NGOs and Corporate Education: A Case Study from Jharkhand

Abstract

Knowledge development at the regional level is basic to the strengthening of knowledge economy. Though there are many examples of universities taking up community service learning (CSL), they are alarmingly preoccupied with student outcomes and institutional interests. They focus more on achieving academic aims and bolstering the interests and power base of the academy, rather than fulfilling the goals of knowledge economy. Chandra and Mahato (2011) opine that in recent years, Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have emerged as powerful sources for social change within developing countries. Since the vast majority of them exist outside of the government, their programs emanate more from the expressed needs of the people rather than from governments. The participation of local level bodies including NGOs in establishing partnerships with universities is crucial for knowledge economy development. This can help in developing research networks that serve as a basis for regional level business or entrepreneurship that can be in tune with global economy. In the present chapter, the authors take a case study from Jharkhand (one of the states in India) to discuss how NGOs can help in corporate education and the role of Universities to promote their activities.