Karnataka

Persistent, and often increasing, inequalities is largely the result of ‘social exclusion’, whereby groups of people (based on their identity) are denied rights to fully participate in society, leading to material and other forms of deprivation. In recognition of this, UNICEF India has placed social inclusion as a central pillar in its current country programme, parallel with the theme of inclusive growth articulated in India’s 11th Five Year Plan. In lieu of this strategic understanding, UNICEF India has recognized that a broad-based analysis of lessons from NGO and other initiatives working in social development and towards reducing disparities and exclusion will contribute to furthering both, UNICEF’s own work in the area, as well as government policy and action.

The report describes the breadth of Alliance India’s growing portfolio. It elaborates, in three sections, areas that Alliance has been working in – Gender, SRHR/HIV Integration for Key Populations, and Community-owned Responses to HIV in India.

Dalit Foundation is a non-government organization, the first grant making institution in south Asia working for the empowerment of dalit communities, established in 2003. Dalit Foundation organized a series of Regional Dalit Cultural Festivals “UTSAVA” – A celebration of struggle against oppression, from all over India, showcasing and celebrating Dalit music, art and craft, theatre etc. The events are highlighted in this document.

Project Axshya builds a new dimension to TB control in India – community ‘ownership’ through civil society led public health programming. Through its innovative interventions focusing on Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilisation, Project Axshya is strengthening the Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) to achieve its objective of Universal Access to TB services.

The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), implemented by the Government during the year 2005, is an illustrious programme that reaches the nucleus of the indispensable requisites of the poor, and augments to their dire needs by creating and providing employment even for the elders of the family. The hand – to – mouth existence is thus eradicated, paving way for an enhanced future.