RESEARCH & STUDIES

Centre of Excellence for Research, Assessment, Evaluation and Development Advisory

The Resource Support Unit (RSU) of Social Action for Rural Development (SARDA) serves as a specialised and professionally driven technical wing, delivering end-to-end research, assessment, evaluation, and advisory services for large-scale development programs across India.

With over two decades of institutional credibility, multi-sectoral expertise, and a strong field-based approach, SARDA’s has emerged as a trusted partner to Central and State Governments, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), financial institutions, and CSR foundations for providing evidence-based solutions, statutory compliance services, and sustainable development planning.

Institutional Strength & Professional Framework

SARDA is a registered, ISO 9001:2015 certified organisation, with strong statutory compliance and governance systems. The RSPU operates under the leadership of experienced professionals and domain experts, ensuring high-quality delivery, transparency, and accountability in all assignments.

The organisation is empanelled with over 36 national and state-level agencies, including:

Revenue & Land Reforms Department, Government of Jharkhand (SIA)
Nabakrushna Centre for Development Studies (NCDS), Odisha
Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration (HIPA)
Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Government of Maharashtra
PFC Consulting Limited (PFCCL)
SBI Foundation (Baseline, Endline & Impact Studies)

These empanelments reflect SARDA’s technical competence, credibility, and compliance with national standards

Core Service Portfolio

1. Social Impact Assessment (SIA) & Social Studies

SARDA has extensive experience in conducting Social Impact Assessments (SIA) for land acquisition, mining, industrial, and infrastructure projects.

Completed 70+ SIA/SIMP studies across Jharkhand and other states

Conducted SIA assignments in Odisha, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar
Expertise in large-scale infrastructure and mining sector assessments

Key Deliverables:

Socio-economic surveys and census of Project Affected Families (PAFs)
Stakeholder consultations and public hearings
Impact analysis on land, livelihoods, and vulnerable groups
Preparation of Social Impact Management Plans (SIMP)
Compliance with LARR Act and State SIA Guidelines

2. Rehabilitation & Resettlement (R&R) Planning

SARDA provides comprehensive Rehabilitation & Resettlement (R&R) planning and implementation support for large infrastructure and mining projects.

Key Clients:

Western Coalfields Limited (WCL)
Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC India Ltd.)
WBPDCL, NTPC, DVC, and other agencies

Key Services:

Baseline Socio-Economic Surveys (BLSES)
Preparation of R&R Action Plans & RAPs
Entitlement frameworks and compensation planning
Livelihood restoration and income generation strategies
Community facilitation and grievance redressal

SARDA ensures inclusive, fair, and sustainable rehabilitation of affected communities.

3. Third Party Evaluation (TPE) & Impact Assessment

SARDA undertakes independent Third Party Evaluation (TPE) and Impact Assessment studies for government schemes and CSR programs.

Empanelled with SBI Foundation and Govt. agencies
Experience in evaluating NRM, livelihood, forestry, and CSR programs

Key Components:

Assessment of project performance, outcomes, and impact
Physical and financial verification
Sustainability and scalability analysis
Identification of gaps and policy recommendations

4. Environmental & Biodiversity Assessments

SARDA provides integrated environmental services including:

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Flora & Fauna Studies
Biodiversity Assessment
Environmental Management Plans (EMP)

Recent works include baseline biodiversity assessments for SBI Foundation projects and environmental studies for coal mining projects .

5. Baseline, Midline & Endline Surveys

SARDA conducts large-scale socio-economic and sectoral surveys using advanced tools and methodologies.

Capabilities:

Household-level data collection and profiling
GIS-enabled mapping and analysis
Digital data collection tools
Comparative impact analysis

These surveys form the backbone of project planning, monitoring, and evaluation systems.

6. PRA & Participatory Planning

SARDA integrates Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) approaches to ensure community ownership and inclusive planning.

Tools & Methods:

Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)
Social & resource mapping
Livelihood and vulnerability analysis
Community consultations

7. Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)

SARDA provides structured Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) frameworks to improve program performance.

Services include:

Logical framework development
Indicator-based monitoring systems
Field verification and audits
GIS-based monitoring and reporting
Real-time tracking and dashboards

Sectoral Expertise

SARDA’s RSU operates across diverse sectors:

Mining & Industrial Projects
Infrastructure & Road Development
Natural Resource Management & Watershed
Forestry & Biodiversity
Agriculture & Livelihoods
Skill Development & Social Sector Programs
Government Schemes & CSR Projects

Geographic Footprint

SARDA has successfully executed assignments across:

Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Rajasthan

Technology & Innovation

SARDA has established a dedicated GIS (Geographic Information System) Cell that enhances:

Spatial analysis and mapping
Project monitoring and tracking
Data visualization and reporting
Decision support systems

This ensures precision, efficiency, and data-driven planning.

Competitive Advantage

Over 20 years of proven experience
Strong government empanelment & credibility
Expertise in SIA, R&R, TPE, and Impact Studies
Dedicated GIS-enabled technical capability
Multidisciplinary team of experts
Strong grassroots presence with technical excellence

Conclusion

The Resource Support Unit (RSPU) of SARDA stands as a centre of excellence in research, assessment, and development advisory, delivering credible, compliant, and impact-oriented solutions. By combining technical rigor with community insights, SARDA supports stakeholders in achieving inclusive, sustainable, and responsible development outcomes.