Gandhi Manav Kalyan Society (GMKS)

Rana Punja College, established by Gandhi Manav Kalyan Society, provides higher education access to over 1.10 lakh people across 108 villages in Ogna, Rajasthan. Located along the River Wakal in the Aravali hills, it offers a serene environment with modern facilities. The college integrates traditional architectural elements with advanced learning resources, including digital classrooms, a well-equipped library, and laboratories. Its lush green campus promotes a peaceful academic atmosphere, ensuring students benefit from quality education free from urban distractions. Through its infrastructure and academic offerings, it strengthens educational opportunities for tribal and rural communities.

Gandhi Manav Kalyan Society (GMKS) facilitates community-driven development by mobilising tribal populations to advocate for their rights and local issues. In 1998, it supported the formation of Bhomat Vikas Manch, a grassroots forum representing 2,100 families across 120 villages. The forum focuses on women’s empowerment, leadership identification, strengthening local governance, economic sustainability, and advocacy for development. It operates through three structured tiers: village committees, zone-level federations, and block-level councils to systematically address concerns like education, health, agriculture, and social welfare. GMKS has played a key role in strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions since 1990, ensuring active community participation, leadership training, and governance awareness. Its efforts include regular meetings, advocacy, skill development, gender sensitisation, and economic initiatives to promote self-sufficiency and effective local governance.

Gandhi Manav Kalyan Society (GMKS) has supported the rehabilitation of Kathodi tribal families by providing housing and basic amenities to help them resettle. In 1986, it initiated efforts to address their challenges, identifying Samija village for their rehabilitation. Between 1986 and 2000, it worked to secure 104 acres of land for resettlement and constructed 382 houses. It established a non-formal education centre, a child labour rehabilitation school, and a residential hostel with government and agency support. GMKS also arranged hand pumps, latrines, and drinking water facilities while creating a community centre to enhance local engagement. To promote self-sufficiency, it trained villagers in agricultural practices, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for the community.

Gandhi Manav Kalyan Society (GMKS) promotes community health through its SWASHT-R Programme, focusing on water, sanitation, and hygiene. It educates communities on sanitation beyond waste disposal, emphasising hygiene practices like handwashing, food safety, and menstrual health. GMKS strengthens school and healthcare facilities by installing handwashing units and training educators. It collaborates with the government and local health workers to encourage safe practices that reduce disease transmission. Additionally, it addresses indoor pollution by introducing smokeless stoves, improving health and fuel efficiency while reducing fire hazards. These stoves help mitigate the challenges caused by deforestation, reducing the burden on women. Through these efforts, GMKS enhances health awareness, infrastructure, and sustainable living in rural communities.

Gandhi Manav Kalyan Society (GMKS) launched a natural resource management program in partnership with NABARD in 2014, focusing on cattle rearing and vegetable cultivation. Under this initiative, farmers received loans to purchase cows, with Holstein breed acquisition facilitated and insured for three years through United India Insurance. The program supported 52 farmers from Shahpura, Bhilwara, and Udaipur. Additionally, training sessions were conducted, enabling 29 farmers to learn cattle rearing techniques and methods to improve milk production, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and livelihood enhancement.