Professional Documents
Culture Documents
i
Contents
Foreword ............................................................................................................................................................................. v
Introductory Note............................................................................................................................................................ vi
1. Origin of the Institution.................................................................................................................................. 1
2. Organisation Details ........................................................................................................................................ 3
3 Location and Area of Work ........................................................................................................................... 6
4. Institute of Sustainable Development ...................................................................................................... 7
4.1 Social Development Research ..................................................................................................................... 8
4.2 Training Programmes ..................................................................................................................................... 9
4.3 Community Participatory Initiatives ..................................................................................................... 11
Water and Food Security (WaFoS) ........................................................................................... 13
Rainwater Harvesting............................................................................................................... 34
Sustainable Human Development........................................................................................................... 36
Sustainable Learning Centres (SLCs) ........................................................................................ 36
Entrepreneurial Development Programme ............................................................................. 41
Skill Development and Employment........................................................................................ 41
Health Programmes ................................................................................................................. 45
5. Dissemination / Representation in Conference and Seminars .................................................... 47
6. Team at KSRSD/ISD ...................................................................................................................................... 48
7. Project Partners and Donors ..................................................................................................................... 50
8. Financial Details ............................................................................................................................................. 51
Annexure : Summary of ISD/KSRSD Programmes ......................................................................................... 52
ii
List of Tables
Table 5 . Thrift and credit through the Farmers Clubs- 31 March 2017 27
Table 6 . External financial assistance to the Farmers 27
Table 7. Assets created (/purpose used) through the loan assistance 2013- 31 29
March 2017
Table 8. Milk Cooperatives- transactions 31
iii
iv
FOREWORD
In this age of fast paced 3e (economic, environment and electronic) transition with their multiple
and lopsided impacts, the social work profession has a challenge to respond to the changing
requirements. There is an urgency as never before to research, train and refine the professional
social work practice. In order to align with the changing societal needs, the profession should also
amalgamate with other disciplines and develop an integrated approach. The approach should
facilitate a development that is sustainable from social-economic and ecological dimensions.
Methods to ensure effective and inclusive participation of stakeholders in the sustainable
development process have to be revisited from time to time, field-tested and disseminated. Action
research in social development can help, besides fine-tuning the methods of social work, to
understand the social dynamics and answer the basic questions, what works and how it works to
provide evidence base for social development policies.
It is indisputable that the kind of programmes delivered by the ISD-KSRSD provide opportunity for
experiential learning for the like-minded institutions and individuals. I am glad that the Institute of
Sustainable Development-KSRSD has made tremendous achievements along this path in its 12 years
journey and emerged as the only one of its kind.
If ISD stand distinctly on its own today among the similar organisations, all because of a small team
and it would be unfair from my part if I close the foreword without making a mention about their
dedicated work. Perseverance and professionalism are the two arms of this team, with which they
were able to make a mark in the social sustainable development sector. This report is an effort
made to present a very concise account of the happenings during the year 2016-17. This will be of
interest to the sustainable development enthusiasts; practitioners, researchers and advocates.
v
INTRODUCTORY NOTE
In the year 2016-17, KSRSD has stepped in to its 17th year and the ISD is in its 12th year of
functioning. The slow and steady growth of the last decade continues and we are heading towards
our vision of think globally and act locally to enable sustainable development to attain a just world.
There were significant achievements in the community initiatives front, working towards an all-
inclusive growth; and along a vertical path of growth. There are excellent results for Farmers
collective actions. Active functioning of four Milk Cooperative Societies of which three are all-
women, solar powered water pumping system for a Dalit farmers club, well-performing Farmers
Club who stopped effluent discharge from a company to their field, and many more such exemplary
results at the community level mark the year 2016-17.
We are always learning and re-inventing the methods with which we work. Further, to perfect our
professionalism, we have initiated the process of a third party assessing our performance during this
reported period.
These achievements were made possible by the partnership along with many others. I take this
opportunity to acknowledge and sincerely thank, on behalf of the institution, all the sponsors,
partners and collaborators for their patronage to our programmes. Our thanks are to the community
with whom we work and without them we wouldnt have achieved what we have achieved.
The zest and valour of a small team of dedicated individuals and their concerted effort are all that
behind all these accomplishments of KSRSD/ISD. Their relentless hard work deserves the highest
level of appreciation and recognition at this occasion.
I thank the President and Board of Management for your visionary guidance and giving me this
opportunity to lead a team to realise many accomplishments.
With the reaffirmation of our commitment to continue the efforts to make sustainable development
a reality, I present this report before you.
vi
1. ORIGIN OF THE INSTITUTION
The Karalapakkam Society for Rural and Sustainable Development (KSRSD) founded in the year 2000
had its origin from the Rural Development Centre, Karalapakkam which was earlier a unit of the
Madras School of Social Work. The Rural Development Centre, along with the 4500 sq ft building,
infrastructure, with health unit, vocational training unit and selected activities at the village level in
Karalapakkam, has been handed over to the village committee as an effort of empowering the rural
community to plan and implement their own programmes. Guidance is provided as and when
required by them. And now, KSRSD function as an independent organisation and focus its activities
in other more disadvantaged rural villages in Thiruvallur district.
Now, most of the programmes are organised under the banner of ISD with a strong emphasis on
stakeholder participation for sustainable development. Over the years the institution was able to
cross many hurdles and accomplish significant achievements. Today, ISDs expertise in Social
Development Research and Training are sought after by other agencies including Government,
National and International organisations. The Community Participatory Initiatives have become
models for other likeminded agencies and other villages to follow.
The year, 1 April 2016-31 March 2017, have witnessed a number of activities and this report
presents a documentation of all those efforts in a concise form. The flagship programme of ISD,
1
Water and Food Security (WaFoS) ISD principles
Programme, an all-encompassing
initiative for sustainable development The principles we follow in our work:
from a water for life and water for Working for a cause, not driven by fund availability
livelihood perspective that covers more Development oriented approach; not charity based
Participatory approach to ensure stakeholder
than 1000 farmer households in the 30
engagement at all stages for an inclusive
Village Panachayats, activities focusing
development
on sustainable human resource Encourage/promote public (Government) public
development with health, education and (Community) engagement at all possible levels
sustainable livelihood opportunities Identify the local resources available and use them,
dimensions, leadership development for without duplicating such service
local governance of common resources Promotion of self-help among the community
and institutions and new research To provide policy inputs based on the lessons learned
studies are this year. from the community initiatives
To make available the expertise at the institution to
those who seek
2
2. ORGANISATION DETAILS
Institute of Sustainable Development: Started as a unit under the auspices of KSRSD in July 2005
Bank Accounts:
KSRSD Savings Bank Acc No 05180100007735, UCO Bank, Velliyur IFSC: UCBA0000518
KSRSD Savings Bank Acc No 455104820 Indian Bank, Egmore Branch (for FCRA Transactions
only)
Institute of Sustainable Development Savings Bank Acc No 301801011000288, Vijaya Bank,
Avadi, IFSC: VIJB0003018
Prof. K.N.George : Prof K N George, a name synonymous with the Madras School of Social Work
Chennai, is an internationally acclaimed Professor and Practitioner of Social Work. Prof George, who
started his career in 1953 in the then newly established Madras School of Social Work as a Lecturer
rose to the helm of its affairs in the year 1957 taking over as its Director, a post which he held for
nearly five decades. During his tenure the School has reached its pinnacle of international reputation
as a premier social work educational institution. He has also served on Board of Management of a
number of well-known institutions and held positions in advisory councils and committees at
International, National and State levels. Prof George is the Founding President of KSRSD. Prof George
is the Chairperson for the unit, Institute of Sustainable Development as well as the current President
of KSRSD.
Mrs Gita Manoj : An IT Professional who joined KSRSD in the year 2007 with her own interest and
passion towards social work. She has been leading a group of Volunteers ever since the year 2000
from various parts of the world and who support the activities of KSRSD in different ways.
3
Mrs. Gita Viswanathan : Former Chairman of TN State Social Welfare Board and she has been
associated with the Guild of Service and many other charity organisations for long time. She is a
Founder Member and now a Member in the Executive Committee.
Mr. V.S.Hegde : Mr Hegde an industrialist, philanthropist and a Rotarian known for his role in
charity. He has been a Member of KSRSD since 2001 and now a member of the Executive
Committee. He is also in the Advisory Committee of ISD.
Mrs. (Dr) Lalitha Nataraj : Dr Lalitha Nataraj, a political economist in the field for more than 30 years
and has been a Member of KSRSD since 2003 with her interest in Social Work. She is associated with
many other social welfare organisations including the Guild of Service, in various capacities. She is a
member in Executive Committee of KSRSD.
Dr S Lalitha : Dr Lalitha is a professional social worker engaged in academics and practice for more
than a decade. She has joined KSRSD in 2009 as a Member.
Dr. Rema Saraswathy: Dr Rema is a social scientist with training in Demography and experience in
social work and she has been in the field for over 27 years. She is the Founding Secretary of KSRSD.
She is also the Member Secretary for the unit Institute of Sustainable Development. She is the
member, working full time in the organisation and is the primary contact person for the
organisation, KSRSD and ISD.
Mrs. Seethalakshmi M : Mrs Seethalakshmi is a post graduate in Sociology engaged in various social
service activities and she has joined the team of KSRSD in the year 2007.
Dr. G.Vijayaram : Dr Vijayaram is a professor of social work and a practicing social worker and is in
the field for 35 years. While at the Madras School of Social Work, besides training National Service
4
Scheme Programme Officers, teaching and guiding M Phil and PhD scholars, he was instrumental in
establishing its Rural Development Centre which changed the face of many villages in and around
Karalapakkam, and transformed the life and livelihood of thousands of rural poor in these villages.
He has been currently associated with World Bank supported projects implemented by the
TamilNadu State Government. He is a Founder Member and now Honorary Treasurer for the KSRSD.
Dr Vijayaram is a member in the advisory committee of the Institute of Sustainable Development.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ISDINDIA
Twitter: @ISDINDIA1
Youtube: insudev
Web: www.isd.org.in OR www.isdindia.org
Dr Rema Saraswathy
Hon Secretary, KSRSD/ Member Secretary, ISD
S1-S2 Air Force Nagar, Veerapuram
Chennai 600 055 INDIA
Tel: +91 44 26840209
Email: info@isd.org.in
ISD is a member of the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council, Geneva, Switzerland
ISD is a partner in Global Water Partnership, Stockholm
ISD is in the global network for Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage Network of WHO
ISD is an institutional member of the Centre of Excellence for Change, Chennai.
ISD is a member in the Regional Coordination Committee of Regional Station for Forage Production
and Demonstration (GOI), Alamadi
ISD is a member of Technical Advisory Committee of the Regional Station for Forage Production and
Demonstration (GOI), Alamadi
KSRSD is registered with Guidestar India, a NGO platform and the registered number is GSN1316
KSRSD is registered on NGO Partnership system, Government of India and the reference number is
TN/2009/0004568
2.6 Auditor:
Mr S Radhakrishnan, M/s S Radhakrishnan&Co, Golf Court Apartments, Veterinary Hospital Road,
Nandanam, Chennai
5
3 LOCATION AND AREA OF WORK
The Research and Training programmes of ISD has no geographic restriction and ISD is ready to work
anywhere within India, whereas the community participatory initiatives are at present implemented
only in Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu.
With an overall objective of sustainable development, there are diverse activities with the different
functional as well as thematic areas. They are mainly in the two closely linked thematic areas, (i)
Sustainable Human Development and (ii) Sustainable Natural Resources Management. An effort is
made here to categorise the programmes and to present them in a concise form in order to give a
better understanding about the activities for the readers.
6
PROGRAMMES
Training: For research scholars on research methods, for community development professionals in
participatory development, for Panchayat Raj Institutions in drinking water management, for utility
based Water User Associations in water management, and other tailor made trainings in sustainable
development. Expertise of ISD in training is available to other organisations on request.
Community participatory Initiatives: These are local initiatives with the involvement of all
stakeholders for sustainable development, water and food security, water and health, and water and
local governance. The uniqueness of ISD community initiatives is its Participatory Approach and the
utilisation of existing resources/services.
7
PROGRAMME AREA: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH
ISD had the opportunity to work for World Bank, Government of TamilNadu, and other international
organisations as Consultant for research studies. Over the years, ISD has completed about 15
research projects and those in the reported year are:
1 Solar Powered Pumping System provided to the farmers with 80% subsidy assistance -Study
on the Socio-Economic Impact of the Scheme
Nearly 2300 solar pumps have been provided to the farmers over the last three years in
TamilNadu with 80% subsidy assistance, by the State Government. This study is to analyse
the impact of the scheme in terms selected socio-economic parameters based on samples
from 7 Block selected from the 7 agro-climatic zones.
2 Study on the Socio-Economic Impact of Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust activities
The work has been completed in 2016, conducted for the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve
Trust, Ramanathapuram (Trust under GoTN)
The GoMBRT has undertaken many activities to educate the fishing communities in
Ramanathapuram and Thoothukudi Districts about the importance of marine biosphere and
the sustainable use of its resources and has supported various capacity building activities
including skill development and economic assistance for alternate employment for the
fishermen. This research studied the impact of the socio-economic programmes conducted
by the GoMBRT during a ten year period from 2005
3 Study on the Impact of Awareness Programmes conducted by the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere
Reserve Trust
The work has been completed in 2016, conducted for the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve
Trust, Ramanathapuram (Trust under GoTN)
The GoMBRT has undertaken many activities to educate the fishing communities in
Ramanathapuram and Thoothukudi Districts about the importance of marine biosphere and
the sustainable use of its resources; and specifically addressed the issues related to the
protected species, and regulations in place for unsustainable fishing practices. Partnered
with different NGOs, the GoMBRT has implemented awareness programmes advocating
marine conservation and sustainable resource use in the coastal villages through traditional
folk media and other conventional methods. This research is aimed at studying the impact of
the awareness programmes conducted by the GoMBRT during a ten year period from 2002.
8
PROGRAMME AREA: TRAINING
ISD also envisages to be a learning centre/rural lab and facilitate an integrated learning in
sustainable development with a multidisciplinary approach for aspiring professionals.
The trainings with emphasis on Integrated Water Resources Management approach, stakeholder
analysis and stakeholder engagement, are offered for
community /social development professionals
water /engineering /public health professionals
crop/food/livestock professionals
research methods for research scholars to study participatory processes, qualitative
research methods
1 One Day Training for Post Graduate Students in Family Studies, Alliant International
University, Irvine, CA 92606 10.01.2017
2 One Day Training for elected representatives from J&K - Trainees at RGNIYD, Ministry of
Youth Affairs and Sports, GoI 28.07.2016
3 One Day Training In IWRM for ME students from Centre for Water Resources, Anna
University, 06.10.2016
4 One Day Training for SW students in Participatory methods from Mar Gregarious College,
Chennai 12.09.2016
5. One month internship for ME IWRM Student, Centre for Water Resources, Anna University
(Ms Mahalakshmi Pooja) July 2016
Besides, ISD Team Members were invited as Resource Persons for 6 programmes conducted by
other institutions like INDSETI, etc
9
10
PROGRAMME AREA 3: COMMUNITY PARTICIPATORY INITIATIVES
11
Farm mechanisation to reduce drudgery and to cope up with labour shortage
Post-harvest interventions to reduce wastage and loss of produces and value addition
Adoption of rainwater harvesting to augment ground water storage through ground water
recharge shaft
Increase in self-help among farmers through groups, Cooperatives, Farmers Clubs and Joint
Liability Groups
Thrift and credit within the group
Reduced dependency on local money lenders and relieved from exorbitant interests paid
Adoption of good financial practices including credit repayment
Financial support in the form of short term credit assistance for farming and bank linkages
Leadership training, to sustain the programme impacts and residuals; to take up locally
relevant development programmes
12
Water and Food Security (WaFoS)
Programme In an agrarian country like India, agriculture is often projected as occupation or
livelihood for about 60% of the population neglecting the fact that agriculture supports the life of
entire population. is more often a neglected aspect. For sustained growth in agriculture sector
there is a need to improve productivity and minimize cost. Agriculture and allied sectors have
tremendous potential for expansion of employment opportunities and consequently mitigating the
levels of rural poverty, besides ensuring food and nutrition security for all forever. Therefore an
urgent need to provide a package of initiatives for transfer of technology, improving input use
efficiency, promoting investments in agriculture both in private and public sectors and creating a
favorable and enabling economic environment. Value addition and supply chain management,
collective bargaining capacity, and direct linkages of the producers with the consumers, certainly
help the farmers derive a better benefit from their produces. In order to be able to meet the
emerging needs in agriculture sector, adoption of locale specific interventions is essential.
Lack of water, monsoon failures, unpredictable and extreme weather conditions, non-availability of
farm labour, inadequate and inappropriate know-how and do-how of technology, exorbitant cost of
inputs, undependable credit and insurance facility, lack of storage facility, unreliable marketing
linkage, price volatility for the produces are critical issues emerged from a month long consultation
process with farmers undertaken by ISD as part of its efforts to facilitate the farmers find solution for
the challenges they face. There may not be anything new about the issues emerged, however. The
novelty was in the process which involved not only the identification of the glitches in farming but
also the farmers vow to work collectively to find solutions. This was part of ISDs efforts to give a
fresh thrust to its water and food sector programmes with an added dimension of financial inclusion.
The farmers belong to 25 Panchayats in Thiruvallur district, Ellapuram, Thiruvallur, Solavaram and
Poondi Developmental Blocks. Thus initiated the renewed Water and Food Security (WaFoS)
Progamme launched in January 2014. Besides continuing the farmers education programmes those
are in place for nearly six years, the WaFoS Programme has a special focus on introducing dynamic
farmers-collectives, group management, conflict resolution and group finance management. The
programme particularly addresses access to financial products and to enable financial inclusiveness
among the farmers, more specifically the family farms with small land holdings.
Under WaFoS, farmers are mobilized and formed in to Joint Liability Groups, Farmers Clubs, and
Cooperative Societies. These groups are used as the channel for ISDs interventions at the
community level. There are specific guidelines as to how to form and function for each of the
group, viz; Joint Liability Groups- ISD Handbook for JLGs (2011 and 2016), ISD Handbook for
Farmers Club (2014), and for Cooperatives the handbook is in preparation.
Necessary capacity building programmes for the Farmers Clubs are organized based on the module
at the field levels; for the group in general and for the organisers in particular. The programmes are
held for farmers in clusters of villages. While ISD resource team provide all the basic trainings
including record keeping, accounts, communication, etc, expertise of other agencies like Research
and Development Cell of the DRBCC Hindu College Pattabiram are sourced for special training in
Accounts management aspects.
13
Functions of Farmers Clubs
The broad functions of the clubs are:
Besides the normal functions of Farmers Club, the ISD Farmers Clubs have also been instrumental in
implementing certain social welfare measures like Eye Camp (Screening and treatment for Cataract
and Refraction and follow up), Women Health Camp, Veterinary Camp, Afforestation programme,
Water bodies restoration and management, Learning Centres for children, Natural Resource
Management programme etc.,
14
Principles adhered in Farmers Club
1. Credit must be used in accordance with the most appropriate methods of science and
technology.
2. The terms and conditions of credit must be fully respected.
3. Work must be done by employing right skill so as to increase production and productivity.
4. A part of additional income created by credit must be saved. And
5. The FC should ensure that the loan repayment installments must be made in time and
regularly so as to recycle credit.
For the Departments of the State Government and for the Institutions of Central Government:
15
Programmes in nutshell
Farmers Collective as a medium to
promote self-help
disseminate technical know-how and do-how
thrift and credit among the group
to encourage good financial practices (including repayment culture)
Financial Support
Short term credit assistance for farming related expenditures
Bank linkages
Leadership Training
To organize/conduct other programmes like cancer/eye screening /dental
treatment camps, monitoring the SLCs, sanitation promotion
16
Programmes During 2016-2017
Mobilized nearly 1000 farmers from 25 Village Panchayats in four Developmental Blocks of
Thiruvallur District in Tamilnadu and formed 50 Farmers Clubs. They are at different stages;
formation, registration, bank linkage, subscribed with ISD, etc. The clubs have undergone various
capacity building training and their performance is being monitored through a grading system. As
many as 40 Clubs registered with ISD, 37 have taken paid subscription with ISD for mentoring and
monitoring which can be taken as a strong indicator of demand driven approach in the community
development programmes, specifically for the services provided by the ISD for farmers. Further,
performance grading for the subscribed Clubs are in progress.
17
Table 2: Block- wise Distribution of Farmers Clubs, Dairy Cooperatives, and Joint Liability Groups as on 31 March 2017:
Farmers Clubs Dairy Cooperatives Joint Liability Groups
Sl. No Block No. of No. of FCs Members Accredited Nos Members Nos Members
Panchayats of FCs to NABARD
01. Ellapuram 13 27 430 6 1 47 16 90
02. Poondi 03 07 110 2 80
03. Thiruvallur 02 02 30
04. Sholavaram 03 04 63 1 1 60
Total 21 40 633 7 4 187 16 90
18
Table 3. Farmers Clubs subscribed with ISD
Name of Name of the Name of the No. of Remark
S.No Name of the village
the block panchayat farmers club members
Subscription
1
Ellapuram Paagalmedu Paagalmedu Agathiayr 14 up-to-date
2 Sri selliyamman 12
3 Ellapuram Punnapakkam Punnapakkam Sri Ramar 14
Subscription
4
Uzhaippavar 12 up-to-date
Ellapuram Maampallam Kadarvedu
Swami
5
Vivekanandhar 13
6 Bharathiyar 15
7 VOC 18
8 Ellapuram Sembedu Sembedu Thanthaiperiyar 16
Subscription
9
Ellapuram Poorivakkam Poorivakkam M.S. Swaminathan 15 up-to-date
10 Poonthottam 15
Subscription
11
Vallalar 18 up-to-date
12 Ellapuram Athangikaavanur Athangikaavanur Gomatha 15
Subscription
13
Ellapuram Sengaalamman Kurunchi poo 18 up-to-date
14 Poorivakkam Kandigai Roja poo 16
Subscription
15
Barathiyar 20 up-to-date
Subscription
16 Ellapuram Guruvoyal Guruvoyal
Malligai 19 up-to-date
Subscription
17
Pasumai 20 up-to-date
18 Nammalwar 13
19 Paarijatham 18
20 Periya Kilambakkam Thamarai 18
Ellapuram Kilambakkam
21 Thiruvalluvar 18 Dissolved
22 Suryagandhi 12
23 Pethanayakanpettai Sri lakshmiamman 16
24 Ellapuram Sembedu Mel Sembedu Abdulkalam 20
25 Ellapuram Malanthur Malanthur Uzhavan Urimai 13
26 Tiruvallur Melanur Melanur Marumalarchi 15
27 Arani town Arani Annaitherasa 15
28 Nadukkuppam Nadukuppam Pasumpon 12
Solavaram
29 Nadukkuppam Nadukuppam Iyarkai 16
30 Ponthavakkam Ponthavakkam Rajarajan 20 Dissolved
31 Tiruvallur Perathur Perathur Vivekanandhar 15
32 Ellapuram Sethupakkam Sethupakkam Thzhamboo 16
33 Monnavedupettai Sakthiilayathamman 16
34 Monnavedupettai Bhavaniamman 15
35 Poondi Monnavedu Monnavedu Aanjaneya 15
36 Monnavedu Malligai 15
37 Monnavedu Sivasakthi 12 Dissolved
38 Poondi Sithambakkam Sithambakkam Sembaruthi 17
39 Poondi Othappai Othappai Mahathma 20
40 Ellapuram Thirukandalam Thirukandamal Thirukalleeswarar 16
Total 633
19
Capacity Building for group and organisation 2016-17
The capacity building programmes under the WaFoS include, organizational capacity building,
financial capacity building and technical capacity building for the farmers. Farmers Club Handbook
2014 and Handbook for JLGs 2016 are prepared exclusively by ISD for the formation and capacity
building of the farmers in different and appropriate groups for collective action. However, the
guidelines provided by the Tamilnadu Co-operative Milk Producers' Federation Limited (Aavin) is
used to train the Dairy Cooperative Societies.
Present generation of farmers is a crushed link between the traditional farming practices and the
modern farming system. They not only lack traditional knowledge but have not acquired scientific
knowledge. ISD is aiming to shape it up with transfer of know how and do how for better land,
water and crop management among the farmers. Field training with experts, demonstrations,
intervention camps, exposure visits, and one to one guidance are among the various methods used.
They are trained in post harvest technology and value addition also. Besides programmes with
individual external experts who were resourced by ISD, there were programmes in partnership with
Government Departments, Tamilnadu Co-operative Milk Producers' Federation Limited (Aavin),
Regional Station for Fodder Research, INDSETI Thiruvallur, NABARD, Kanchipuram District Central
Cooperative Bank, etc
There were 137 programmes conducted exclusively for the group capacity development of the
Farmers Clubs, Dairy Cooperatives and Joint Liability Groups. In 50 programmes, the topic of
training was related to the group management/management of the Club and Groups. There were 45
programmes for the farmers in which exclusively Technology for farmers was the main discussion.
However, in another 30 programmes, the financial management issues were covered owing to the
financial digitalization at the national level. In another 12 programmes, other issues like leadership
for common issues etc were discussed, for example, taking up a common health issue in the
community and addressing them etc.
Other- health,
education, 12
Technology for
Financial, 30 farming, 45
Organisational -
Group
Management,
50
20
The financial management programme included digital financial literacy programme (dFLAP)
numbering 15, supported by NABARD through Kanchipuram District Central Cooperative Bank. There
were 7 Base Level Orientation Training Programme (BLOTP) and 2 Financial Literacy Programme,
both in association with the NABARD. In all more than 1300 farmers directly benefitted from the
different programmes organized by ISD, with many farmers participating in different programmes.
Box
Farmers Resource Team
S. No Name of the Farmer Name of FC Area of specialisation
1 J.K.Kuppusamy Vallalar, Athingikavanur Paddy- SRI
2 V.Mahadevan Rajarajan,Pondavakkam Integrated Farming
3 D. Deivasigamani M.S.Swaminathan, Integrated Farming
Poorivakkam
4 S.M. Ganapathy Bharathiar, Sembedu Organic Farming
5 E. Dilli Malligai, Guruvayal Goat Farming
6 R. Rose Suryagandhi, Kilambakkam Vegetables Cultivation
7 S. Shivakumar Kurinchipoo, Sengalamman Jasmin Cultivation
Kandigai
8 T. Parthiban Vallalar,Athingikavanur Paddy cultivation
9 P.R. Ravi Ramakrishnan Agathiar, Guruvayal Dairy Farm
10 G.Arun Pasumai, Guruvayal Flower cultivation
21
22
Box
Farmers Training- Pattern of programmes
23
Pasumai Farmers Club, Guruvayal
Guruvayal, a village within 16 kms from Redhills in Chennai, along the Rddhills-Thiruvallur
Road, has been described by the villagers themselves as the Little Thanjavur for its paddy
cultivation supported by the abundant (ground)water resource. Few years ago, taking
advantage of its closeness to the city and the water resources, a Card Board manufacturing
Company established a unit in this village. Started slowly and without any environmental
safety measures, they have been growing day-by-day. Along with the companys growth,
the effluent discharged from the company also started increasing. The waste water was
discharged to small stream which the farmers used for irrigating their paddy, vegetables and
flower plants. The farmers were finding it difficult to cultivate using that water.
In the year 2014, under the WaFoS Programme, ISD has formed three farmers clubs in the
Guruvayal village. Capacity building programmes for the FCs were held, in different stages;
organising group, managing the group, record maintenance, financial management etc.
Then they were given the opportunity to identify the local issues and find ways to manage
the same. The Pasumai FC has brought up the issue of effluent discharge from the Card
Board Company through the water stream. This was discussed by the FC members with the
ISD Team, and a strategy was worked out. The members of Pasumai FC worked well within
themselves as well as consulted ISD in every step.
As the first step, the Pasumai FC Coordinator made an attempt to talk, over a friendly chat,
to the company which was non-responsive to that gesture.
Then the farmer members of the Club visited the company, discussed the issue and given
letter formally to the authorised representative of the Company. They have not taken the
complaint seriously.
Having not seen or received a proper response from the company, the Club has given
representation to the Panchayat President about this issue. However, there was not any
satisfying reply or action, and the problem only got worsened.
As the next step, the FC approached the District Collector. On a Farmers Grievance Day 22
July 2016, FC met the District Collector and submitted their memorandum. The case was
then referred to the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board. Within a fortnight, officials from
the TNPCB visited the Card Board Company and saw the untreated effluent water let in to
the stream and immediately they closed the by-pipes with dummies and instructed them to
make necessary arrangements to put up a treatment plant. This was the first and important
initiative took by the Pasumai FC. The villagers also were very happy about this.
However, till the end of the reported period there were no signs of the Company
establishing a treatment plant.
24
The impact of technology training
Among the technology related training, the programmes for groundnut and jasmine with resource person Mr.
S.N. Razool, agriculture expert and former Deputy Director of Department of Agriculture, GoTN, made a high
level impact among the farmers. Mr Razool is a much sought-after resource person among the farmers for his
down-to-earth way of explaining the details to the farmers.
Timely Input for Groundnut cultivation: In Sembedu village, after his programme on groundnut
cultivation, the farmers came to know about the kind of pest and diseases which can attack groundnut and the
precautions for the same. In fact, after the session the farmers jointly procured gypsum for their ground nut
crop, under the guidance of ISD. There was a demand of about 300 bags of gypsum to be mobilized in a week
before they sow the seeds and this is available only through Government Agriculture Depots. The list of
farmers with all required documents were prepared by the Farmers Club, and they approached the nearest
Depot for the product. The product was not available in the nearest Depot at Vengal. The farmers were in a
hurry to get the gypsum as they wanted it before sowing the seeds. Had it rained little on that day, the next
day they would have sown seed. However, ISD was able to mobilise the material for the farmers from a Depot
past Arakonam, about 60 kms away. The farmers arranged their own transport and brought the gypsum before
they sowing the seeds of ground nut.
This timely intervention helped the farmers take an additional harvest of 6 bags of raw groundnut per acre.
This exercise has shown how important the issue of timing as well as the technical know-how for farming.
Safety measures by Jasmine farmers: The farmers in Guruvayal responded in another way. Predominantly
jasmine farmers, they are used to indiscriminate application of pesticides for their flower plants. They largely
depend on chemicals for better flower harvest and this has already affected badly the land, water and the
environment. One can never smell the fragrance of jasmine flowers in the field sprawling acres, and if you are
new to the area it is highly likely that you get nauseated with the smell of chemical pesticides. But this effect
was never realized by the farmers who spray the chemicals. When they approach the nearby chemical-
shopkeeper with some pest attack issue, without any proper guidance on the pesticide requirements, they are
given varieties of chemicals on a trial basis to apply in the field. Not only that they lack information on the
content or its appropriateness for the problem they reported, but they are also not aware of the safety
measures they should take while applying the same in the field. In one field training, this issue was brought to
their attention. When the issue was brought to them by an outsider, it really shocked them, as they never
realized such a bad air quality in their field/area.
25
After the days session the farmers club discussed the problem again and they decided on two things: one is to
reduce the chemical pesticide usage in the field and the second, to go for medical diagnostic test for the
farmers to see the extent of damage.
They have approached the ISD seeking support for the same. The ISD team arranged a consultation session
with a clinical lab where the doctor has taken a special session for them and advised to follow the safety
measures while the diagnostic camp gets organised. It was a challenge for the doctors also as which tests to
suggest for this group as the varieties of chemicals they use are extensive. The tests and charges can be
finalized only after identifying the hazards.
While, the diagnostic tests are being planned, the Farmers Club decided to purchase the safety products like
glows, shoes, air-filters, etc. They have purchased and started using the items. They have started exploring
the possibility of organic products too.
Financial inclusion
Besides more than 300 capacity building programmes for the farmers since the year 2014, they are
linked to the nationalized banks local branches for their thrift and credit activities. This is helping for
bettering the farmer-banker interactions. In an effort to promote financial discipline and a
repayment culture, financial assistance to the group are given in batches. Financial assistance to the
group were provided with the funds provided by SWISS India Trust in 2013 and the Live Energies
Foundation in 2015.
With the data made available to ISD by the 32 Farmers Clubs, there was a total savings of Rs
11,23,987/- upto 31 March 2017. The average monthly savings per Club of Rs 2,165/- and per
member is Rs 130/-. Through internal lending, they have utilised the amount more than 2.5 times
the amount within a span of about two years; to the tune of Rs 28,91,500/.
26
Table 5 . Thrift and credit through the Farmers Clubs- 31 March 2017
Sl.No Thrift and credit parameters
01. Average monthly savings per farmer INR 130
02. Average monthly savings per FC INR 2,165
03. Total Savings of all the FCs INR 11,23,987
05. Number of farmers benefitted through the thrift and credit* 328
*
based on data from 32 FCs
27
Solar Powered Pumping Scheme, for a community borewell of a Dalit farmers Club.
Annai Theresa Farmers Club belongs to Sholavaram Block, Arani and comprises 15 Dalit
farmers with small farm holdings. The AnnaiTheresa Farmers Club from Arani formed in the
year 2015 has been an active Club with regular meetings and other Club related activities.
The Club has taken an initial loan of Rs 1,00,000/- for a proposed activity of buying milch
animals for 5 members in the year 2015-16. After taking the loan, they have realised that
the need of the hour for them was a borewell, w
ithout which they all were facing water problems for cultivation. They use to buy water from
the nearby farmers, but often they have to go without water due to lack of water as well as
other issues. This made them to discuss about the issue further. They met together,
discussed the issue and decided to dig a borewell. All are small and marginal farmers
holding land between 50 cents to 2 acres. They decided to go for a common well, taking in
to consideration their land holdings and understanding the impact of more borewells on
water availability. They met again with an idea to call a water diviner, and check in whose
land they can find a potential water source. They have also decided that, the owner of the
land where the water point they find will have to give that piece of land on long lease to the
Farmers Club. Finally, at the FCs expense the water diviner came and located a point in Mr
Mahalingams (one of the member) land for the borewell. He has in turn given that patch of
land to the FC for a lease and simultaneously digging of borewell also had been carried out.
It is at this stage they Club has come back to ISD for a discussion. Initially, they were hesitant
to present the case as they have deviated from the purpose for which the loan was
provided. Having taken up for a detailed discussion of the issue and the process the FC has
followed, there was no other option than wholeheartedly supporting them, but with some
more conditions. The conditions were that when water is made available from the borewell
they have dug, all those who use the water for irrigation should adopt micro-irrigation
systems for their crops. The FC has accepted that, and their request for motor pump for the
borewell was taken up for support. They were guided to explore the possibility to get
electric power under the free scheme, but there was a long wait for the benefit to arrive.
Most of these farmers are horticulture farmers and they could have availed a power service
connection under horticulture department support, but they didnt persuade that because
they may have to pay commercial charges for the electric consumption. Finally, the Agri
Engineering Department of the State Government was ready to help them with Solar
Powered Pumping System under the government scheme with a subsidy of 80%, which
meant the FC had to spent about Rs 1 Lakh to avail the scheme that costs about Rs 5 Lakh.
The members of the Club mobilized Rs 50000 and ISD has provided them Rs 50000/- and the
AED Department granted the Scheme to the FC. The installation will be done on seniority
basis.
28
Assets Created by with financial assistance under WaFoS
2013-Up to March 31 2017 (Cumulative)
Milch animal
Table 7 Assets created (/purpose used) through the loan assistance 2013- 31 March 2017
29
Impact of Milk Cooperative Societies
Cattles play important role in rural economy; besides being an additional income source cattle help
in reviving and preserving the soil fertility. Milk is one product with an ever increasing demand and
now most of the farmers are under the mercy of middle men who do anything, other than giving a
reasonable price, to please the farmers. Middlemen give loan to the farmers to purchase cows,
sometimes provide cows directly, do not insist for the farmers milking the cows or to be present
there, instead milk the cows and the families are informed of the quantity of milk he has taken on
the day. Farmers perceive these acts of the middlemen as acts of facilitating and thus become sole
dependents on the middle men, without realising that they have been made totally dependent on
the middlemen. It was a hard job for the Field Team to make the farmers realise that they can get
much more benefit, in terms of better price and correct measurements of quantity for the milk they
sell. hey were cheated on quantity and price of the milk as well as on the price of cows given to
them. the if the production and sales are done on a collective mode, along with a tie up to the State
Government Milk Marketing Federation, the benefits farmers can derive are much more.
The Diary Project of ISD supported by SWISS India Trust has sown the seeds for forming Dairy
Cooperative Society in the Kilambakkam village and the Kilambakkam Society took its form during
February 2015. Mobilisation and constant persuasion followed up with series of capacity building
programmes for the office bearers as well as the members, finally resulted in forming the Society.
Started initially with 21 members and procuring 25 litres of milk, today there are 47 members and
supplying 165 litres to the Aavin. The supply to Aavin help them earn more than double the current
price they get from middleman, Rs 12-14 per litre. However, It was with great difficulty, they got
convinced about this opportunity that doubles their income.
Now, the members openly acknowledge the benefits they get, an increase in income at the rate of
Rs 12 per litre and other advantages including the bank loan, cattle feed etc. There are three more
Dairy Cooperative Societies formed and mentored by ISD.
Among all the Dairy Cooperatives, three are All- Women Societies, except the one in Kilambakkam
village. The milk procurement commenced at Nadukuppam (Arani), Monnavedu Pettai and
Arumbakkam (both in Poondi Block) on 30 March 2016. The members and office bearers are women
farmers of the respective villages. ISD is taking all efforts to monitor them and ensure that the
Society functions without any hindrance by upholding democratic leadership and follow the ideals
of co-operatives. Besides the benefit of a better price for the milk at their door step, Aavin also help
them organize veterinary camps, provide cattle feeds at subsidized rate, bank supports, etc. The
establishment of Cooperative Societies helped them to look at milch animal on a business mode; in
all the four villages middlemen in milk business are vanishing. The Society in Nadukkuppam village
has almost totally wiped out the middle men from their village.
30
Table 8 Milk Cooperatives- transactions
Village/Society Members Members Procurement Price at No of Total Total Total Total Annual
on the who litres per day Aavin days a monthly Income Procurement Income Rs Income per
role supply Rs per month procurement Rs per litre per per annuam milk supplying
milk litre litres per month annuam member Rs
average month
Nadukkuppam 63 63 375 26 30 11250 292500 135000 3510000 55714
Monnavedupettai 46 12 100 26 30 3000 78000 36000 936000 78000
31
Table 9 Digital Financial Literacy Programmes
32
10 12.02.2017 Villivakkam Palavedu 1. Mr P.Muniyappan Head CPI 48
2. Mr J.Kirubakaran Coordinator Training and
Research Team
11 13.02.2017 Uthukottai Reddy Street 1.Mr V.Elumalai BDO(Retd),Rural Development 63
Town &Panchayat Raj
Panchayat 2.Mr.S.Sankar Manager, KCC Bank, Uthukottai
Branch
3. Mr P.Muniyappan Head CPI
4. Mr J.Kirubakaran Coordinator Training and
Research Team
12 14.02.2017 Ellapuram Pagalmedu 1. Mr P.Muniyappan Head CPI 53
2. Mr J.Kirubakaran Coordinator Training and
Research Team
3.Mrs S.Anusuya BC, Canara Bank, Vengal
13 14.02.2017 Poondi Chittampakkam 1. Mr P.Muniyappan Head CPI 59
2. Mr J.Kirubakaran Coordinator Training and
Research Team
3.Mrs K.Kalaivani FBC, Indian Bank,Poondi
14 15.02.2017 Villivakkam Morai 1.Dr C.R.Ravi Pricipal, Veltech Arts College 42 +
2.Mr S.Karthick Asst Prof, NSS PO, Veltech Arts 49 NSS
College Volunteers
3. Mr P.Muniyappan Head CPI
4. Mr J.Kirubakaran Coordinator Training and
Research Team
5.Mrs S.Rathidevi Field Coordinator, Morai Panchayat
15 15.02.2017 Ellapuram Poorivakkam 1.Mrs Sobana Asst Manager(Agri), Indian Bank 56
2. Mr P.Muniyappan Head CPI
3. Mr J.Kirubakaran Coordinator Training and
Research Team
4.Mrs K.Bhuvaneshwari FBC, Indian Bank
5.Miss M.Dhatchayani FBC, Indian Bank
6.Mrs N.Anitha FBC, Indian Bank
7.Mrs M.Thatchayani FBC, Indian Bank
8.Mrs B.Veni FBC, Indian Bank
Table 10 Base Level Orientation and Training Programme (BLOTP) for Farmers Club
Along with NABARD
BLOTP Farmers Club Village Block NABARD No. of
held on Client ID Participants
21.07.2016 Kurinchipoo FC Chengalamman Ellapuram 150192365 71
Kandigai
16.02.2017 Swami Kadharvedu Ellapuram 150192368 51
Vivekanandar FC
17.02.2017 Annai Thresa FC Arani Colony Arani Town 150192362 61
Panchayat
20.02.2017 Agathiar FC Pagalmedu Ellapuram 150192367 55
21.02.2017 MSSwaminathan FC Poorivakkam Ellapuram 150192364 64
22.02.2017 Vallalar FC Athingi Ellapuram 150192366 42
Kavanur
16.03.2017 Pasumpon Nadukuppam Sholavaram 150192363 28
Total 372
33
Rainwater Harvesting
ISD has made many farmers adopt the rainwater harvesting practice through different methods:
The exercise has had an impact at a larger level too. Having observed the way the recharge structure
worked, one Panchayat President made about 20 units in the Panchayat (Meyyur) at different
locations in the panchayat area.
There was a perceptible change in the water availability in the wells/borewells nearby the recharge
structures, according to the farmers. Further, the effectiveness over recharging the ground water in
terms of both quality and quantity was analysed by a water engineering professional. Based on the
analysis, a modification on existing Recharge Shaft design has been proposed. According to the IS
Code: 15792:2008, the structure is designed. There is an apprehension about the quality of water
harvested due to excessive application of fertilizers and pesticides in the agricultural lands from
where the water is harvested. Phytoremediation mechanism is proposed to reduce the impact of
such chemical pollution. (reference: detailed report submitted by Ms Mahalakshmi Pooja,
ME(IWRM) Anna University- intern at ISD June 2016 )
34
Ground water Recharge Shaft
35
Sustainable Human Development
The SLCs works with children in the 11-13 years of age to inculcate values pertinent to sustainable
human development and to enable them grow as responsible members of the Society. There are
three centres functioning at present. The activities of the SLCs are to help the children improve their
reading, writing, listening and learning skills, numeracy, personal health and hygiene, and social and
environmental consciousness of the children. There is one teacher/Worker for each Centre and the
teachers were provided a weeks training about their role.
36
Table 11 : Sustainable Learning Centres
Sl. Village Since No of students No of parents
No Males Females Total meeting
1 Sembedu 15 July 2011 8 12 20 10
The Centres work in the evening, after school, for two hours, 5.30 to 7.30 PM. The sessions at SLC
are planned to give a holistic education and to fill the gap by educating them what is not taught in
schools. Basic 3Rs, along with legible writing are given focus from the academic point of view.
Besides, environmental and health education, small savings, identifying local resources and
respecting elders etc form part of the teachings. Parents meeting, book reading, listening to radio,
etc are regular activities at the Centre.
Parents meetings are held once in every month at the Centres and the issues discussed include
specific issues the children learn at the Centre, academic performance of the children, parents role
in facilitating their learning process, nutritional requirement, hygiene and sanitation at home,
healthy atmosphere at home, and their collective responsibility in monitoring the progress of the
SLCs. Efforts are being made to monitor their growth through anthropometric measurements.
Besides, to promote healthy recreation, sports and games materials, and radio are provided. Books
are provided to each SLC from the ISD library and reading books in groups as well as by individually
are encouraged. They follow the reading with book reviews.
Tree Plantation: Tree saplings are given as birthday gifts at the SLC between children and they
mostly prefer some kind of fruit trees. At Sembedu and Kadarvedu SLCs, the students planted trees
at their home and on main roads. And there are many grown up trees giving shade now which are
planted and protected by the SLC as a result of the environmental awareness programmes
organised by ISD.
37
Contribution: A nominal contribution amount below Rs 20 per month or so is fixed in consultation
with the parents and the amount is collected on a monthly basis, This amount is remitted at the
KSRSD office account and a receipt is issued to the teacher who keeps a detailed account of who
paid the money. This contribution, along with an equal or more matching amount from the
KSRSD/ISD, is used for one day picnic or any other such requirements. It is proposed to open savings
account in the post office nearest to the Centre, in the name of the Centre or atleast as joint
account. However, there seems to be many hindrance for that from the local post office. Other
options are being explored.
38
Exposure visit: On 16.7.2016 students of SLCs of Punnapakkam and Kadharvedu visited
Farmers Training Centre Vengal as an Exposure visit. They experienced Solar Energy System
Solar Fencing, Tree Planted on land, sorting of Bio - degradable and Non Bio - degradable
wastage Water Resource Centre of Sunnampukulam. They were all played together and
enjoyed very much being with FTC Vengal. All the students contributed their own money for
transportation arrangement ( Share Auto) and one student Moneeswar from Sembedu since
didnt have money of Rs. 20/- he came by bi-cycle after informing the Teacher.
39
SLC Report by the Teacher- A sample report
40
Entrepreneurial Development Programme
Over the years, 150 persons were mentored to become entrepreneurs with guidance, and financial
or material support in some cases. KTG Garments, an export garment unit in Bandikavanur with
about 45 sewing machines, and 40 women working in the main unit as well as two other branches
Garments which employs about 60 local women in three different units, is one among them.
Vinayaka Studio, Creative Studio, Pollachi Coconuts, and the more can be added to the list of sterling
cases of entrepreneurs promoted by KSRSD-ISD.
Mr T Ganesan of KTG Garments and Mr Sivaprakash of Pollachi Coconuts are resource persons for
the entrepreneurial development programmes conducted by other organisations like Indian Bank
Self Employment Training Institute (INDSETI) and KTG Garments is a training unit as well since the
last two years.
Mr. Rajendran, Treasurer, Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam Youth Club Anna Nagar, Thirukandalam and Mrs.
Poonkodi from Women Group visited WCC on 4th March 2016 along with Mr. S.Kalaiyarasan
Community Organiser, and received three Sewing Machines from WCC on the occasion of
International Womens Day observed at the College. These Sewing Machines will be used for the
proposed Tailoring Training Centre. This center will be supervised and maintained by Dr.APJ Abdul
Kalam Youth Club, Sarpam Welfare Society and Womens Group of Anna Nagar. Further, efforts are
on to approach Youth Coordinator, Nehru Yuvak Kendra Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs Govt. of
India, Thiruallur District for the support of Tailoring Training Center i.e. Salary for the Tailoring
Teacher .
The machines are used by skilled women at present and a training centre is yet to take off.
41
7. Preparation of Proposal
8. Submission of Proposal to ISD and Nehru
Yuvak Kendra
9. Maintenance of TTC
10. Role of Trainees
27.04.2016 Tailoring Training Centre: Meeting with Youth Anna Nagar, Female: 03 and
Club members and women Representative. Thirukandalam Men: 01 = 04
Preparation of proposals to be sent to Youth
Coordinator, Nehru Yuva Kendra: Seeking support
of financial assistance for Teacher Salary
As follow up to the machines received from WCC, a series of discussions were held to mobilise the
women for tailoring training. Due to different reasons they were not forthcoming for the training.
The reasons include their daily wage work in the jasmine fields for which they were paid an advance
amount. Until that advance is exhausted, they will be going to work in the field from early morning
6oclock till afternoon 2o clock or like that. And then, their priority is home, cooking food etc.
Taking in to consideration their time availability, a short term course was discussed and for which a
resource agency, Equitas, was identified. After different levels of motivational sessions, and in
consultation with the community the trade for training was fixed as Kutch embroidery with a
duration of ten days, and timings 2 PM to 6 PM. Twelve women were registered for the training and
of them 8 successfully completed.
After perfecting their skill, this group of women was linked to an agency who provided them work
orders. They get a wage of Rs 150 on an average from the work they complete on a day. At present
four of the women are continuing with the work.
42
Box . Timeline of activities under the skill development and production unit in Kutch embroidery
29.04.2016 Equitas Company Mrs. Gandhi Teacher and Head Community Anna Nagar, Female: 09
Initiatives ISD organized meeting to conduct Training for the Thirukandalam and YC
Scheduled Tribe community women Groups and identified members: 03
Trade of Training as Kutch Embroidery for 10 days = 12
02.05.2016 Equitas Vocational Training Follow up work with women Anna Nagar, Women: 05
representatives and members of youth club. Thirukandalam
07.05.2016 Equitas Vocational Training Follow up work with women Anna Nagar, Women: 08
members. Thirukandalam
1. Individual Application
2. Collection of Fees for training
12.05.2016 Mr. J. Jayasankar Business Development Officer - BDO- CSR Anna Nagar, Selected
and Mrs. S. Gandhi Senior Trainer, Equitas Gyan Kendra (An Thirukandalm Trainees: 11
Initiative of Equitas Development Initiatives Trust), No. 769,
Spencer Plaza, Office Lobby Phase II, F-39, Mount Road,
Anna Salai, Chennai 2. Visited and had a meeting with
selected 11 candidates for the proposed Training on Kutch
Embroidery (10 days). All the women as their contribution
@ Rs.200/- towards the training fee and remitted the
amount for the 10 days training to the BDO and Trainer.
13.05.2016 Equitas Vocational Training Follow up work with women Anna Nagar, Ward
members. Thirukandalam Member and
1. Contact Ward Member Anna Nagar for the Women: 08
arrangements of Accommodation, Boarding and Toilet
facilities for the Differently Abled Trainer for 10 days.
2. Letter to be written by the group of women requesting
ISD to organize self-employment training.
3. Contact trainees/selected candidate for assisting the
Different abled Trainer for the successful organizing /
completion of the proposed training.
19.05.2016 Equitas Vocational Training Taught women on individual Anna Nagar, Trainees: 02
application form writing Thirukandalm
20.05.2016 Equitas Vocational Training: Application collected from the Anna Nagar,
selected trainees Thirukandalm
21.05.2016 Equitas Vocational Training: Went to Broadway, Chennai for Broadway Trainer 01
the purchase of Training materials for Kutch Embroidery Chennai
along with Senior Trainer Mrs. S.Gandhi.
23.05.2016 Preparatory works for the commencement of Training on Anna Nagar,
Kutch Embroidery Thirukandalm
43
Date Programme Location Participants
25.05.2016 10 days Training on Kutch Embroidery commenced with Anna Nagar, Trainees: 10
Senior Trainer Mrs. Gandhi in coordination with Equitas Gyan Thirukandalam
Kendra (An Initiative of Equitas Development Initiatives
Trust), No. 769, Spencer Plaza, Office Lobby Phase II, F-39,
Mount Road, Anna Salai, Chennai 2.
07.06.2016 Training on Kutch Embroidery 9th Day Review of Training Anna Nagar,
Programme Thirukandalam
08.06.2016 10 days Training on Kutch Embroidery concluded Anna Nagar,
Thirukandalam
13.07.2016 Commencement of Kutch Embroidery Production Centre, Svasa Trainees: 04
Anna Nagar, Thirukandalam : Four members of Training on (Designing &
Kutch Embroidery visited Svasa (Designing & Tailoring), 1/ Tailoring), 1/
522, North Street, Natco Colony, Kottivakkam, Chennai 522, North
(nearly 50 kms away) along with the Senior Trainer Mrs. Street, Natco
Gandhi of Equitas and discussed with Mrs. Sumathi Colony,
Venkatesan Proprietor about the commencement of Kottivakkam
Production Centre. After seeing their embroidery works
models and having discussion she has readily accepted to
send package for sample works to be done for first two
weeks and extended for three month for quality and
standard of works. During this they will be paid Rs. 150/-
per day for 25 days except Sundays.
22.07.2016 Commencement of Kutch Embroidery Production Centre, Anna Nagar,
Anna Nagar, Thirukandalam Thirukandalam
Training to poultry for youth was conducted in association with INDSETI, Thiruvallur and 10 youth
participated in the same and got benefited.
44
Health Programmes
Diagnostic camps for eye and Cancer Screening Camps are held in collaboration with other agencies.
For eye care, in collaboration with TULSI Trust and Sankara Nethralaya 3 camps were held during the
reported period. Similarly, cancer screening programmes for women are held in association with
PenNalam Cancer Care Centre, Chennai.
Pre-camp awareness programmes, mobilization and registration of cases, camp and post camp
follow-up are always part of the camps, whether it is eye or cancer.
The camps are organized by the Farmers Clubs in the respective villages, under the guidance of ISD.
45
3. Health Education Programmes at Schools:
The programmes were organized in association with the Womens Christian College. The
programmes organized are of varied nature, covering different issues according to the disciplines of
the visiting Departments. All these programmes are conducted after obtaining permission at the
AEO level at Ellapuram and these programmes were very much appreciated by the AEO and the
teachers at the Schools.
S.No Name of the School Std Strength Department of WCC Date of visit
01. Ellapuram Panchayat Union I to VIII 30 + 51 = B.Com (Gene
Middle School 81 ral & Computer 12.01.2017
Punnapakkam Application)
02. Ellapuram Panchayat Union I to V 13 + 12 =
B.Com ( A&F) &
Primary School 25 25.01.2017
(Honours)
Pagalmedu
03. Ellapuram Panchayat Union I to VIII 17 + 23 =
Middle School 40 Botany 27.01.2017
Poorivakkam
04. Ellapuram Panchayat Union I to VIII 20 + 29 =
Middle School 49 Corporate Economics 30.01.2017
Athingi Kavanur
05. Ellapuram Panchayat Union I to VIII 91 + 100=
Middle School 191
Sembedu
06. Ellapuram Panchayat I to VI 11 + 10= 21
Primary Middle School
Kadharvedu
Rajendran, a youth leader of the tribal habitation was motivated enough to construct a household
toilet for their use. He wanted to set an example for others. He and his wife requested support for
toilet construction. A sum of Rs. 10000/- sanctioned for Rajendran from the TDH-S grant.
46
5. DISSEMINATION / REPRESENTATION IN CONFERENCE
AND SEMINARS
An electronic Monthly Newsletter has been introduced in the month of August 2012 and all efforts
are being made to continue to circulate the same every month to all the members and well wishers
of ISD.
The activities and research findings are disseminated through participation in conferences.
ISD has made its presence in social network sites during the reported year and programme updates,
albums, and other relevant information are shared on the Facebook page of ISD;
www.facebook.co/ISDINDIA and on Twitter @ISDINDIA1.
Web pages www.isd.org.in or www.isdindia.org are active and work is in progress for a more vibrant
page of ISD on the internet.
47
6. TEAM AT KSRSD/ISD
Dr Rema Saraswathy, Hon Secretary KSRSD & Member Secretary ISD. Board Member working full
time, in charge of Day to day administration, Human Resources Management, Conceptualising and
planning field implementation of the programmes, Financial management, Resource mobilization,
Identifying collaborators, Reporting to funding agencies and the Board of Management. She is a
post graduate (M Sc and M Phil) in Demography and holds a Ph D Demography-Social Work. She has
undergone International Training in Integrated Water Resource Management. She has 27 years
experience in Research and community development. Research- Qualitative research, Participatory
Research, Evaluation, Impact Assessment, Rural Sustainable Development, IWRM, and Sanitation are
her thrust areas.
Dr G Vijayaram, Hon Treasurer KSRSD and ISD and Member Advisory Committee works part time
with ISD. He holds a Doctoral degree in Social Work and 37 years rich experience in the social work
academic and practice, and was instrumental in establishing a Rural Development Center and
uplifting the life and livelihood of rural community in a number of villages in Thiruvallur district.
Community Development, Training, Participatory Water Management are his special focus.
Mr J Kirubakaran, Coordinator- Field Research and Training. A Post graduate in Social Work and he
has 17 years experience in the field. His strong areas are participatory community development,
participatory research, and data base management. He is a full time member in the team and takes
charge of maintaining the accounts and admin besides his other roles.
Mr K Manikkam, Community Coordinator. He holds a post graduate degree in History and has an
experience of 17 years in the field of Community development. His areas of specialisation are
community organisation, sanitation and adult education. He is engaged full time and is the primary
interface for ISD with the community with whom it works.
Mr.S Kalaiyarasan, Community Organiser. Mr Kalaiyarasan joined ISD two years ago while he was
still studying, and now he has graduated and pursuing post graduation.
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Mr N Thiruneelakandan, Community Organiser. Mr Thiruneelakandan has been a popular volunteer
even before ISD-KSRSD started working in this area and he has been working after his pre-university
studies. He is with ISD for the past 5 years.
Prof S Koodalingam: Professor of Social Work with expertise in Community Development and Social
Welfare Administration. He has been a Consultant to ISD for its Community Participatory Initiatives.
Besides, programme based resource persons are outsourced regularly as per the requirement
Project based HR requirements are met with contracting staff for the specific assignments. During
the reported year, ISD had hired 4 Graduates and Post Graduates for a month to work in the field
team for the research project funded by GoMBRT.
6.4 Volunteers:
There is a cadre of volunteers who contribute at different levels of KSRSD/ISDs work. There are 16
volunteers at the community level in 12 villages who work with ISD team and play a significant role
in the field implementation of various programmes. Two volunteers who contributed to the
fundraising level.
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7. PROJECT PARTNERS AND DONORS
To make an effective change at the community level, we have partnered with number of
organisations and during 2016-17:
1. Mr Viswanathan, Chennai
2. Dhanwanthari Trust, Chennai
3. Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, Sriperumbudur
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8. FINANCIAL DETAILS
The accounts of 2016-17 was audited by Mr S Radhakrishnan, M/s s Radhakrishnan and Co, Chennai
and the excerpts from the audited report, balance sheet, income and expenditure statements, and
the income for the Society during the Year 2016 -17 was Rs 5.2 lakhs and the total expenditure was
Rs 23.53 lakhs..
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Annexure : Summary of ISD/KSRSD Programmes
i Research Projects
S.N Name of the Location(s) Year Funded By Brief description of project and
Sector client*
1 Solar powered Tamil Nadu 2017 Government of Nearly 2300 solar pumps have
pumping system State TamilNadu- been provided to the farmers over
provided to the Agri Engg the last three years in
farmers with Department TamilNadu with 80%
80% subsidy subsidy assistance, by the State
assistance Government. This study is to
-Study on the analyse the impact of the scheme
Socio-Economic in terms selected socio-economic
Impact of the parameters based on samples
Scheme from 7 Block selected
from the 7 agro-climatic zones.
2 Study on the 10 villages in 2016 GoMBRT (Gulf This research studied the impact of
Socio-Economic Tuticorin and of Mannar the socio-economic programmes
Ramnad dists conducted by the GoMBRT during
Impact of Gulf of Biosphere
of TN a ten year period from 2005
Mannar Reserve Trust,
Biosphere Ramanathapur
Reserve Trust am
activities -Trust under
GoTN)
3 Study on the 10 villages in 2016 GoMBRT (Gulf This research studied the impact of
Impact of Tuticorin and of Mannar the awareness programmes
Ramnad dists conducted by the GoMBRT during
Awareness Biosphere
of TN a ten year period from 2005
Programmes Reserve Trust,
conducted by Ramanathapur
the Gulf of am
Mannar -Trust under
Biosphere GoTN)
Reserve Trust
4 Community level 150 villages 2015 World Bank This Community Level Impact
assessment in 9 districts assessment was carried out using
of Tamilnadu quantified participatory
assessment (QPA) among sample
of farmers to assess the Change
Initiative in the IAMWARM Project
Officials and the study was funded
by World Bank
5 Impact of Tamilnadu 2015 State Planning This study assessed the situation of
Schemes on Commission, Millet Cultivation in Tamilnadu,
Cultivation and TN analysed the impact of
Consumption of government programmes meant to
Millets in promote the cultivation of millets,
TamilNadu and given relevant policy
recommendations for TamilNadu
State Planning Commission
6 Audit of 30 villages of 2015 World Bank The Project Performance Data
52
S.N Name of the Location(s) Year Funded By Brief description of project and
Sector client*
53
ii. Training Programmes
Sl Title Year/ Funded /joint Project Brief
No Period programmes
1 One Day Training for Post 2017 Alliant International
Graduate Students in University, Irvine,
Family Studies CA 92606
2 One Day Training for 2016 RGNIYD, Ministry of
elected representatives Youth Affairs and
from J&K Sports, GoI
3 One Day Training In 2016 CWC, Anna
IWRM for ME students University
4 One Day Training for SW 2016 Mar Gregarious
students in Participatory College, Chennai
methods
5 One Day Training In 2015 CWC, Anna
IWRM for ME students University
6 One Day Training for 2015 Mar Gregarious
MSW Students College, Chennai
7 Youth for Sustainable 2014 DRBCCC Hindu A joint programme of DRBCCC HC and ISD to
Development College & corpus promote Sustainable Development
fund Champions among Student Youth
8 One Week TOT for SC / ST 2013 RGNIYD, Ministry of This TOT was meant to create a cadre of
Youth Youth Affairs and youth trainers who can in-turn lead a team
Sports, GoI in their village to take action on
Environment and Sustainability. 34
participants from SC and ST communities,
including men, women, students and non-
students, youth leaders participated in the
programme, and drawn out an action plan
to be implemented in their own area.
9 Two Days training in 2013 IRCTC, Southern This training was held on 28-29 March 2013
Sustainable Development Zone at Chennai and 30 officials of IRCTC South
for the personnel of Zone (Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka)
IRCTC participated
10 One Week TOT for Youth 2012 RGNIYD, Ministry of This TOT was meant to create a cadre of
Youth Affairs and youth trainers who can in-turn lead a team
Sports, GoI in their village to take action on
Environment and Sustainability. 35
participants including men, women,
students and non-students, youth leaders
participated in the programme, and drawn
out an action plan to be implemented in
their own area
11 Capacity Building for 2012 TamilNadu This 2 days programme trained the field
Change Management for Agricultural officials in improving their skill to work with
Government officials University people, to facilitate a change from service
provider to service facilitator role.
12 Water and Local 2011-12 TN IAMWARM Twelve Water User Associations are trained
Governance Training for Project and CEC in the irrigation water management and
Irrigation Water User other institutional aspects as part of the
Associations Community Collaborative Water
Management Project of CEC
13 One Day Workshop on 2010 International This training was held as part of a Proposal
Impact Evaluation Initiative for Impact Preparation Grant of 3ie for researchers and
54
Sl Title Year/ Funded /joint Project Brief
No Period programmes
Methodology Evaluation (3ie), programme implementers, in association
New Delhi with Institute for Fiscal Studies, UK and the
Center of Excellence for Change, Chennai
14 Water and Local 2007-08 Corpus fund Ten PRIs are trained in operation and
Governance Training for maintenance of drinking water supply, and
PRIs in drinking water in mobilisation participation of all segments
management in the Local Governance of water issues
15 Mentoring Rural Since Corpus fund Mentoring selected rural youngsters to
Entrepreneurs 2005 develop as Rural Entrepreneurs. Enabled 20
persons so far and enterprises established
by them employ more than 100 rural youth.
KTG Garments with three branches and
employing 75 women, Vinayaka Studio
employing four persons, and Sree Krishna
studio employing 3 persons are few among
the well established units.
16 Career guidance Since Corpus fund Guided more than 300 youth for their higher
2005 education and in the choice of appropriate
career path. One post graduate in
Occupational Therapy, one Engineering
graduate, 20 Polytechnic Diploma Holders, 3
Nursing diploma holders, two trained
graduate teachers, are few examples among
those who were guided from their high
school level.
2 Financial Literacy and 2016- current NABARD Introducing and enrolling for different
55
Digital Financial Literacy schemes for the benefit of rural population
Educating and initiating digital financial
transaction for the rural population
3 Sustainable Learning 2010- Sriram Studios, Learning Centre that functions in the
Centre- (ongoing) ICSW-TN Branch, evening every day, for about 25 children
CMDA Friends, studying 6th and 7th standard from the
SWADESH, same village, attended by one worker /
Live Energies teacher from the same hamlet/village,
Foundation, trained by ISD. Besides the 3Rs, health and
MSV Family hygiene, environmental and social
consciousness, leadership qualities are the
focus at this Centre. Proposed to work in
one village for five (minimum) to seven
(maximum) years so that towards the end
of the project there will be a cadre of
socially productive and academically strong
youth who can lead their village towards a
holistic and sustainable development.
4 Childrens WASH (Water, 2012- Local donations Started Childrens WASH Clubs in Four
Sanitation and Hygiene) (Current) and villages in Thiruvallur district and they are
Club sponsorships functioning
5 Water and Local 2011- 13 TN IAMWARM Working with Water User Association in 12
Governance- Project and Village Panchayats in Thiruvallur district
Institutionalising CEC Chennai
Sustainable Irrigation
Water Management
6 Training and Production 2012 TDH Denmark, The unit is established in Vengal village
unit Sanitary Napkin NABARD Thiruvallur district
7 Training in Veterinary 2011 NABARD This training was provided to rural youth
Care Management- one on veterinary care with special reference to
week training milch animals and dairy management
8 Neerum Nalamum- 2010 Local donations One week programme for middle school
Watsan Education and children in water and sanitation and the
Programme in Schools sponsorships programme was conducted in five
government middle schools in Ellapuram
Block of Thiruvallur district.
9 Observing Global Since 2010 Local donations Handwashing Awareness and
Handwashing Day and Demonstration programmes at Schools in
sponsorships Ellapuram Block of Thiruvallur district
10 Community Organisation 2007-08 Local donations This programme is conducted in ten Village
for Water Governance and Panchayats on a participatory mode
(COWaG) sponsorships including (a) Rapid Appraisal of the water
and sanitation situation in the VP, (b)
Workshop for the members of the
Panchayat Council and selected other
representatives of women, youth, farmers,
(c) Participatory Appraisal and Drawing an
Action Plan (d) Discussion of Action Plan at
Gramasabha and adoption of action plan,
and (e) periodical visit to the VP for an year
to monitor the adoption of action plan
11 Observing World Water Annual event Local donations Programmes conducted include Rally,
Day Since 2007 and Debate, Cultural events, Essay and
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sponsorships Elocution competition, Drawing
Competition
12 Childrens Day Annual event Local donations Competitions and Cultural Events based on
Celebrations Since 2005 and Water and Sanitation theme for students
sponsorships of government schools in ISD Project area
(Ellapuram-Thiruvallur-Villivakkam Blocks)
in Thiruvallur district
13 Personality Development Annual event Local donations This annual camp is attended normally by
(Summer) Camp for since 2003 and about 80 students and will be held for
Children sponsorships three days. Themes include WASH, Clean
Environment, Tree plantation, and
personality development issues
14 Educational Support 2000-2016 TDH Denmark, Supported 400 from difficult and
Programme US Friends of vulnerable families children to complete
KSRSD their school education, most of them took
up higher education and many in
professional stream Occupational Therapy,
engineering, nursing, teaching, etc
15 Entrepreneurial support 2000- ongoing Local donations Supported more than 150 individual to set
up their enterprises (micro and small).
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