Projects
India-Bhutan Cross Border Infrastructure: Fostering Faster Implementation to Achieve Optimal Economic Cooperation
India and Bhutan share a unique and strong bilateral relationship – characterized by mutual trust, goodwill and cooperation – which has been continually strengthened through regular high-level exchanges between the two countries. In light of the historically cordial relations Bhutan and India share along with the immense developmental landscape presented by constructs such as the BBIN, SASEC and other key
Impact of Non-Major Ports on Shipping: Potential and Way Forward
India is a major maritime nation with more than 7500 km coastline dotted by more than 200 ports. Maritime trade in India is carried out through 12 major ports and 217 non-major ports. Non-major ports hold an important position in the maritime ecosystem of the country handling around 45% of the total cargo handled at Indian ports. Some of the
Perception Study of Passenger Movement between India and Nepal via Land Ports
This study – being conducted on behalf of the Land Ports Authority of India – aims to comprehensively analyse the perception of passengers commuting between India and Nepal via land ports, with a specific focus on the Integrated Check Posts (ICPs). The research involves understanding the current movement of passengers, their purpose and frequency of visit, as well as the
A Study of Value Chain for Key Agriculture Commodities in 6 Identified Districts of Madhya Pradesh
SRIJAN, the organisation responsible for project implementation, worked diligently to increase the annual income of farmers affiliated with the Food Producer Organization in designated districts. They conducted a comprehensive value chain study, primarily focusing on identifying profitable agricultural commodities and understanding the value-added processes in production. The study revealed that although a variety of crops were cultivated in these regions,
Baseline Study of Growers in 6 Identified Districts of Madhya Pradesh
SRIJAN and BRIEF conducted a comprehensive baseline study in six diverse districts of Madhya Pradesh, aiming to understand the livelihoods of farmers associated with 12 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). The study delved into the socioeconomic conditions of local farmers, their roles in agricultural production and marketing, and their access to markets and financial resources. It also identified challenges related to
Impact Assessment of the SBI Card III Project
SBI Cards Payment and Services Private Limited (SBI Cards) is currently collaborating with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in a strategic partnership aimed at providing vocational training in three key sectors: Leather, Telecommunications, and Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI). This collaboration reflects a shared commitment towards addressing the pressing need for skill development in these sectors, ultimately enhancing
Impact Assessment under MoHUA – NIPUN Project
This project places significant emphasis on conducting a thorough investigation into the impact of a skill development program tailored specifically for construction workers. It stands as a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), driven by a dual objective: firstly, to uplift the livelihoods of construction workers, and secondly,
Study of Gendered Mobility Patterns in Delhi-NCR
The objective of the study is to understand gendered mobility patterns, mobility needs and preferences of mobile respondents, particularly women in the corridor area, for RRTS to act as a facilitator for enhanced mobility of women and girls. The findings of the study will be presented to NCRTC to implement a sound gender-responsive urban mobility strategy, underpinned by a clear,
National Time Release Study (TRS) for Implementation of the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA) in India
In order to efficiently implement the various provisions of the trade facilitation agreement, the National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF), established to oversee the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in India, has developed the National Trade Facilitation Action Plan (NTFAP) that lays down short, medium and long term targets for various government agencies involved in cross border trade.
Coordinated Border Management at Land Ports in BBIN countries
Coordinated Border Management at Land Ports in BBIN countries The purpose of the study is to develop an action plan for setting up coordinated border management between India and its neighbors (India-Bangladesh, India-Bhutan and India-Nepal). While developing this plan of action, the study will assess the feasibility of common facilitation, in terms of – development of infrastructure and alignment of
Asian Development Bank (ADB): Strategic Interventions for Economic Transformation— Strengthening Knowledge for Enhancing Development Outcomes
Asian Development Bank (ADB): Strategic Interventions for Economic Transformation— Strengthening Knowledge for Enhancing Development Outcomes The primary responsibility of the BRIEF team in this project was to assist the Country Programming Unit and INRM management at ADB in its tasks, including (but not limited to) projects pipeline, providing inputs to the development, review and analysis of the Country Operations Business
Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO): Trends Challenges and Way Forward
Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO): Trends Challenges and Way Forward The study initiated under the Research Scheme of Niti Aayog was undertaken by BRIEF. The principal focus of the review study is to create an ecosystem that would bridge the gaps existing in the present MRO industry in India. The study focused – To facilitate systemic developments in the MRO
Third Party Evaluation and Impact Study of 28 Projects of Batch-IV & V under PMKSY-WDC
Third Party Evaluation and Impact Study of 28 Projects of Batch-IV & V under PMKSY-WDC The proposed evaluation study focuses on measuring the effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability of the PMKSY-WDC scheme in Haryana. The end-line study’s overall objective is to assess the ecological, economic, and social impact of 28 projects of Batch-IV & V of PMKSY-WDC. The impact evaluation
Conducting Baseline Study on Agricultural Practices and Farm Economies in 25 Districts
The aim of the study was to establish baselines on select parameters related to existing or current agricultural package of practices (PoP) and milch animals, and economics of major crops in the project areas. Following are the specific parameters that were covered during the primary survey: The socio‐economic and demographic context of the rural farming communities The productivity of major
Evaluation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) for Package I – Agriculture, Horticulture & Animal Husbandry across India
NITI Aayog commissioned an evaluation of Umbrella Central Sponsored Schemes (UCSS) under the Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries sector. This evaluation was focused on identifying global and home grown best practices, developing case studies, outlining interventions, etc. to strengthen the implementation of various schemes under the Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries sector. Apart from scheme related information, the following specific
Ease of Doing Business initiative at Indian Ports Association
The Indian Ports Association, an apex body of Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Government of India, has assigned BRIEF as Project Management Consultant (PMC) to facilitate maritime trade and liaise between the Ministry and stakeholders in order to facilitate India’s ease of doing business ranking.The main objective of this study is to identify of bottlenecks in the trade
Improving Rail Efficiency and Share in India’s Freight Transport
Infrastructure including logistics takes centerstage as India embarks on its journey towards becoming a USD 5 trillion economy by 2024-25. Currently, the freight modal share is skewed toward roads resulting in increased congestion, pollution and logistics cost escalations. At this juncture, it is important to strengthen the railways for the cost-effective and clean movement of commodities. In order to increase
Cross LoC Trade: Building Bridges, (Re)Connecting Communities in Jammu & Kashmir
Following successful completion of the study on Cross-LoC Trade: Enhancing Opportunities and Expanding Constituencies, BRIEF has started next phase of the study with the aim of building bridges and (re)connecting communities across LoC and between J&K and rest of India. And for this, the project will focus to strengthen further the mechanisms of LoC trade, accompanied with adequate steps towards:
Partnering for Prosperity: through Enabling Trade and Connecting Communities between India and Pakistan
In order to revive the dialogue on economic (re)engagement between India and Pakistan, the project will aim to strengthen the bilateral trade ecosystem through establishing association level collaborations to enable sector-specific value chain linkages, and enhancing knowledge base and capacities by widening stakeholder participation. The project will undertake a pro-active and stakeholder intensive approach to: (Re)initiate the dialogue on economic
End-line assessment of the project ‘Combating Discrimination – Worst Forms of Discrimination against Girl Children’
Plan India implemented one of their key programs – ‘GARV – Girls Aspiration for Rights and Values’ from July 2015 to February 2018 with a 3-year grant awarded by the European Commission on ‘Combating Discrimination – Worst Forms of Discrimination against Girl Children.’ The overall objective of the GARV project was to empower the community to eliminate sex selection and
Role of Financial Institutions in Gold Monetisation
In the backdrop of the Gold Monetisation Scheme, this study was aimed at understanding the role Banks, Assaying units, Refineries & Non-Banking Financial Corporations (NBFC) play and the challenges they face/foresee with regard to the business of gold and their willingness to be a part of the Scheme. In order to accomplish the objectives of this project commissioned by The Pahle
An Analysis of the Political Economy of Rice Trade between Bangladesh, India, and Nepal
The Asia Foundation has engaged Bureau of Research on Industry and Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF) Pvt. Ltd. to conduct An Analysis of the Political Economy of Rice Trade between Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. The study combines four levels of analysis: the source, the border, the point of consumption, and the institutions of influence. An analysis of the source would include understanding
Review of Udaan Scheme in Jammu & Kashmir
Under the Research Scheme of NITI Aayog 2015 (RSNA), NITI Aayog has sanctioned Bureau of Research on Industry and Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF) to undertake the research study “Review of Udaan Scheme in Jammu & Kashmir”. The principal focus of the review study on Udaan Scheme is to create an ecosystem that would bridge the gaps existing in the present scheme.
Industry Engagement in Skill Development: Skill Gap in High Growth Manufacturing & Service Sectors
With an objective to understand the level of engagement of industries in skill development domain and their participation in skill development programs, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has undertaken a study titled ‘Industry Engagement in Skill Development: Skill Gap in High Growth Manufacturing & Service Sectors’. The study aims at identifying the industry segment(s) with high rate
Emergence of Private Sustainability Standards: Concerns and Challenges for India’s Exports and Domestic Industries
Over the years, international trade has witnessed a decrease in tariffs in many countries. However, tariff barriers are getting increasingly replaced by non-tariff barriers such as standards – voluntary and mandatory – and technical regulations. In addition, exporters are also having to comply with private sustainability standards (PSS) imposed by the importers. These standards, by definition, are not government mandated.
Evaluation of Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (CLCSS)
The Ministry of MSME had commissioned an evaluation study of the Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (CLCSS) through National Institute of Labour Economics Research and Development (NILERD) where the effectiveness of the scheme was being evaluated and its impact was being assessed. A holistic evaluation exercise of the said scheme was undertaken by seeking responses from beneficiary SME organisations –
Survey of Direct Selling Companies in India
Pahle India Foundation (PIF) undertook a research study to assess the pain points of Direct Selling Companies doing business in India at present. The study sought to find out the regulatory hurdles faced by Direct Selling Companies while carrying out business across different states in India. The study also covered the business challenges and legal barriers that were being faced
Study of Private Sector Experience with Inspection in India
The aim of the study – commissioned by World Bank and undertaken by PwC – was to obtain an understanding of the effectiveness of inspection system, the use of risk-based regulation, the implementation of self-certification and third-party certification schemes and some overall assessment of the business environment with respect to relevant private sector organisations. For this study, PwC engaged BRIEF
Review of State Level Implementation Strategy – AHANA Program
Project AHANA is Plan India’s national programme working towards an AIDS-free generation in partnership with the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) and supported by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM). Parent to child transmission is a major route of HIV infection among children. To turn the tide, the Government of India has committed to providing access
Evaluation of Implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) in all 33 Districts of Assam
Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) is a well-known programme started by the Government of India in 2014. The objective of this programme is to achieve universal sanitation and make India open defecation free by 2019. PwC has undertaken the project of assisting the Government of Assam in the third-party evaluation of the implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission (G) in all 33
Study towards Building Sector Specific Value Chains between India and Pakistan
This project complements the overall aim of strengthening regional cooperation and trade development in South Asia, a principal area of focus for BRIEF. The study proposes to fill the lacunae in the existing literature and take the case forward by assessing and analysing the complementarity of specific value chains of select commodities/sectors/clusters and the mechanism of their cross-border linkages. There
Cross-LoC trade: Enhancing Opportunities and Expanding Constituencies
Following successful completion of the study on Cross-LoC Trade: Creating Positive Constituencies with Conciliation Resources and presentation of report, Trading Confidence: A Compelling Case for Cross Line of Control Trade, BRIEF has started phase two of the study with the aim of taking forward the recommendations from the previous study. The objective of the current study is to establish linkage
Study on Timeline of Export and Import of Containers through the JNP, Chennai port and APSEZ Mundra
In the context of facilitating pertinent reform measures to foster ease of doing business, BRIEF has undertaken a study of the various procedures and agencies involved in the supply chain for export and import through the Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP), Chennai port and APSEZ Mundra. The study, commissioned by The Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO), involves an analytical assessment
Conducting Evaluation Study of Capital Investment in GFSS Scheme and Infrastructure Plan-I implemented by Energy Department, Govt. of Maharashtra
The Dept. of Statistics & Economics, Planning Dept. of Govt. of Maharashtra initiated this evaluation study with multi-pronged objectives including evaluation of physical and financial achievement of the schemes, identifying problems during its implementation, the scheme’s effectiveness and adequacy as well as evaluation of the impact of the scheme on village and semi-urban consumers. CRIS has sub-contracted the research work
Democracy Survey
Observer Research Foundation (ORF), a New Delhi based research think tank, has commissioned a multinational study titled ‘Democracy Survey’. The objective of the study is to seek opinion of the public in general on democracy and is aimed at understanding the citizens’ perceptions on identified areas around the prevailing political environment in selected countries. BRIEF as a research partner has
Pursuing Reforms at Indian Ports to Improve the Trading Environment for International Business
The project “Pursuing Reforms at Indian Ports to Improve the Trading Environment for International Business” aims at pursuing, promoting and facilitating identified procedural reforms, supporting their implementation and positively impacting policy-making in four broad areas: Information Exchange Platforms Container Freight Stations (CFS) PPP Projects at Ports Trade Facilitation Committee Meetings (PTFC & CCFC) This current exercise succeeds the project “Bridging
Cross LoC Trade: Creating Positive Constituencies
Conciliation Resources and Bureau of Research on Industry & Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF) have jointly launched a program on Cross LoC trade through Jammu and Kashmir, primarily aimed at supporting and fostering LoC trade and addressing the associated development issues. Over the last seven years Cross LoC trade has been the most impactful Confidence Building Measure (CBM) implemented by India and
Penetration of IT in Medium and Small Enterprises in India
The study was carried out with an objective to identify and understand the challenges encountered by the industries (Manufacturing, IT, Retail, etc.) on account of non-availability of IT infrastructure. The study was also aimed at understanding the possible benefits such industries would derive from adoption of IT in routine business activities. The study provides an understanding into the existing IT
Feasibility Study on Joint Venture Project between Toyo Agricultural Machinery and Indian Strategic Partner for Potato Harvester
Bureau of Research on Industry & Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF) in collaboration with Toyo Agricultural Machinery carried out the above mentioned study to gauge the demand and supply dynamics of agricultural machinery in the state of Punjab. The objective of this market study was to measure the business potential for Toyo Agricultural Machinery, Japan (TAM) in the state of Punjab as
Identifying Natural Resource Based Rural Development Projects in Chhattisgarh
Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Limited (IL&FS) commissioned Bureau of Research on Industry & Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF) to participate in a study on implementation of UPNRM – Umbrella Program in Natural Resource Management (UPNRM) – programme in selected districts of Chhattisgarh. The objective of the program was to “enhance the effectiveness of selected public and private investment programmes in the
Challenges Faced by Hi-tech Start-ups and Early Growth Stage Firms in their Growth Trajectory
Wadhwani Foundation commissioned Bureau of Research on Industry & Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF) to conduct a survey on the challenges faced by Hi-tech start-ups and early growth stage firms in India. The study was sponsored by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The aim of this project was to identify and analyze various challenges faced by high-tech start-ups
Assessing the Impact of Imports under EPCG Scheme on India’s Exports and its Capital Goods Sector
Bureau of Research on Industry & Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF) is currently involved in an assignment titled ‘Assessing the Impact of Imports under EPCG Scheme on India’s Exports and its Capital Goods Sector’ with The Centre for WTO Studies (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade). The study aims at assessing the impact of import of capital goods under Export Promotion Capital Goods
Bridging Infrastructural Deficits at Select Trade Ports in India
The project ‘Bridging Infrastructural Deficits at Select Trade Ports in India’ aims at facilitating trade by developing a comprehensive ‘port-wise plan of action’ for policy reforms and infrastructural improvement, through an outreach program with relevant stakeholders. This project will discern critical infrastructural deficits and policy reforms which need to be addressed to capitalize on trade opportunities and lay out a
E-Pharmacy – Perception of Consumers
Bureau of Research on Industry and Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF) has been involved in conducting a primary survey based study titled “E-Pharmacy – Perception of Consumers”. The aim of the study was to understand consumers’ perspectives towards the novel concept of online pharmacies while encompassing their views and readiness towards adopting this technology fuelled medicine buying mechanism. Basis the survey findings,
Multi-Stakeholder Perception Study – Regional Cooperation in South Asia
Bureau of Research on Industry and Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF) is conducting a study on Stakeholders’ Perception towards Regional Cooperation in South Asia. The aim of the study is to gauge the perceptions among policy makers, economic actors and other relevant stakeholders on the subject of regional cooperation, thereby focusing on prospects for intensifying political, economic and social cooperation. While most
Global Best Practices in Credit Guarantee Schemes
Bureau of Research on Industry and Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF) is conducting a study on Global Best Practices in Credit Guarantee Schemes. The objective of the study is to study credit guarantee schemes and institutions across various countries, share some of the best international practices, and also suggest measures that a credit guarantee agency can imbibe in its efforts to evolve into a
Non-Tariff Measures: India-Bangladesh and India-Nepal
Bureau of Research on Industry and Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF) conducted the survey in India for the World Bank project ‘Non Tariff Measures in India-Nepal & India Bangladesh’. The core objective of the study was to examine the Non Tariff Measures acting as barriers for the traders in India-Nepal and India-Bangladesh trade. The survey would further examine various elements of NTMs
India – Pakistan Trade Normalization
India and Pakistan occupy a special place among South Asian countries as the two economies are large and developed economies and are most competent in terms of domestic development and regional development. Though both the countries enjoy geographical proximity, bilateral trade between the countries has been abysmally low ever after independence. Dialogues about trade normalisation between India and Pakistan started
Lagging Regions in South Asia Regional Integration, Connectivity and Competitiveness
BRIEF conducted a survey for a project, “Lagging Regions in South Asia: Regional Integration, Connectivity, And Competitiveness”, by the World Bank and National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) . The study aimed to understand the issues in cross-border trading. Cross-Border trading between India-Nepal and India-Bangladesh, specifically in Tea and Textile sector. Before starting the survey for this study, the BRIEF team conducted
Database Generation on Non-Tariff Measures
BRIEF undertook a study on Database Generation on Non-Tariff Measures in collaboration with The World Bank. The objective of the study was to identify and generate database on NTMs in India, essentially categories C-K from the NTM UNCTAD classification. The data base generation was through relevant sources, data and interviews with public officials as well as private sector representatives. With
Feasibility and Market Estimation
BRIEF has conducted multiple studies in collaboration with Dun and Bradstreet (DNB). These studies, most of which are either feasibility studies or markets estimations, have been set in different parts of the country, on a range of issues. These include real estate estimations, project implementation feasibility, business opportunities etc. The studies done for DNB have been both qualitative and quantitative,
Business Perception Study of Indian Industry
BRIEF in collaboration with Federation of India Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) carried out a Business Perception Study of Indian Industry, to gauge the business climate as felt by the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The objective of the study was to understand industry’s growth perceptions and expectations of Indian industry players. More specifically, the study envisaged an
Strengthening the Textiles and Clothing Sector in South Asia
BRIEF undertook the survey of Indian readymade garment manufacturing units for the study titled ‘Strengthening the Textiles and Clothing Sector in South Asia’, on behalf of Indian Council for Research and International Economic Relations (ICRIER) and supported by the Asian Development Bank and the Ministry of Commerce, India. The objective of survey was to understand the firm strategies that led
Stakeholder Perception on Financial Sector Legislative Reform Commission (FSLRC)
Bureau of Research on Industry & Economic Fundamental (BRIEF) undertook a study on Stakeholder Perception on Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC) in collaboration with Federation of India Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).The study was supported by Ministry of Finance. The objective of the study carried out involved understanding the perception of FSLRC among various stakeholders within several sectors
Seeking Efficiency and Excellence in the Implementation of Infrastructure Projects in India
The basic objective of the study was to examine factors affecting execution of infrastructure projects in India. It was proposed to take up a sample of projects in different infrastructure sectors, states, in the public and private sectors, in rural and urban areas to understand (1) what was the extent of success of the projects with respect to some measures
Study of India’s Investment Environment, Major FDI Inflows and Suggestion for Taiwan’s Businessmen
BRIEF conducted a survey and primary data analysis for the study, by Indian Council for Research and International Economic Relations (ICRIER), titled ‘A Study of India’s Investment Environment, Major FDI Inflows and Suggestion for Taiwan’s Businessmen’ to meet the primary objective of conducting a survey based analysis of the investment environment in India. Survey was carried out all over India including
Lack of Affordable and Quality Power Shackling India’s Growth Story
BRIEF in collaboration with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) carried out a study titled Lack of Affordable and Quality Power: Shackling India’s Growth Story to understand the impact of power shortages on the industry of the country. With a total sample of 650 companies, in 20 different sectors, the study was aimed at understanding the current
Survey on the patterns and format of SEZs, Industrial Zones, etc. in India
Bureau of Research on Industry and Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF) undertook a study on ‘The patterns and format of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Industrial Zones, etc. in India’ in collaboration with Japan Development Institute (JDI). Spread over a huge geographical area, there are several forms of industrial estates in India, namely Industrial Zones, Investment Promotion Zones, Special Economic Zones etc. It
Need Assessment across 10 MSME Clusters in India
BRIEF, in collaboration with GIZ undertook a study under Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Financing and Development, to assess the credit gaps in 10 MSME clusters in India. The objective of the study was to map clusters and cluster actors – non-financial gaps and infrastructure gaps (10 clusters in 6 industrial segments), assess the multi-sectorial needs of these clusters (value
Monetising Gold: A Study in India
Bureau of Research on Industry and Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF) is conducting a study, ’Monetising Gold: A Study in India’ in collaboration with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). The objective of the study is to get a perception of the individual and the Indian household about gold based on which alternative policy measures that could help in
Community Awareness Building on Girl Child and Conscientiousness Building on the Pre-conception, Pre-natal, Diagnostic Testing (PCPNDT) Act
Bureau of Research on Industry and Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF) conducted a survey on behalf of IDF for their study, ‘Community Awareness Building on Girl Child and Conscientiousness Building on the Pre-conception, Pre-natal, Diagnostic Testing (PCPNDT) Act’. The overall objective of the project under evaluation was to create mass awareness about the consequences of female foeticide and thereby prevent the practice
Skill Gap Assessment for the State of Uttarakhand
Bureau of Research on Industry and Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF) conducted a study, ‘Skill Gap Assessment for the State of Uttarakhand’ in collaboration with Ernst & Young. The objective of the study primarily revolved around socio-economic profile – demographics, economic profile of the district by industry, and state of education – Identify developmental opportunities keeping in mind factor endowments and stakeholder
Strengthening Women’s Social, Economic and Political Empowerment
Bureau of Research on Industry and Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF) conducted a survey for the Indian Development Foundation study, ‘Strengthening Women’s Social, Economic and Political Empowerment’, to evaluate an IKEA initiative. BRIEF conducted the survey, with a sample of around 5,000 in 3 districts – Mirzapur (City block and Ramnagar block), Jaunpur (Rampur and Barsathi blocks) and in Sant Rabidas Nagar (Abholi and