Practicing of Social Work Methods and Techniques in Gram Sachivalayams by Welfare and Development Secretaries: A Study

Abstract

This study is conducted with the social workers who are in the position of welfare and development secretary in gram/ward sachivalayams (Secretariats) of Andhra Pradesh. The Government of Andhra Pradesh established 15,004 Village/Ward Secretariats and recruited welfare and development secretaries in Sachivalayams. Many social work graduates and postgraduates are employed in Village/Ward Secretariats as Welfare and Development Secretary and providing the services to the needy. During their post graduate education in Social work, they learnt social work methods i.e. social casework, group work, community organisation, social action, social welfare administration and social research. These methods and techniques are more helpful to implement the welfare schemes for the poor and needy. During their social work education, they practiced fieldwork and learned record writing which are very useful in the present job. The present study was conducted with 29 welfare and development secretaries who have social work education. The study found that the social work methods, techniques, previous fieldwork experience and record writing are more useful to them to implement the welfare schemes in the state of Andhra Pradesh. They earned good name from the beneficiaries than the other graduates working in the same department. The universities and the colleges should provide the English speaking skills, computer skills and more fieldwork practice skills to the social work students which help them to get good jobs. 

Keywords: Social work, sachivalayam, village secretariat, welfare, development