Janakalyan

District

North Kannada

States

Karnataka

Janakalyan focuses on improving livelihoods through innovative water harvesting initiatives. Recognizing the vital role of water, the organisation tackles the challenge of varying water availability in irrigation projects. It addresses the dual issue of excess water during rainy seasons and insufficient irrigation in peak seasons by introducing a unique solution: creating 'water harvesting structures' within the land. These structures store excess rainwater for later use, mitigating crop damage during heavy rains and ensuring water availability for crops during dry periods. With over 100 such structures already established in two districts of North Karnataka, Janakalyan plans to implement another 50 over the next two years. This initiative receives support from NABARD for Tungabhadra's tail end and from Dehspande Foundation for Malaprabha's tail end, enhancing water management and agricultural sustainability.

Janakalyan acknowledges that agriculture remains a primary livelihood for a significant portion of India's population. However, it often sees less academic involvement. To enhance agricultural profitability and ensure food security, the organisation encourages intelligent youth to engage by providing entrepreneurial training. Janakalyan's initiative equips young individuals with skills to identify agricultural entrepreneurial opportunities. Through market surveys, it assists agro-entrepreneurs in recognizing potential business activities. It secures financial support, establishes supply and distribution connections, and supports enterprise expansion. By fostering innovative ideas, Janakalyan aims to inspire young minds to contribute to the agricultural industry, promoting sustainable growth and food stability.

Janakalyan identifies crucial areas where rural communities need essential support. It aids deserving students by assisting in higher education admission, preventing talented individuals from dropping out due to financial barriers. The organisation empowers artisans, wage-earners, and farmers by providing toolkits, breaking the cycle of poverty and enabling sustainable livelihoods. Addressing education gaps, Janakalyan supplies school essentials like stationery to rural students, reducing dropouts resulting from financial constraints. Additionally, the organisation focuses on improving rural hygiene through education and hygiene kits, promoting healthier practices and preventing future health issues. Supported by GiveIndia, Janakalyan's project ensures comprehensive assistance, fostering better health, education, and livelihood prospects for rural communities.

District

Raichur

States

Karnataka

Janakalyan's 'SWASTHH PLUS' initiative, supported by UNICEF in Raichur district, aimed to enhance School Water And Sanitation Towards Health and Hygiene (SWASTHH) among women. The primary focus of this effort was to empower women, enabling them to access services from relevant line departments. The initiative's foundation was the Neighbor Hood Group (NHG), comprising 20 adjacent families on a street. From each NHG, a Neighbourhood Leader (NHL) and a 'Kishori' were chosen to form a Village Women Committee (VWC). This model extended to Gram Panchayat, Taluk, District, and State levels, facilitating interaction between Service Delivery agencies (line departments) and representatives from the target communities. This structure aimed to ensure holistic community engagement and effective service delivery, with the ultimate goal of empowering women and improving health and hygiene.

Janakalyan has comprehensive experience in managing Self-Help Group (SHG) initiatives and collaborating with NGOs across various states. Learning from the 90s, the organisation's journey began with bank linkages, but it soon recognized the value of establishing its microfinance institution. As a result, the Micro-Finance Institute called GNAN (Garibi Nirmoolan Avartan Nidhi) was established to fulfil the credit requirements of SHGs. This institute operates effectively, empowering SHG members to undertake productive endeavours with the credit support provided by GNAN. Through these efforts, Janakalyan fosters a robust SHG and microfinance movement, enabling sustainable growth and empowerment for individuals and communities.