________________
2) The Patwari/ Talathi in the Revenue Departments hierarchy. 3) The village school in the Educational system. 4) The commercial trade and retail distribution network. In the past we have tried the Gram Sevak as a motivating channel and also as a Technology Delivery System (TDS). Even under ideal conditions, there is a limit to the number and variety of technologies that could be delivered through one individual. The patwari route is not available because the Revenue role takes precedence. The commercial – trade network is good for delivering goods but not knowledge. This leaves the Education system as the only option worth exploring. In a sense, education is itself a "technology" delivery operation, so there is a commonality and nearness between the two operations that has yet to be exploited. The Education - Development link has always been recognised. Teachers have, at various times, been given "additional" assignments, considered to be of national importance e.g. motivation for family planning etc. The students also are supposed to be involved in social service, socially useful productive work (SUPW) or work experience, social forestry etc. But their role in converting Education as a TDS is entirely different. What is envisaged is a 3-tier system for technical education in schools in the rural areas. The three levels will be at the + 2 level (11 and 12 std.) at block level, at the secondary school level 8th - 10 std. (at least 2-3 per block) and work experience sections in other schools, also at 8-10 std. level, but in all secondary schools. These schools will be equipped with Agro-engineering facilities of differing levels. These schools will have trained instructors who will give practical instruction to students, who in turn, will provide service as part of the curriculum and take part in field trials/ demonstrations of new technologies – teaming up with farmers/ villagers who can use the new technologies. • Rural Development Through Education System 119
