed to offer medical consultations and basic care to residents. Additionally, partnerships with local hospitals will help expand the healthcare offering and improve the management of patients requiring specialized treatments.
To overcome accessibility challenges, telemedicine will be developed to provide patients with remote consultations and regular medical follow-up without the need to travel. These telemedicine services will be available weekly and will reduce transportation and medical test costs for patients, ensuring access to care without financial barriers.
Education for empowerment
Many women and young children are illiterate, due to limited access to quality education in Purnia.
To improve early childhood education, Karuna-Shechen has established a cognitive development program with 18 Anganwadi Centers (AWC). These centers work with children aged 3 to 6 in Indian villages, offering a stimulating environment for early learning, which is the foundation for quality education.
Simultaneously, the creation of 18 Non-Formal Education (NFE) is providing literacy courses for women. After completing a six-month literacy program, these women can move on to professional skill development training, enter the workforce and achieve financial independence.
Securing livelihoods and modernizing agriculture
Agriculture being a key economic pillar in Purnia, several actions are being been taken to modernize agricultural practices and improve the living conditions of farmers:
- Training in sustainable and profitable agricultural practices:
To help farmers adopt modern and environmentally sound techniques, training sessions are organized. These practices aim to improve agricultural yields while reducing costs and enhancing crop reliability.
- Distribution of seeds and fruit and vegetable plants:
To support domestic agriculture and improve food security for vulnerable families, seeds and plants are being distributed. This enables farmers to diversify their crops and improve nutrition. These seeds are adapted to each season (monsoon and winter) to maximize yields and optimize resource use.
“These seeds have given me the opportunity to grow fresh vegetables for my family and even sell the surplus on the market. This has reduced my dependence on expensive seeds and improved our nutrition.”
Keswar Khatoon, resident of Sadipur village, Purnia
- Food security and promotion of cash crops:ures de rente :
A program is being implemented to enhance agricultural yields and encourage the cultivation of high-yield crops. This program aims to ensure food security while providing farmers with income from cash crops.
Building the Foundations for a Better Future
Access to clean water and sanitation remains a major challenge in many parts of Purnia. To address this, Karuna-Shechen will undertake several key infrastructure projects aimed at improving sanitation and water access.
120 toilets to promote hygiene and reduce health risks.
4 ponds to improve water availability for agricultural, domestic use, and livestock.
20 Karuna Neer water filtration units to provide clean drinking water to rural communities.
Towards sustainable change
Our presence in Purnia is new, but we hope that by tackling the root causes of poverty, these efforts will pave the way for sustainable development that respects the needs of all. These initiatives will help ensure that the communities in Purnia have the tools and resources necessary to build a prosperous and fulfilling future.
