HISTORY

Samarthan began its journey in undivided Madhya Pradesh in the year 1996. At that time Madhya Pradesh had a weak voluntarism base that could promote people-centred-development. The top down model of development was not benefiting the poor and the marginalized. Involvement of local organizations was imperative in solving development problems of the communities. Viewing this as a necessity for the development sector in the state, Samarthan initiated identification of well meaning groups, and supported them to build their capacities on participatory planning, implementation and monitoring of programmes. A large number of social initiatives were supported by Samarthan to develop as a value based voluntary organizations in the state. There are several examples of organizations in the state that have grown into large developmental organizations at the district level with the modest support provided by Samarthan.

Samarthan believed in people centred development, therefore realised the opportunity for deepening participation in local self-governance institutions soon after the enactment of 73rd and 74th Amendments. The amendments had provided opportunities for the community to govern themselves. It was pertinent to engage with Panchayati Raj Institutions to strengthen their capacities to function as institutions of local self governance. The Constitutional Amendments also brought to fore a lot of community leaders from the underprivileged sections of the societies like women, dalits and tribals. Samarthan realized that unless these new leaders are adequately supported and groomed, they would be looked down upon as weak leaders. This would ultimately lead to the restoration of powers in the powerful groups in the community. To counter such a situation, Samarthan initiated special programmes for providing handholding support to these leaders. In order to help Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies perform their economic development and social justice function, micro planning initiatives were undertaken at panchayat and municipal areas.

In order to amplify the voices from the grassroots, Samarthan engaged itself in formation of networks of civil society organizations at the state level. Samarthan also became member of national and international network organiasitons in order to share the learnings from the field and to be able to influence the larger policies affecting the citizens. Some of the national networks that Samarthan has been a part of are VANI, Wada Na Todo Abhiyan, National Social Watch etc.