Centre of Science for Villages (CSV) founded by Dr. Devendra Kumar started functioning in 1976 from the premises of Maganwadi in Wardha from where Mahatma Gandhi began the " All India Village Industries Association" (AIVIA) in 1934 and Dr. J. C. Kumarappa gave shape to Gandhian concept of Rural Economy. The idea behind the centre was to establish a place, which could act as a centre for transfer of technology and be a bridge between the portals of National Laboratories and doors of the Rural Mud Huts.

In the area of Rural Technology CSV has been involved in Research, Field Trial, Field Extension, Networking, Training, Publication, and Policy Intervention.

CSV has a multi-disciplinary team composed to technical staff volunteers, ranging from engineers, social scientists and artisans, assisted and supported by apprentice rural youth. About one hundred of them work at the various CSV campuses in different fields. Areas of Activities

• Renewable Energy
• Agriculture & Environment
• Rural Housing and Sanitation
• Tools & Equipment
• New Industries & Crafts
• Technologies For Women
• Science Popularization & Awareness Generation

CSV has followed the following seven progressive steps in its work of evolving new rural technologies which are ecologically sound and lead to social justice:

Identification of Focus Action Areas

Critical problems / difficulties requiring S&T solutions. Generation of new work avenues though use of local resources. Upgradation and optimization of traditional skill and knowledge system to meet present day needs. Search out for Options

To interact with S&T based R&D institutions to find out available technological solutions for the above with a view to select viable alternatives.

Research Project

On the basis of the above information, research projects are undertaken to make the technologies viable and replicable under village conditions.

Extension

The successful technology evolved through field research is tried out in a number of villages to evolved model for its dissemination.

Publication

Results obtained from the research are published through papers, manuals and bulletins.

Training

To train personnel from voluntary organizations who can disseminate the proven technologies over a larger geographical area and demonstrate its multipliability.

Influencing State Policies & Programmes

To use various forums for inclusion of appropriate rural technologies and environmental sustainable enterprises that empower rural artisans and working population in the governmental programs, plans and policies

Areas of Activities & Facilities

CSV has a multi-disciplinary team composed to technical staff volunteers, ranging from engineers, social scientists and artisans, assisted and supported by apprentice rural youth. About one hundred of them work at the various CSV campuses in different fields. .

Campus Locations & Facilities

Besides the basic documentation and administrative facilities of Magan Sangrahalaya, Wardha, the CSV work at the following campuses with respective facilities.

These campuses have the following in-house facilities:

• Computer Centre
• Documentation- bookstion
• Office Support System
• Analytical Laboratory
• Machine Workshop
• Prototype – Demonstrations
• Hostels and Mess
• Lecture Halls

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