Evidence
SARD's evidence policy: no number without a source, no claim without a label. All data on this site is tagged with one of four verification categories so readers know exactly what basis supports any assertion.
What our labels mean
Rural development organisations frequently publish impact claims that are either unsourced, aggregated across unlike contexts, or drawn from self-reported programme data without independent verification. SARD does not publish numbers of this type.
Every factual claim on this site — numbers, outcomes, coverage rates, programme scope — carries one of four explicit labels. The labels are not fine print; they are the first thing a reader should notice.
Verified field data
Independently collected or third-party verified data from SARD programme villages. Methodology documented. Source available on request. This label is applied conservatively — only to data that has passed structured verification.
Methodology
A description of how SARD plans to collect, measure, or assess something — not yet a data point. Used throughout the Model pillar pages to describe measurement frameworks and indicator definitions before data is collected.
Illustrative
Representative examples drawn from secondary sources, field observations, or common patterns in this context — not primary data from SARD programme villages. Useful for communicating the logic of a gap or approach; not a claim about specific villages or results.
Forthcoming
Data planned but not yet collected, or analysis in progress. Used to signal where a number will eventually appear — including a placeholder on the site — rather than filling the space with an unsupported estimate.
Current programme data status
SARD is in the early programme stages. The data items below represent the first evidence outputs expected as programme delivery progresses. All are currently Forthcoming.
Forthcoming
Village Development Plans — first cohort
The VDPs adopted by the first cohort of Gram Sabhas will be published here in summary form, with baseline data across all seven pillars for each village. Timing: contingent on Gram Sabha adoption and community consent. Expected as programme baseline assessments are completed.
Forthcoming
Baseline assessment data — first cohort
Pillar-by-pillar baseline conditions for programme villages. Will be published in a standardised tabular format to allow comparison across villages and against district averages from public sources (NFHS, UDISE+, MGNREGS MIS).
Forthcoming
18-month midline assessment — first cohort
Mid-cycle measurement against baseline across all seven pillars. Will include indicator-by-indicator change scores and scheme convergence status. Expected approximately 18 months after first VDP adoptions.
Forthcoming
Independent evaluation framework
SARD intends to commission an independent evaluation of the first programme cohort at the 36-month endline. The evaluation Terms of Reference will be published here before the evaluation begins. Evaluator selection criteria and process will be disclosed.
What SARD does not publish
Many rural development websites display headline impact numbers prominently — households reached, toilets built, trees planted — without specifying the source, the measurement methodology, or the time period. These numbers can be technically true while being practically misleading.
SARD does not publish:
- Aggregate numbers without a documented source and methodology
- Impact claims derived from self-reported programme data without independent verification
- Numbers that combine unlike programme contexts or time periods without disclosure
- Testimonials or anecdotes presented as data
- Percentage change figures without a documented baseline
This is a constraint on the way SARD communicates about its own work. It means fewer numbers and less impressive-sounding claims in the short term — and a more credible evidence base as the programme develops.