Various Projects and support from:
The first project launched by SARTHI in the area addressed drinking water issues and the revival of rural industries. From 1980 to 1985, it worked with the support of the local community and donors such as the Durgabji Tata Trust and Oxfam India. After SARTHI was registered as an independent organisation in October 1985, support was received from HIVOS (Netherlands). Other donors included the Save the Children Fund (United Kingdom) and the Canadian Hunger Foundation (CHF) for projects related to health, education, and integrated rural development, among others. SARTHI has also received funding from the Central and State Governments, as well as from CAPART (Council for the Advancement of People’s Action and Rural Technology) for drinking water and TRYSEM (Training of Rural Youth for Self-Employment) for wasteland development. It has collaborated with various NGOs and networks, both within and outside the state, in efforts to create sustainable livelihood systems for target groups.
In recent years, SARTHI has primarily been funded by the MacArthur Foundation and the Ford Foundation for projects on women’s empowerment and reproductive health. Additionally, the Swashakti project has supported initiatives for women’s economic empowerment and rights, while Intercooperation (IC) has funded SARTHI’s work on “Supporting People’s Institutions and Alternate Approaches for Watershed-Based Land Development and Joint Forest Management.”
SARTHI’s approach has been to mobilize tribal communities and raise awareness about entitlements. This has been achieved through the formation and strengthening of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), such as women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) that go beyond saving and credit work, engaging on broader women’s rights issues, and Village Development Committees (VDCs). From 2000 to 2012, SARTHI worked on the project “Empowering Tribal and Other Most Vulnerable Tribal Groups (MVTGs) in Three Districts of Gujarat to Access Their State Entitlements and Rights,” in partnership with Action Aid UK and India.
Our partnership with the Gujarat State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) began in November 2008 with a project focused on the needs assessment of single male migrants (SMMs) coming from other states and districts. The project covered the industrial areas of Kalol, Halol, and Baska, as well as rural areas where brick industries are located. The findings from the needs assessment, presented to GSACS, estimated that more than 6,000 SMMs were in the region. Following our intervention, by 2016-17, we reached more than 11,000 migrants in the area under the Targeted Intervention (TI) project (NACP-III). In May 2018, the focus of the project shifted from migrants to core composite (CC) work in Godhra.
From 2011 to 2015, SARTHI worked on diarrheal alleviation through the use of zinc and ORS, in collaboration with AED-ARTS and The Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI). The project focused on sensitizing rural healthcare providers in the Panchmahals and Dahod districts of Gujarat.
Recently, NABARD has supported SARTHI’s efforts to form Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and the Ford Foundation, through the Development Support Centre (DSC), has provided support for the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY). The Coca-Cola Foundation has supported us in groundwater replenishment by funding the construction of check dams. Tata Trust, through VIKSAT, has supported training Internet Saathis to raise awareness among women about internet usage and safety in the Baroda and Waghodia blocks. The Ford Foundation was also supporting us through SAHAJ for an adolescent program and now APPI is supporting through SAHAJ for Adolescent program. The American India Foundation continues to support us in strengthening school governance and improving primary education. Finally, GSACS continues to support our work on HIV/AIDS awareness among female sex workers (FSW) and men who have sex with men (MSM) in Godhra (Panchmahals). DASRA is supporting under unrestricted fund for Organization Development and support for Women Farmers for natural farming etc.
Organizational Relationships
SARTHI has liaised with various NGOs and networks to further its mission of empowering both women and men through access to, and control over, resources. Over the years, it has partnered with the following organizations and networks for its diverse and dynamic interventions:
| Name of the NGO and Networks: | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 1. SAHAJ, Baroda | Health Women Development and Rural Craft. |
| 1. SAHAJ, Baroda | Health Women Development and Rural Craft. |
| 2. VIKSAT, Ahmedabad | Environment issues and Digitalization |
| 3. UNNATI, Ahmedabad | Panchayati Raj. |
| 4. AKRSP (I), Ahmedabad | Energy and watershed based activities . |
| 5. JANPATH, Ahmedabd | Documentation and Research |
| 6. DSC/ Sajjaata Sangh,Ahmedabad | Agriculture and Water-shed |
| 7. SWRC, Tilonia | SAMPADA Network/ Solar, RI, Water |
| 8. CHETNA, Ahmedabad | Health and Ayurvedic Medecines |
| 9. SEWA Rural,Jagharia, Bharuch | Health |
| 10. PEDO, Mada | Women empowerment and income Generation |
| 11.SAMPADA | Solar, Water and Sanitation, Rural Industries |
| 12.Credibility Alliance | ‘Accountability, Transparency and Good Governance’ |
| 13.WGWLO (Working Group of | |
| Women for Land Ownership) | Land and property right for women |
| 14. MSA(Mahila Swaraj Abhiyan) | For active participation of women in PRIs |
| 15. JSA(Jan Swasthya Abhiyan) | For Health issue |
| 16. PRAVAH | For safe drinking water |
| 17.Ekal Nari Shakti Manch | For the issue of single women |
Awards and Honors Received by SARTHI:
SARTHI has been recognized and honored by various government bodies for its exemplary work in community development and social empowerment. Some notable awards and honors include:
1. Commendation for Drought Relief (1985-87) – SARTHI received this recognition from the Government of Gujarat for its outstanding efforts in providing drought relief during challenging times.
2. Commendation for Biogas Programme (1997) – SARTHI was awarded for its successful implementation of the Biogas Programme, supported by CHF and AFPRO.
3. Best Performance Award – SARTHI was honored by O.P. Kohli and the Honorable Chief Minister Smt. Anandiben Patel during the state-level celebration of the 69th Independence Day on 15th August 2015 at Lunawada, Mahisagar.
4. NABARD’s Best Partner Agency Award (2018) – SARTHI was recognized by the Honorable Chief Minister Mr. Vijaybhai Rupani for its exceptional work under the FPO Campaign, receiving the NABARD Best Partner Agency Award on 27th February 2019.
5. Recognition for 35 Years of Service– On the occasion of the district-level celebration of the 71st Republic Day on 26th January 2020 at Pandarwada, Mahisagar, SARTHI honored Nirmal Kunwerba, Director of SARTHI, for her 35 years of dedicated work, especially in Women’s Empowerment and Health within the Tribal Communities of Mahisagar and Panchmahals districts..
SARTHI as an Active Partner with the Government:
SARTHI functions as a Technology Resource Center supported by CAPART. The Government of Gujarat recognizes SARTHI as an important partner in various programs, including Joint Forest Management, Women’s Development, and the Integrated Development Program. SARTHI has been a member of several organizations and committees, including:
- 1. RMK Rashtriya Mahila Kosh, New Delhi
- 2. CAPART, New Delhi
- 3. The Governing Body of the Panchmahals District Rural Development Authority (DRDA)
- 4. The District Watershed Advisory Committee, Panchamahals
- 5. The District Mahila Suraksha Committee, Panchamahals.
- 6. The District Watershed Implementation Committee, Panchamahals
- 7. The District Primary Education Program (DPEP) Committee on Education
- 8. The State-Level Working Committee of the Forest Department
- 9. The State-Level Committee of the Women Economic Development Corporation
- 10. The National Association of Water Resources Development Agencies
- 11. Member of District Advisory Committee, Health Department, Mahisagar
- 12. Member of District Advisory Committee of P.C. & P.N.D.T. Act 1994, Mahisagar
Condition of the region
Condition of the Region in SARTHI's Working Area :
Located in Mahisagar district of Gujarat, the Santrampur block is predominantly tribal and economically disadvantaged. The area faces numerous socio-economic challenges that significantly affect the quality of life, particularly for women and marginalized communities.
The overall condition of the Santrampur block is marked by economic deprivation, environmental degradation, and social inequality. These challenges are further compounded by a lack of infrastructure and public services, especially in remote areas. However, SARTHI has made a concerted effort to address these issues by focusing on sustainable development, women's empowerment, and the management of natural resources. Through community-based initiatives, SARTHI has worked to improve the lives of the region’s tribal populations, addressing issues such as access to Natural Resource Management, healthcare, education, and economic self-reliance.
1. Geographical and Environmental Challenges:
Santrampur is located in a drought-prone region with limited access to natural resources. The geological conditions of the area, characterized by Precambrian rocks, restrict groundwater storage capacity, making water scarcity a chronic issue. Villagers, especially women, are heavily reliant on tube wells, hand pumps, and ponds for drinking water and other daily needs, but these sources often run dry during the summer months, forcing women to travel long distances to fetch water. This increases their already heavy workload.
2. Deforestation and Depletion of Natural Resources:
The region once boasted dense teak forests, known for their richness and biodiversity, but much of this tree cover has been lost due to deforestation driven by the furniture and paper industries. The depletion of these natural resources has had a detrimental impact on groundwater levels, further exacerbating the region’s water crisis. This has affected the livelihoods of local communities, especially those dependent on agriculture and animal husbandry.
3. Economic Backwardness and Poverty:
The economic situation in Santrampur is marked by high poverty rates, with a significant portion of the population living below the poverty line. Lack of infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and healthcare facilities, has hindered the region’s development. Unemployment rates are high, and many families depend on seasonal migration for work, often leaving them in precarious economic situations.
4. Health and Sanitation Issues:
Poor health and sanitation conditions are prevalent in the region. Many families do not have access to safe drinking water and rely on open wells and ponds, which contribute to waterborne diseases. Additionally, the lack of proper sanitation facilities increases the spread of diseases. Women, in particular, bear the brunt of the poor health infrastructure, with limited access to healthcare services, especially maternal and reproductive health care. The traditional health care systems in the area are often inadequate and fail to address the specific health needs of women.
5. Educational Deficits:
Education in Santrampur is another major concern. The region has a low literacy rate, with many children, particularly girls, not receiving formal education. The lack of schools and trained teachers in remote areas compounds the problem. The scarcity of educational resources and opportunities further limits the future prospects of the children in the region, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.
6. Gender Disparities:
Women in Santrampur face significant social and economic marginalization. They carry the heaviest workload in terms of household chores, agricultural work, and fetching water, yet they have limited access to decision-making and economic opportunities. The region’s patriarchal social structure often limits women’s access to resources, land, and property rights. Women’s health, education, and empowerment are often overlooked, and they face numerous challenges in accessing basic services and opportunities for personal and economic development.
Trustees/ Governing Board
The Governing Body of SARTHI
| Designation | Name | Address |
|---|---|---|
| President | Mr. Devi Lal S/o Shri Kaluram Vyas | Director, PEDO, (People's Education & Development Organization P.O.MADA – 314 001, District-Dungarpur (Rajasthan) |
| Vice-President | Dr. Maheshkumar Sankarlal Shukla | “Vardan” Clinic, Vardhari Road, Lunawada, Dist. Panchamahals, Gujarat(389230) |
| Member | Mrs.Maharaulji NirmalKunwaraba W/o Shri Girirajsinghji | Director, SARTHI, Po. Godhar – West, - 389 230 Ta – Santrampur, Via – Lunawada Dist. Mahisagar, (Gujarat.) |
| Member | Mrs. Stragdhara H Thakkar | C/O.Pooja Hospital Modasa Road ,Lunawada Dist. Mahisagar-389230 |
| Member | Mr. Mojanidar Harun S/O Abdul Salam | Asthana Bazar,Lunawada, District- Mahisagar, Gujarat - 389230 |
| Member | Shastri Hemlataben Shrinivas | W/O Shastri Shrinivas, RO- Tilak chok, Tal- Virpur,District- Mahisagar, 388260 |
| Member | Mr. Dhan Singh S/o Shri Ishwarsingh Rathore | Co-Ordinator, SARTHI, Po. Godhar – West, - 389 230. Ta – Santrampur, Via – Lunawada Dist. Mahisagar, (Gujarat.) |