COMPLETED RESEARCH ASSIGNMENTS

Name of the Research Study
Year of the Study
Link of the Report
Certificate of Completion/Feedback

1.   Assessment of Jesuit Schools in South Asia
The Jesuit Conference of South Asia/JEASA engaged Jesuit Research and Development Society (JRDS) to conduct a comprehensive assessment of Jesuit schools in India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal from August 2022 to October 2022. JRDS executed the study, involving a substantial sample size of 16,207 participants, including students, teachers, PTA representatives, and alumni, from 250 schools. This rigorous assessment aimed to evaluate various aspects of the educational experience and outcomes in Jesuit institutions across the three countries. The data collected provided valuable insights into the strengths and areas for improvement in Jesuit education, contributing to the ongoing efforts to enhance educational quality and impact in the region.

2022

2.    Baseline Survey on "Socio-Economic and Vulnerability Study on Tea Garden Workers in Five Districts of Assam"
JRDS [Previously, known as Jesuit Conference of India-Conference Development of India (JCI-CDO) carried out a baseline study for Legal Cell for Human Rights (LCHR), Guwahati to understand the present socio-economic and legal status of people inhibiting or dependent in tea gardens of Lakhimpur, Nagaon, Udalguri, Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts of Assam. The major objective of the study was to assess the socio-economic and human rights condition of the marginalized and vulnerable communities in the tea garden and other rural areas.

2022

3.   Impact of COVID-19 in Rural India: A Cross-sectional Study from 12 States
The study was carried out by JRDS [Previously, known as Jesuit Conference of India-Conference Development of India (JCI-CDO) for the Indian Social Institute, Delhi to understand and assess the impact of COVID 19 in rural India, from the perspective of marginalized communities like the Dalits, Adivasis, women and children. It focuses on livelihood, children’s education, health, and social security schemes. The research study was conducted in 12 states, covering 474 villages in 46 districts, from June 2021 to January 2022.

2021

4.   Disparity in Access to Education in Aspirational Districts in Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh
The impact assessment study funded by National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Government of India was conceptualized and designed by JRDS [Previously, known as Jesuit Conference of India-Conference Development of India (JCI-CDO) for the Indian Social Institute, Delhi (ISI_D). The objective of the study was to assess the implementation of the current educational initiatives and programmes in the six Aspirational Districts of Kandhamal and Kalahandi (Odisha), Lohardaga and Chatra (Jharkhand), and Kanker and Korba (Chhattisgarh). The qualitative and quantitative study dealt with parents, students, and teachers. The sample consisted of 930 parents and 932 students from 36 villages and 36 schools, respectively, from six aspirational districts of Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. The study’s findings showed many socio-economically disadvantaged groups in India. As a result, there is a disparity in access to education concerning region, gender, and location.

2023
The study is yet to be published.
2022
2022

    DESK RESEARCH/PREPARATION OF ACTION ORIENTED ENGAGEMENTS

Name of the Research Study
Year of the Study
Link of the Report
Certificate of Completion/Feedback

7.   A Compendium on Welfare Schemes for Migrant Workers
India's working-age poor are increasingly migrating in search of employment, moving to urban areas for jobs in construction, manufacturing, and services, as well as to rural farm sectors. Census 2011 revealed a significant rise in the migrant population, from 309.4 million in 2001 to 449.9 million in 2011, with approximately 28.3 percent of India's workforce comprising migrant laborers. Despite their critical role in the economy, they often face exploitation and human rights violations. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed their vulnerabilities, highlighting the need for comprehensive policies. In response, the Jesuits Conference of India established the Migrant Assistance and Information Network (MAIN) in February 2021 to provide organized support to migrant laborers across 12 states. To further support these workers, the CDO team compiled a comprehensive document on state-specific migrant schemes, detailing government initiatives in eight major destination states: Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Goa, and Delhi. This document, which highlights financial entitlements and services, aims to increase awareness, address issues more effectively, and serve as a foundation for advocacy efforts to ensure the rights and entitlements of migrant labourers are met.

2021
Desk Research

8.     COVID-19 RESPONSE CUMULATIVE REPORT 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc worldwide, with India experiencing mass devastation during the second wave. Nearly every family was affected, either through the death of loved ones or critical health battles due to an overwhelmed public health system. Livelihoods were lost, compounding the challenges faced by the populace. Fear of the disease and myths surrounding vaccination led many to avoid seeking medical care, while inadequate medical facilities in rural areas further exacerbated the situation. In response to this crisis, the Jesuit Conference of South Asia (JCSA) network, committed to serving the needy, mobilized to assist those in distress, especially in poorly accessible areas of the provinces. This effort was a collaborative endeavor involving all 21 Jesuit Provinces/Regions, including 19 in India and 2 in Nepal and Sri Lanka. Additionally, a special report highlights the Jesuit Collective project, initiated through the joint efforts of the Indian Social Institute, Delhi, CDO, MAIN, and Lokmanch, which aimed to reach out to the most affected communities and provide necessary support during the second wave. This brief captures the significant impact and reach of these initiatives.

2021
Desk Research

9.     Break the Chain of COVID Pandemic through Community Health Surveillance System
The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted vulnerable communities and marginalized populations, exacerbating their struggles with poverty, unemployment, and malnutrition. Since April 2020, infections surged, and by June 2020, India reported over 266,598 confirmed cases across 32 states and union territories. Despite stringent national measures, including lockdowns, the pandemic's second wave hit India hard, with states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Delhi reporting the highest infections. The overwhelmed public healthcare system left families scrambling for medicines and oxygen, with numerous deaths due to shortages, particularly in Delhi. The positivity rate soared above 20% in many states, far exceeding the WHO threshold of 10%, indicating widespread under-testing. The pandemic revealed a severe health and humanitarian crisis, prompting the Jesuit Collective, led by the Indian Social Institute (ISI) in Delhi, to act with support from the Xavier Network. The intervention, targeting the most vulnerable populations across 12 states, aimed to create COVID-19 resilient communities with low infection and mortality rates. Key objectives included breaking the chain of transmission through a Community Health Surveillance System (CHSS) and connecting quarantined individuals with healthcare workers to reduce mortality. The project focused on establishing CHSS, contact tracing, and containment measures. Trained community workers managed COVID-19 cases, supported public health measures, and provided healthcare access assistance. This action-oriented desk research-based initiative highlighted the critical role of community health surveillance in managing the pandemic and protecting the most vulnerable populations.

2021
Desk Research