DISHA (Development Initiatives for Sustainable Human Advancement) is a voluntary organization founded in 1998 by a group of social workers who have been actively involved in the field of development work for more than two decades.
Legal Status
• Registered as public charitable trust (No.106/17.01.2000).
• Registered under section 12A of the Income Tax Act 30.01.2001.
• Registered under section 80G of the Income Tax Act No.D5 /80G/ CIT/MNG/2012-13/Valid from 12.09.2012 onwards.
• Registered under FC (Regulation)Act ,1976 of Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt.of India (No:094630176/May21,2004).
Target population
DISHA works with disadvantaged sections of the society especially women, tribals, daliths, landless poor, marginal and small farmers in Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka-South India.
Strategy/activities
Building and strengthening the capacities of people’s groups/ community based organizations for sustainable development through education, organization and training.
Objectives
• To conscientize, mobilize and organize people for social change and for sustainable development.
• To prevent all forms of injustice to the disadvantaged sections in the society with particular reference to women, children, tribals, daliths, displaced, unorganized and landless poor.
• To strive for the social, political and economic empowerment of the disadvantaged and exploited sections in the society.
• To raise awareness and increase people’s participation in the protection, development and judicious management of natural resources and environment.
• To facilitate initiatives for the use of sustainable farming practices among small and marginal farmers.
• To foster the principle of self help and self reliance as the basis for enduring development.
Achievements-NRM Project
2008-2015
DISHA Implemented Natural resources management project with financial aid from Andheri Hilfe Bon during the period 2008-2015 in the ten villages of Kuppepadavu, Kandavara, Ulaibettu, Moodushedde and Addur Grama Panchayats of Mangaluru taluk, Karnataka.
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3938 staggered trenches were dug through 76 farmers in 123 hectare area in 10 villages.
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843 cumt stone bunds constructed by 91 farmers in 10 villages
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912 mt bunds constructed by 76 families in 9 villages
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7175 forest and fuel wood plants planted by 580 families in 10 villages.
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900 fruit bearing horticultural plants are planted by 180 families in 10 villages.
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98 gully plugs constructed by 45 families in 10 villages
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14 Masonry gully plugs constructed by 14 families in 8 villages.
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04 vented dam constructed by 31 families in two villages.
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17 farm ponds constructed by 17 families in 9 villages.
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05 irrigation ponds renovated by 33 families in 5 villages.
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10 shutter walls for irrigation wells constructed by 20 families in 5 villages.
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96 drinking water wells – stone lining and parapet wall constructed by 186 families in 9 villages.
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10 roof water harvesting storage tanks constructed by 58 families in 9 villages
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125 roof water harvesting units installed by 125 families in 5 villages.
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03 model units established by three farmers in 3 villages.
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91 seed protectors and donors were trained and enlisted in 10 villages.
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65 vermi composting units were established by 65 families in 10 villages.
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60 Liquid bio manure and bio pesticide units were established by 60 families.
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111 Kitchen garden units were established by 111 families in 10 villages.
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66 bio-gas units were established by 65 families in 10 villages.
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113 Smokeless Chullas were established in 10 villages.
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43 income generation activities were started by 43 persons in 9 villages.
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15 persons were trained in carpentry and pottery in 6 villages.
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109 SHGs were formed with 1527 persons in 10 villages.
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10 village watershed committees were formed by 96 SHGs and function in 10 villages.
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One Central level Self Help Group Federation (SPANDANA) was activated involving SHGs from 10 villages.
Women Empowerment
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DISHA has always prioritized women empowerment since its inception, focusing on key components that foster growth and independence. This initiative emphasizes education, providing women with access to learning opportunities and resources that enhance their skills. Additionally, DISHA promotes financial literacy, enabling women to take charge their finances and make informed economic decisions. By creating supportive networks and mentorship programs, DISHA encourages collaboration and sharing of experiences among, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society.
Achievements
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Promoted 75 women’s SHGs engaged in savings and credit activities and in empowerment and education programs.
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Promoted Abhyudaya Mahila Vedike, which has now merged with Spandana Mahila Vedike, an apex body for SHGs. The organization works toward women’s empowerment through awareness, training, and networking activities.
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DISHA is one of the core NGOs involved in promoting SANCHI Trust, which supports gainful income-generation activities for women interested in Entrepreneurship Development Programmes. SANCHI supports these women through a Revolving Fund in the form of loans.
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DISHA was one of the partner NGOs selected by the ILO New Delhi Office to implement alternative employment opportunities for women beedi rollers in Mangalore Taluk, Karnataka.
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Provided referral services to as many as 110 women for legal aid, government schemes, educational support, and counselling services.
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Consistently advocated for women’s rights and human rights by networking with like-minded NGOs in the district.