Rural Technical Training Institute

 Lokpanchayat established Rural Technical Training Institute (RTTI) in 2011, with aim of providing employable skills development to rural youth. This institute educates 250 youth per annum on subsidized fees. Institute provides hostel facilities to youth from remote tribal villages. With a seven acre campus and government recognised six technical courses, Lokpanchayat’s Rural Technical Training Institute provides a full facility of 10 classrooms, 6 workshops, a computer lab and a boys hostel. Rural Technical Training Institute has 20 qualified teachers.

Since its inception, Lokpanchayat's Rural Technology Training Institute (RTTI) has adopted a pro-poor approach, specifically targeting youth from tribal and drought-prone villages facing livelihood challenges. This approach is in line with Sustainable Development Goal number 2, focusing on poverty reduction. The standard practice for identifying and selecting students ensures that at least 50% come from underprivileged families, with a minimum of 30% being girls and 2 to 3% representing physically challenged youth.

RTTI's method for skills development adheres to a structured process:

1. Admission Drive: RTTI conducts targeted admission campaigns to reach eligible candidates in identified communities.

2. Candidate Selection: Rigorous selection criteria are applied to prioritize candidates with the greatest potential and need from targeted communities.

3. Facilitation of Admissions: RTTI assists selected candidates in completing admission processes, including necessary paperwork and online submissions per government requirements.

4. Quality Teaching: The institute delivers high-quality education through experienced faculty and relevant curricula. Educational activities at RTTI also include soft skills workshops, industry exposure, and participation in district and state-level project development competitions.

5. Facilities: RTTI provides excellent hostel accommodation and meals as needed. Additionally, affordable transportation is available for students commuting from Sangamner to the institute.

6. Practical Skills Development: Emphasizing hands-on learning, RTTI offers fully equipped laboratories and workshops for applying theoretical knowledge.

7. Post-Course Placements: After completing their courses, RTTI assists students in securing suitable placements or employment, contributing to their socio-economic advancement and the overarching goal of poverty reduction. 

Since its inception, Lokpanchayat's Rural Technology Training Institute (RTTI) has embraced a pro-poor strategy, focusing on youth from tribal and drought-prone villages facing livelihood challenges. This approach aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2, which emphasizes the reduction of poverty and hunger. The institute ensures inclusivity by adopting a rigorous selection process that guarantees at least 50% of students are from economically disadvantaged families, with a minimum of 30% being girls and 2–3% representing differently-abled youth.

Currently, RTTI offers nine government-certified technical skills development courses, ranging from three months to two years. The institute prioritizes the enrollment of rural youth, emphasizing equitable access for girls, differently-abled individuals, and those from underprivileged backgrounds. With its experienced faculty, hands-on learning methodology, and fully equipped laboratories and workshops, RTTI ensures students achieve the competencies required for employability.

Complementing technical education, RTTI provides extracurricular activities and personality development workshops to enhance student profiles. Through its dedicated efforts in assisting students with placement opportunities, RTTI significantly contributes to their socio-economic empowerment, advancing the broader goal of poverty alleviation.