Students of the National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi, undertook a field visit to Chitarkota village in the Ratu block of Ranchi district as part of a research project aimed at understanding the social, legal, and policy dimensions of rural life in Jharkhand. 

The visit was conducted under the supervision and guidance of Dr. J. K. Pattnaik, Assistant Professor, NUSRL.

Around 64 students participated in the field exercise, which aimed to help them understand the implementation of welfare legislation and government development schemes at the grassroots level. 

The students were divided into groups and assigned research topics related to Panchayati Raj institutions, education, healthcare, rural livelihoods, and the implementation of government welfare schemes.

The students employed interview schedules, case studies, and direct observation to collect first-hand information. 

They interacted with villagers, families, the Mukhiya, traditional village leaders, ASHA workers, and the ward members to understand local governance structures, community concerns, and the delivery of public services. The information collected during the visit was systematically documented and will form the basis of their research projects.

*Observations on Rural Life and Governance*
Chitarkota village falls under Pali Gram Panchayat and is situated in a Scheduled Area, where the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) provides a framework for strengthening village-level self-governance.

During the visit, students observed that many families depend on agriculture and forest-based activities for their livelihoods. Discussions with residents highlighted concerns regarding the availability of regular employment, which contributes to the migration of young people. Access to quality education and healthcare also emerged as important areas requiring attention.

At the Anganwadi centre, students observed its functioning and learned about the implementation of nutrition-related services and the mid-day meal scheme. Interactions with ASHA workers and the ward members provided insights into local healthcare services and administrative mechanisms.

Discussions with the Mukhiya and traditional village leaders helped students understand how elected Panchayati Raj institutions and traditional leadership structures operate alongside each other. The interactions also highlighted varying experiences regarding access to government welfare schemes. While certain benefits have reached residents, limited awareness and procedural delays were identified as challenges affecting access to entitlements.

*Experiential Learning Beyond the Classroom*
The field visit provided students with an opportunity to connect their classroom learning with the realities of rural administration and governance. By observing village-level institutions and interacting directly with residents, they gained practical insights into the functioning of the Gram Panchayat, the Gram Sabha, and welfare delivery mechanisms.

The exercise also strengthened their empirical research skills, including conducting interviews, documenting observations, and preparing case studies. Listening to villagers discuss their challenges and aspirations enabled students to appreciate the social context in which laws and public policies operate.

Dr. J. K. Pattnaik highlights the importance of field-based engagement in legal education, noting that such exercises help students develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between law, governance, and society. The observations collected during the visit will be compiled into field reports and research work, with the potential to highlight local concerns before the appropriate authorities.

*Students Suggest Measures to Strengthen Rural Development*

The visit concluded with a reflective discussion in which students shared their findings and suggested measures to improve rural governance and public service delivery. Key suggestions included creating greater awareness of government welfare schemes, improving last-mile delivery of services, encouraging active participation in the Gram Sabha, and promoting educational opportunities for rural youth.

Students also highlighted the need for effective utilisation of existing government schemes, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Ayushman Bharat, and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).