In this episode of Tryst with Statecraft, titled "Policy for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods," we delve into the heart of rural India, exploring the dynamics of sustainable livelihoods against the backdrop of the country's economic and social landscapes. Join us as our host, Loveneet, Associate Editor at Project Statecraft, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with our distinguished guest, Ms. Divya Gaur, Programme Associate, Powering Livelihood, at the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water.

1. Understanding Sustainable Rural Livelihoods: We kick off the episode with Divya breaking down the concept of sustainable rural livelihoods, providing a comprehensive view of how these livelihoods are defined within the unique context of rural India's economic and social settings.

2. Impact of Policy Changes and Government Initiatives: Recent agricultural reforms have stirred nationwide protests and discussions. Divya shares her insights into how these policy shifts and government initiatives are impacting sustainable rural livelihoods. Her expertise sheds light on how clean energy can catalyze enhancing these livelihoods, offering a ray of hope amidst the controversies.

3. Empowering Through Clean Energy: The conversation then navigates towards the critical issue of labor force participation among women and other genders in rural areas. Divya discusses the transformative power of clean energy in empowering women and creating new livelihood opportunities, backed by compelling examples from her field experiences.

4. Reaching the Unreached: As many clean energy technologies are designed for rural and remote areas, our guests ponder over the strategies to ensure these innovations reach those who need them the most. This segment explores the challenges of accessibility and the steps needed to bridge the gap between technology and its beneficiaries.

5. Overcoming Barriers: Lastly, the episode addresses the hurdles hindering the adoption of sustainable practices in rural India. Divya offers practical solutions and forward-thinking approaches to overcome these obstacles, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous rural India.

Through this episode, "Policy for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods," listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and opportunities within rural India's pursuit of sustainability. Join Loveneet and Divya as they unravel the layers of policy, technology, and community engagement essential for fostering sustainable rural livelihoods.

Guest Profile: 

Divya Gaur is a social impact professional focussed on working towards augmenting the positive socio-economic environmental changes at the grassroots level with a data-driven approach. At The Council, Divya is a part of the Powering Livelihoods team and looks into the impact measurement and integrating gender inclusivity in the design of the initiative.

Previously, Divya has worked with Sattva Consulting as a Social Impact Consultant in their Impact Measurement and Advisory team, where she evaluated multiple development programs implemented by social sector organizations and helped maximize their impact on the ground through data-driven decision-making. Divya is also an entrepreneurship enthusiast and has conceptualized ideas at the intersection of women empowerment and sustainability such as zero waste and sustainable clothing. Divya also supports social enterprises that focus on gender inclusion, for design and implementation, on a pro bono basis.

Divya holds a Master's in Economics from TERI University and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Delhi University.