Matru Smruti Trust, a review in ten questions
‘Matru Smruti Trust, a review in ten questions’ (2002) by Joep Verhagen a Dutch scholar, was a document that presented the findings of a review of MST’s (earlier name of Swapath Trust) work in its first five years. The review also helped the organization decide the future direction. It also documents the work of MST in the aftermath of the 2001 earthquake. (This report is now out of print).
Sarpanch
‘Sarpanch’, a quarterly magazine with a focus on the Panchayati Raj in the context of the seventy-third constitutional amendment. It was a publication under the aegis of the Western India Forum for Panchayati Raj (WIFPR) which covered the state of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa. The magazine aimed at promoting and reminding villages that the local self-government was much better placed and empowered by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act. (The magazine was discontinued in 2014).
Population, Education and Development (2014) by Prof Leela Visaria
This joint publication with the Gujarat Vidyapith provided good insights into the relationship between the three. The author being an eminent demographer, has understood not only the linkages but also has been able to raise questions for the future under changing demography. (The paper is available on request in hard copy).
Vasti Niti ane Panchayati Raj Sansthao: Be Balakona Dhoran ni Asaro
(‘Population Policy and the Panchayati Raj Institutions: Impact of the 2-child norm’- 2017) by Akash Acharya and Rajesh Bhat. This paper published in the Gujarati Journal of the Centre for Social Studies (CSS, Surat). The paper, based on a study of the impact of the 2-child norm in Gujarat, examines the impact of this rathe unjust rule imposed on Panchayats. (Photocopies available at cost)
Trapped: A cycle of Poverty, Migration & Exploitation
The publication is the output of a study of the seasonal migration of sugarcane cutters in the Dang district of Gujarat. This study has its roots in Swapath Trust’s work with the children of such migrating families in The Dangs. The study aimed at understanding the details of their migration and how and why is it linked to their poverty. Also, it aimed at finding answers and strategies to alleviate their poverty and improve their living and working conditions. The report is available on-line using this link:
Chakravyuh: Garibi, Sthalantar ane Shoshan na Chkravyuh ma fasayela (Gujarati):
This report is the Gujarati version of the above-mentioned English repot and is based on the same study. Copies are available at cost upon request.