The Krishnagiri Development Project

The Development Promotion Group planned the holistic Krishnagiri Development Project for the ennegollu Panchayat from 2015 to 2020. Based on in-depth research conducted by PRAXIS with the participation of some 1500 families, the project facilitated the socio-economic inclusion of marginalized communities, by empowering micro-institutions like SHGs, youth clubs and agricultural cooperatives. The main features of the project included social and economic wellbeing, exposure to sustainable agriculture and food security and cooperation between local stakeholders. The need to support the livelihood, leadership development and visibility of scheduled castes (SC) and scheduled tribes (ST) was identified during the Pandemic and added to project goals.

The ST community’s dependence on and proximity to forestland led to a collaboration with the Government to provide training in the Forest Rights Act. Eligible members of ST, and other other marginalised communities, received permission to use forestland for agricultural purposes.

Facts & Figures
• Household income increased threefold.
• Household access to toilets increased by approximately 70% (3000+ residents).
• Project interventions continue at no – cost to the Foundation.
• 20 ST farmers participated in pest and disease control workshops held in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and Krishnagiri.
• 72 youths from the SC and ST communities benefitted from a range of KVK-sponsored workshops for coconut tree climbing, CCT V repair, food craft, organic farming, animal husbandry and vermicomposting preparation.
• 43 women trained in tailoring and farming along with receiving government support.
• 100 ST families from five villages received family ration cards enabling access to the public distribution system and other Government welfare schemes.
• Nine differently-abled ST children received ID cards from a medical camp specifically for those with unique needs, with the support of the District Disabled Welfare Office, Krishnagiri.
• 120 ST members obtained ST community certificates.
• 168 ST members registered in the state social security schemes.
• 203 ST members received Aadhaar cards with most receiving help to open bank accounts – an achievement that was 20 years in the making.
• Resolution passed to provide ‘kisan cards’ to farmers and housing to residents of the village of Undiyalnatham