Energise Involve Enable

annual review 2010-2011

the spirit that propels change

Contents

Section 1: Introduction

01 The Mission

02 About ACF

03 I CAN

04 Members of the Board

05 Chairman’s Message

06 The ACF Footprint

07 What We Do

13 Our Partners

Section 2: Our Spread

20 Andhra Pradesh

22 Chhattisgarh

26 Gujarat

36 Himachal Pradesh

42 Madhya Pradesh

44 Maharashtra

50 Punjab

58 Rajasthan

71 Uttarakhand

74 Uttar Pradesh

76 West Bengal

Section 3: Funds and Resources

84 Funds and Resources

85 Auditors’ Report

86 Audited Balance Sheet

87 Income and Expenditure Accounts

88 Expenditure Data by States and Main Activities

Section 4: Key Performance Indicators

96 Activity-wise Key Performance Indicators

104 Consolidated SHG Details

105 Stakeholders’ Speak

Section 5: Our Team

108 ACF Team

110 Contact Information

112 Our Publications

The Mission

Energise

Involve

and Enable

Communities

to Realise

their Potential

2

Ambuja Cement Foundation, established in 1993, is the social

development arm of Ambuja Cements Ltd., working exclusively

with rural communities on issues related to Natural Resource

Management, Agro & Skill-based Livelihood Generation, Health,

Education, Women’s Empowerment and Rural Infrastructure.

ACF’s community development work is based on its mission

and underscores our belief in communities and in our role as

catalysts to bring in change. ACF undertakes projects and

schemes for promoting the social and economic development

for communities in and around the manufacturing locations of

Ambuja Cement Ltd. These development initiatives are in line

with the needs of people, in partnership with them and in close

collaborations with like-minded NGOs and the Government.

A team of 343 dedicated professionals implement its projects

and programmes. Our work currently extends to 20 locations in

11 states across India, reaching out to 1.5 million people.

Ambuja Cement Foundation

ACF is accredited by Credibility Alliance

as adhering to the desirable norms

prescribed for good governance of

voluntary organisations

Give a man orders and he will do the task

reasonably well. But let him set his own

targets, give him freedom and authority

and his task becomes a personal mission:

I CAN.

This process of tapping individual initiative for team

synergy is at the heart of the culture at both Ambuja

Cements and ACF. It is this I CAN spirit that is reflected

in the woman who steps over the threshold to become

a village health worker; in the farmer who adapts

organic methods of farming to protect the earth, while

earning a better livelihood; in the youth who learns a

trade to become self-employed; and in the villagers who

pool in their labour to build a new reservoir for water

conservation.

The ‘I CAN’ spirit affirms that each person contributes her

potential to achieve a goal. At ACF, this translates into

the willing participation of governments, non-government

organisations, communities, other stakeholders and

ACF to come together and contribute the best of their

abilities towards achieving a common goal.

4

Mr Suresh Neotia, co-promoter and Chairman of Ambuja

Cements Limited, is a businessman and industrialist of repute.

He is currently a member of the Central Board of the Reserve

Bank of India. He is also known for his association with numerous

cultural institutions as well as charitable organisations. He was

conferred the Padma Bhushan by the President of India in 2008.

Mr Narotam Sekhsaria, an industrialist reputed for his

business acumen, is the main promoter of Ambuja Cements Ltd.

He is known to have created new benchmarks in the cement

industry with his path breaking innovative thinking. He is

currently the Vice-Chairman of Ambuja Cements Ltd., and the

Chairman of ACC Ltd.

Mr. Onne van der Weijde, a Dutch national, holds a

Bachelors’ degree in Economics & Accounting from Rotterdam,

the Netherlands and a Master’s degree in Business

Administration from the University of Bradford, UK. In the year

1996 he joined Holcim and after holding various positions,

he was appointed Director and General Manager for Holcim

(India) Pvt. Ltd. in March 2005. He was the CFO of ACC from

2006-2008. He possesses more than 15 years of experience

in cement industry including 6 years in Indian cement industry.

He is currently the Managing Director, Ambuja Cements Ltd.

Mr A L Kapur has been closely associated with the cement

industry for more than three decades, before becoming the

Managing Director of Ambuja Cements Ltd. He has previously

held positions on Boards of several large corporates. He was

also the President of Cement Manufacturers Association

(CMA), Chairman of the Board of Governors of the National

Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCBM) and

Chairman of the Development Council for the Cement Industry.

Members of the Board

Mr B B Tandon, IAS, a retired IAS Officer, (1965) of Himachal

Pradesh Cadre. He retired as the Secretary-Personnel,

Government of India. He also served as Secretary-Mines during

his career. He has been the Chief Election Commissioner of India.

Presently, he is on the Board of various prominent organisations.

Mr P K Laheri, IAS, an IAS officer (1969) of Gujarat

Cadre, retired as Chief Secretary in March 2005. Mr.

Laheri served as CMD of Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam

Ltd., Gandhi Nagar. He has worked on many portfolios

such as Industry, Education, Information, Water Supply,

Fashion, Tourism, and Rural Development during his career.

Mr Manmohan Malhoutra, educated in Delhi and Oxford,

was a former member of the Indian Administrative Service (1961-

1978) and served in the Secretariat of Prime Minister Indira

Gandhi from 1966 to 1973. He also served at the Commonwealth

Secretariat. He was a Board of Director at the International Institute

of Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), Stockholm and

also served as Secretary-General of Rajiv Gandhi Foundation.

Mr Sharadchandra Kale, IAS, a retired IAS officer (1963) of

Maharashtra Cadre, has held high offices in his career including

the position of the Secretary of important departments in the

state of Maharashtra. He has also served as the Additional Chief

Secretary (Planning Dept.), the Chairman of Mumbai Port Trust

and Chairman of the Reserve Bank of India (Services Board).

Ms Padmini Somani, Founder-Director of Salaam Bombay

Foundation has represented India at various international

forums on tobacco control. A patron of art, she also takes keen

interest in organizing dance and cultural programmes. She is

a graduate from the London School of Economics and has a

M.Sc. in Financial Economics from University of London, U.K.

Mr V K Jain, IPS, a retired IPS Officer (1958) of U.P. Cadre,

was the Director General of Police in U.P. Thereafter he held

various important portfolios including the offices of the Special

Secretary (ISP), the Home Ministry, Special Secretary,

the Department of J&K Affairs, Government of India and a

Member, National Security Advisory Board. He is currently

also a Member of National Disaster Management Authority.

Ms Pearl Tiwari, graduated from the prestigious Tata Institute

of Social Sciences, Mumbai, where she also served as a faculty

for 2 years. Currently a Vice President (CSR) in Ambuja Cements

Limited, she has been associated with the developmental sector

in India for over 25 years. She is particularly sensitive to issues

of social responsibility

5

This year saw ACF convening two

important conferences in Gujarat

and Rajasthan to create a platform

for government and the civil society

to discuss experiences related

to water, and plan together to

address the issue of depleting water

resources in these states. I am

heartened by the positive response

and participation from so many

organisations. My sincere gratitude

to all our programme partners at the

national, state and local government

level and institutions like NABARD,

ICAR, SACs, NRHM, and Sir Ratan

Tata Trust. They have supported us

at every step of the way. We are also

grateful to the Dutch organisation,

Solidaridad, for partnering and

supporting us in the Better Cotton

Initiative project.

I would like to extend my warmest

wishes to the entire team at

Ambuja Cement Foundation for

their continued commitment to

the development process. Their

dedication has strengthened our

presence in communities across

the country, creating lasting impact

in the lives of many. I urge my

colleagues to continue their good

work with the underprivileged with

sincerity and sensitivity.

I also wish to express my thanks

to the Board of ACF who have consistently provided direction,

support and encouragement to our team. We are privileged to

have Mr. Onne van der Weijde, Managing Director of Ambuja

Cements Ltd., on board. We look forward to his support and

guidance.

I am grateful to all community members across locations, whose

support and participation has enabled us to work for social

change and development. Lastly, my thanks to Ambuja Cements

Ltd. for their unstinting support in making this possible. We hope

to consolidate our achievements, and take our initiatives to the

next level of sustainability in the coming years.

SURESH NEOTIA

It gives me immense pleasure

to present Ambuja Cement

Foundation’s annual report for

the year 2010-11. This year we

entered our 17th year of working

with communities, reaching out

to more than 1.5 million people

across India. Much of this effort

has been possible due to the

spirit of I CAN among us and the

communities we engage with.

For ACF, it has been a year

of consolidating our efforts

and strengthening our ties

with people, institutions,

organisations and governments.

We are now part of the global

alliance promoting sustainable

cotton farming practices through

the Better Cotton Initiative. It

has translated into sustainable

cotton growing practices for

farmers.

ACF is now involved in

the running of 12 Skill and

Entrepreneurship Development

Institutes, up from five last

year. With a 70% placement

record, these institutes enable

rural youth to explore and learn

new trades, facilitate the entry

of a skilled workforce into the

industries, and encourage a

healthy employment rate in the

rural areas. SEDIs have grown to be one of the priority issues for

ACF, and we plan to create more such institutes in other regions

of the country, to enable youth to be skilled and economically

independent.

Our work today integrates the best of technology to reach out to

farmers with information. It has been possible due to the support

provided by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR),

which has enabled us to run one of the best KVKs in the region.

We look forward to their support in establishing more KVKs in

our other areas of operation to enable access of technology by

other farming communities.

The Ambuja Manovikas Kendra was started to fulfil a felt need

in Ropar. Ten years down the road, the school for special

children has grown to be one of our most effective and emotive

processes. We are also very proud of our four stars from Ambuja

Manovikas Kendra who have qualified to represent India at the

Special Olympics World Summer Games to be held in Athens

this year. We are sure that Ramandeep, Ashish, Gurcharan and

Harbindar will do all of us proud.

Chairman’s Message

Our strong relations with the community are built and strengthened on the basis of

mutual respect and trust.

6

The ACF Footprint Reaching out to 1.5 million

people in 740 villages

Over 300 Sakhis impacting lives

of over 1 lakh people

Support to over 315 schools benefitting 32000 children

Over 20600 hectares of land upgraded through soil and water conservation initiatives

Support to 791 SHGs with 9795 members and a corpus of R 3.9 crores

ACF Footprint eaching out to 1.5 million

eople in 740 villages

ver 300 Sakhis impacting lives

Himachal

Pradesh

Uttarakhand

Punjab

Rajasthan

Gujarat

Maharashtra

Andhra

Pradesh

West

Bengal

Uttar

Pradesh

Chhattisgarh

Madhya

Pradesh

7

What We DoOur StrategyPrior to initiating any field level intervention,

Ambuja Cement Foundation begins

by assessing the needs of the people.

This is done through baseline surveys

and participatory rural appraisals. Once

community needs are identified, they are

prioritised and a plan of action for implementation is drawn up.

The means of identifying needs, engaging with communities,

monitoring and evaluating the work done is carried out on a

continuous basis. All our projects attempt to utilise people’s

knowledge to work on issues identified by them.

While engaging with the communities on a multitude of issues,

ACF works incessantly to build the capacity of the people and to

empower them. To this end numerous training programmes and

exposure visits are organised. We work in close collaboration

with state, district and local government and non-government

organisations on our various projects. For example, under

our Health Programme, among other collaborations, ACF is

involved in private-public-partnership under the National Rural

Health Mission. We work as a ‘Mother NGO’, and run the ASHA

Training and Resource Centre in Uttarakhand. In Gujarat, ACF

works closely with the Irrigation Department of the Government

of Gujarat on salinity ingress and mitigation projects under our

NRM programme. A large number of organisations across all

locations provide technical and knowledge support, enhancing

the quality of our programmes and impact. At all times, our work

is enhanced by the consistent technical and voluntary support

provided by Ambuja Cements.

Natural Resource Management - Rejuvenating Land and Water ResourcesACF’s Water Resource Management Programme works to

enhance water availability to communities and create a positive

impact on agriculture and allied activities in the region. The

programme not only addresses the issue of water in agriculture,

but also its usage in domestic areas. Interventions are based

on the needs of the local population, factoring in issues like the

local terrain, rainfall and existing water bodies. Thus, in coastal

Gujarat our focus has been on mitigating salinity ingress and

constructing roof rain water harvesting structures. In the arid and

semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, ACF concentrates on renovating

traditional water reservoirs like ponds and increasing the spread

of groundwater through the construction of dykes. In Himachal

Pradesh, the hilly terrain prompted us to look at watershed

management as a means of conserving water and improving

the quality of livestock and land. In Maharashtra, we constructed

check dams to manage availability of water throughout the year.

In Andhra Pradesh, where the quality of drinking water is very

poor, we set up community water purification units. Plantations

and forestation programmes also help revive soil quality and

fertility, and rejuvenate our land resources

8

Agro-Based Livelihood Generation Programme - Ensuring Food & Livelihood SecurityWe work closely with farmers to promote improvements in agro-

based livelihoods, leading to greater productivity and profits.

ACF also promotes allied activities like dairy production, bee

keeping and animal husbandry to help communities, especially

women, supplement their incomes. The Krishi Vigyan Kendra

in Kodinar, Gujarat, regularly conducts trainings, on-field

testing, and live demonstrations for farmers to integrate new

technologies in agriculture.

In 2010, we worked with cotton-growing farmers in Bathinda,

Kodinar, Chandrapur and Nadikudi, to integrate Better Cotton

Initiative (BCI) techniques in farming practices. Through planned

interventions, strategic use of pesticides, contamination

prevention and effective picking, storing and harvesting

methods, more than 2552 farmers across locations have been

able to realise a reduction of R 3000 per acre on production

costs. And BCI cotton has been able to command upper-band

rates, bringing in profits to farmers.

In Ropar, Punjab, organic farming has taken a leap with more

farmers beginning to take it up. With certification, these farmers

will be able to command a premium price for their produce. ACF

has also established a seed bank to store indigenous seeds.

Organic farmers contribute seeds for storing and exchange,

thus sustaining our seed diversity. In West Bengal, small farm

holders are now practising the Systematic Rice Intensification

(SRI) programme introduced by ACF. The project has found

widespread favour with the farmers due to lower input costs and

higher yields and profits.

Skill-Based Livelihood Programme - Creating Avenues for Gainful EmploymentACF’s Skill & Entrepreneurship Development Institutes (SEDI)

have been established to train local youth in varied technical

skills including welding, carpentry, repairs of domestic

appliances, mobiles, and two-wheelers, computer basics &

DTP, beautician’s course, and security guard training. SEDI’s are

set up in partnership with banks, other technical organizations,

and the government in different locations. This year, the number

of SEDIs has increased to 12, though some of them are in

various stages of development. More than 1500 students have

been trained this year in 17 different technical trades and we

have been able to place up to 70% of the students in jobs or

in self-employed practices. This year, ACF also expanded

its Mason Training programme to hone the semi-skilled into

skilled professionals. This programme blends ACF’s community

mobilization skills with technical inputs from Ambuja Cements,

and governmental support to train hundreds of unskilled tribal

youths into skilled masons.

9

ACF’s integrated natural resource management achieves conservation objectives, keeping the economic development of rural communities in focus.

10

generation programmes and training of village health and

sanitation committee members. The programme also supports

communities to build low-cost toilets, construct soak pits, and

create effective garbage disposal systems.

HIV and AIDS Prevention Programme:ACF implements a strong HIV and AIDS awareness and

prevention programme catering to high-risk groups across

various locations. We reach out to the large and migrant workers

population around Ambuja Cements plants. The programme

is implemented in collaboration with Apollo Tyres Foundation,

and State AIDS Control Societies. Health care centres have

been set up in Surat and Nalagarh to provide screening and

testing of STIs along with counselling and referral services.

We also have numerous outlets for condom

distribution to enable easy access for migrant

and local populations. Individuals identified as

HIV positive are then referred to ART centres

for further treatment. Our strong relations

with Positive People’s Networks are integral

to the programme. One of our initiatives is to

support network members through training

in various livelihood generation programmes.

In Punjab, ACF also implements the Targeted

Intervention Project for intravenous drug

users. The programme reaches out to almost

10000 migrant workers in the industrial areas

around Ropar, seeking to reduce incidences of

infection and transmission of HIV.

The workplace intervention programme, for

employees of Ambuja Cements, holds regular

clinics and uses media, literature, and one-

to-one counselling to generate awareness on

HIV/AIDS. Youth group members are trained as

peer educators, and they take the programme

forward through events like block level sports

competitions, quizzes and theatre activities.

Red Ribbon clubs of Sankrail have been

established in Senior Secondary schools,

enabling students to have correct information

on the issue. World AIDS Day is observed at all

locations, and includes popular communication media such as

films, street plays, and group discussions.

Education Programme – Making Learning Fun!ACF’s Education Support Programme works on raising the

quality of education in village-level government schools, and

creating learning environments for children. It works closely

with students, teachers and trainers on integrating various

innovative learning tools and concepts. ‘Activity-Based Maths

Learning’, introduced this year, integrates a hands-on approach

to make maths enjoyable and fun. ‘Reading as a Way to Literacy’

focuses on building and retaining a child’s interest in reading.

Introduced in three locations in HP, UP and Maharashtra, the

programme includes training of teachers, resource acquisition,

and refurbishing of existing school libraries. ‘Concept Learning

through Technology’ was launched as a pilot project in primary

schools in Dadri and Darlaghat incorporating computers in

Integrated Health Programme - Providing Access to Quality Health CareAccess to quality health care is one of the critical issues in

communities surrounding manufactuaring units of Ambuja

Cements. ACF’s integrated health programme incorporates

preventive and promotive aspects of health with a strong

focus on women and children, the most vulnerable sections

of the society. The programme is implemented on the ground

by a strong cadre of village-based trained health workers

called Sakhis. They conduct sessions on health with women,

and youth, interact with Panchayats to implement sanitation

programmes in the villages, and work closely with state-run

anganwadis and the public health system. Currently, 306 Sakhis

from 258 villages cater to a population of over 1.4 lakhs and 110

sakhis have received accreditation to work as health workers.

The clinical aspects of our health programme are implemented

through mobile dispensaries. Mobile medical vans travel to

villages providing much-needed medical services, especially

in far-flung areas where access to public health institutions is

difficult. Regular health camps are also held at all locations.

The programme is moulded to address specific regional and

social issues. In Bathinda, ACF implements a drug de-addiction

programme, while malnutrition among young children is a key

area of focus in Bhatapara, Chhattisgarh. Given the skewed

sex-ratio in Punjab, ACF implements a programme against sex-

selection in Ropar. In Chandrapur, Maharashtra, ACF broadened

the Home Based Neo-natal Care (HBNC) programme to tackle

maternal and infant mortality, institutionalize deliveries and

promote safe child care. This shift in approach has enabled

ACF to meet the needs of the community better. ACF also

tackles the issue of sanitation in villages through awareness-

ACF’s HIV & AIDS Prevention Programme follows a holistic approach and includes education, treatment, support and rehabilitation.

11

ACF’s integrated health programme incorporates preventive and promotive aspects of health with a strong focus on women and children

12

the school learning system. We have also set up non-formal

education (NFE) centres wherever a need has been perceived.

NFE centres are active in West Bengal, Punjab and Uttarakhand.

These centres offer school dropouts and children without access

to formal schools an opportunity to get good quality education.

They act as a bridge to formal education, with children moving

into regular schools once they are sufficiently prepared.

One of our important intervention strategies is the strengthening

of the existing school management committees (SMCs). Set-up

by the government, these committees are empowered to take

decisions for the school. With ACF’s intervention, the SMCs

in schools across the three locations are now able to make a

bigger difference.

Women’s EmpowermentFormation of women’s groups is a strategic first step towards

empowerment. Self help groups (SHGs) are not just tools for

saving or lending; they are a space to share discuss concerns

and initiate and implement plans for change – in themselves,

their families and their community. In Ropar, the groups have

evolved from simple monthly savings to setting up sustainable

livelihoods. Women in Bhatapara have found the SHGs to be a

great way to utilise their skills. Income generating activities like

paper-plate making, candle making and aqua-culture are quite

popular here. Mushroom cultivation is keenly taken up by SHGs

in Darlaghat, with efforts being made to scale up its marketing.

Women also benefitted from training gained at ACF-run SEDIs

in skills like tailoring. Apart from SHG groups, sakhis, who form

the backbone of the Integrated Health Programme, are great

role-models for change. Their commitment to the community

and their work are an inspiration and a demonstration of the

‘I CAN’ spirit.

13

Chhattisgarh NABARD

CARE, Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy Development Agency

(CREDA)

Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Raipur

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bhatapara

Gayatri Pragya Peeth, Baloda Bazar

Industrial Training Institute, Sakri

Indian Leasing and Financial Services (ILFS)

Animal Husbandry Department, Government of Chhattisgarh

Public Health Engineering Department, Baloda Bazar

Education Department, Government of Chhattisgarh

Fisheries Department, Government of Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh Co-operative Bank, Arjuni and Karmada

Chhattisgarh Gramin Bank, Arjuni and Baloda Bazar

State Bank of India, Rawan and Baloda Bazar

HDFC Bank, Baloda Bazar

Gujarat, Ambuja Nagar Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi

Government of Gujarat

Gujarat State Irrigation Department

Gujarat State Water Resources Development Department,

Gandhinagar

Salinity Ingress Prevention Department

District Rural Development Agency, Junagadh, Gujarat

District Planning Committee, Junagadh

Water and Sanitation Management Organization ,

Gandhinagar

Junagadh Agricultural University

Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation, Junagadh

Gujarat Energy Development Agency, Vadodara

Our Partners

ACF acknowledges the cooperation and support of local SHGs,

farmer’s groups, gram panchayats, taluka panchayats, other

panchayati raj institutions, and community based organisations’

participation, support and collaboration in making our projects

sustainable and effective. ACF also extends its sincere thanks

the various government, non-government, corporate, public

institutions, private organisations and individuals who have

backed our endeavors to make a difference across 11 states.

Andhra Pradesh Abhaya Hospital, Piduguralla, Dist. Guntur

Regional Agriculture Research Station, Guntur

Department of Horticulture Government of A.P.

Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of A.P.

Department of Agriculture, Government of A.P.

Department of Rural Development, Government of A.P.

NABARD

ST Corporation

Citrus Research Station, Tirupathi

Cooperative Development Foundation, Warangal

Balavikasa, District Guntur

CROPS

TATA Projects Ltd, Hyderabad

Indian Immunologicals Ltd, Hyderabad

Solidaridad

14

Coastal Salinity Prevention Cell, Ahmedabad

Farmers Training Center, Junagadh

Gujarat State Forest Department, Junagadh

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development,

Junagadh

District Disability Rehabilitation Center, Junagadh

Cattle Breeding Farm, Junagadh

Sir Ratan Tata Trust, Mumbai

Shivanand Mission, Rajkot

Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (India), Ahmedabad

Department of Animal Husbandry, Junagadh

Sajjata Sangh, Ahmedabad

Development Support Center, Ahmedabad

Block Health Office, Kodinar

Emergency Management Research Institute (EMRI),

Ahmedabad

Civil Hospital, Junagadh

Director of Groundnut Research Station, Junagadh

State Bank of India

Bank of Baroda

Cooperative Union Bank, Kodinar

Dena Bank

Solidaridad

NASSCOM Foundation

Gujarat Green Revolution Company Limited

National Horticulture Mission, Gandhinagar

State Department of Agriculture, Junagadh

State Department of Horticulture, Junagadh

Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA),

Junagadh

Sabarmati Ashram Gaushala

CIFT, Veraval

CMFRI, Veraval

MPEDA, Veraval

ANARDE Foundation, Keshod

Janseva Trust, Reyon Ltd., Veraval

Agricultural Insurance Company of India

Gujarat Cleft and Craniofacial Research Institute

Gujarat, Dahod HIV/AIDS Positive People Seva Mandal, Dahod

Mahila Housing Trust

Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana, Tribal Development Department,

GoG

Gujarat, Sanand Water and Sanitation Management Organization,

Ahmedabad

Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited

Development Support Centre

Gujarat Green Revolution Company Limited

Anand Agriculture University, Anand

Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (India), Ahmedabad

Bapupura Milk Cooperative Society

Government Polyclinic, District Bavla

National Insurance Corporation

Bank of India

Dena Bank

Cluster Resource Centre

National Institute of Design

The Rural Development and Self-Employment Training

Institute (RUDSETI)

Gujarat, Surat Soruchi, Bardoli

Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (India), Ahmedabad

BAIF Development Research Foundation

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Navsari

WASDA, Valsad

Navsari Krishi University,

Surat Municipality Corporation, Surat

METAS Mission Hospital, Surat

Sumul Dairy, Surat

Government Animal Husbandry Department

Prasanti Charitable Trust – Surat

Lok Vikas Sansthan, Surat

DRDA, Surat

Shroff Foundation, Surat

Apollo Tyres Foundation, New Delhi

The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of

India (FOGSI), Surat

Cohesion Foundation, Navsari

Mahila Vikas Mandal, Songadh, Surat

Institute of Rural Technology, Bajipura, Surat

Himachal Pradesh, Darlaghat HP State AIDS Control Society

Department of Elementary Education & Sarva Shiksha

Abhiyaan, GoHP

Department of Horticulture, GoHP

Department of Animal Husbandry, GoHP

National Research Centre for Mushroom, ICAR, GoI

Our Partners

15

Indira Gandhi Medical College & Hospital, Shimla

Sanitorium Hospital, Shimla

Y S Parmar University,

NABARD

Punjab National Bank

Sir Ratan Tata Trust, Mumbai

National Council of Vocational Training

Himachal Pradesh, Nalagarh Apollo Tyres Foundation

Truck Union, Nalagarh

HP State AIDS Control Society

Government Hospital, Nalagarh

Municipal Council Nalagarh

YS Parmar Horticulture and Forestry Agriculture University,

Nauni, District Solan

Regional Research Station, Balachore, District SBS Nagar

(Punjab)

Department of Animal Husbandry, Solan

Raghu Dental Clinic, Nalagarh

Maharashtra, Chandrapur Block Resource Centre, Rajura and Korpana

District Dairy Development Department

Integrated Tribal Development Department, Chandrapur

State Bank of India, Lakhmapur and Gadchandur

General Hospital, Chandrapur

Rural Hospital, Gadchandur

District Health Department, Chandrapur

District Animal Husbandry Department

Veterinary Hospital, Gadchandur

Education Department, Zilla Parishad, Chandrapur

Maharashtra State Vocational Education and Examination

Board, Mumbai

National Council of Vocational Training, New Delhi

District Vocational Education Officer, Chandrapur

Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal (MAVIM), Chandrapur

BAIF Development Research Foundation, Pune

NASSCOM Foundation

Salaam Bombay Foundation

Navnirmiti, Mumbai

UNICEF- Amachi Shala Project

Foundation for Research in Community Health, Pune

Amhi Amchya Arogya Sathi, Gadchiroli

NABARD, Pune

HiWEl, Delhi

Appropriate Rural Technology Centre, Pune

Magan Sanghralaya Sameetee, Wardha

Solidaridad

Maharasthra, Panvel Zilla Parishad Schools, Targhar Gram Panchayat

Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Panvel

District Rural Development Agency, Panvel

Primary Health Centre, Ghavan

Population Services International(PSI), Vashi

Jana Shikshan Sanstha, Raigad

Lijjat Papad, Panvel

Career Guidance, Dadar

Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal (MAVIM), Karjat

Vidhayak Sansad, Virar

Stree Mukti Sanghatna, Chembur

Shramjivi Sahayata Mandal, Mahad

IDBI, Panvel

Bank Of India, Belapur

Raigad District Bank, Panvel

Kana Bala High School, Moha

Punjab, Bathinda NABARD

Punjab State Aids Control Society

Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA)

Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bathinda

Red Cross Society, Bathinda

NRHM

Department of Police, Bathinda

District Administration

District Rural Development Agency

Municipal Corporation, Bathinda

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan

State Bank of India

District Wushu Art Association

Asra Welfare Society

Bhagat Singh Youth Club, Bathinda

Punjab, Ropar Horticulture Department, Punjab

Department of Animal Husbandry, Punjab

Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

16

National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped, Govt. Of

India, Secundrabad

NABARD

Department of Agriculture, Ropar

Punjab Energy Development Agency

State AIDS Control Society, Chandigarh

Punjab State AIDS Control Society

Control Union Certification

Central Institute of Integrated Pest Management, Jalandhar (

IPM )

Punjab Milkfed

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ropar

National Trust for the Welfare of Autism, Mental

Retardation Cerebral Palsy & Multiple

Disabilities, Government of India

Punjab & Sind Bank

UCO Bank

Punjab Gramin Bank

India Bank

State Bank of India

Cooperative Bank

State Bank of Patiala

Rajasthan, Chirawa Jhunjhunu Kendriya Sahakari Bank,

NABARD

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Abusar

Morarka Foundation, Jaipur

PHED, Jhunjhunu

Rajasthan, Marwar Mundwa Thar Gramin Bank

NABARD

District Milk Production Co operative Society,

Nagaur

Agriculture Universities, Rajasthan

Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Rajasthan

District Animal Husbandry Department

Rajasthan, Rabriyawas State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, Rajasthan

NABARD

Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur

College of Technology and Agricultural Engineering, Udaipur

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Rajasthan

National Rural Health Mission, Jaipur

Rajasthan Mission on Livelihood, Jaipur

Zilla Parishad, Pali

Gramin Vikas Trust, Rajasthan

District Health Department

Uttarakhand, Roorkee Health & Family Welfare Department, Uttarakhand

National Rural Health Mission

Uttarakhand State AIDS Control Society

NABARD

National Horticulture Mission

Department of Agriculture, Uttarakhand

Department of Animal Husbandry, Uttarakhand

Uttrakhand Livestock Development Board

Punjab National Bank

State Bank of India

Canara Bank

Punjab & Sind Bank

Dharam Gramin Utthan Sansthan

Astha Seva Sansthan

Happy Family Health Care & Research Association

Disha Social Organization

Our Partners

Uttar Pradesh, Dadri Education Department, Government of UP

Block Resource Centre

Integrated Child Development Services

Block Office, Dadri

Community Health Centre, TSC

Department of Animal Husbandry

Krishi Vigyan Kendra

KRBL

NABARD.

District Rural Development Agency

Punjab National Bank

State Bank of India

Canara Bank

Syndicate Bank

UNICEF

NASSCOM Foundation.

Institute of Physically Handicapped (I.P.H)

RUDSETI

17

West Bengal, Farakka United Bank Of India, Farakka

State Bank Of India, Farakka

National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development,

Murshidabad

Block Development Office, Farakka

District Rural Development Agency, Murshidabad

Comprehensive Area Development Corporation,

Murshidabad Gram Panchayat

Industrial Training Institute, Malda & Berhampur

Krishi Vigan Kendra, Godda & Murshidabad

West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency

(WBREDA)

Customer Support Group-ACL

Pulse & Oilseed Research Station

DISHA, Farakka

LIONS CLUB, Farakka

St. John’s Ambulance, W.Bengal

PRASARI, Kolkata

SPMUS, Farakka

Association of Voluntary Blood Donors, West Bengal

Gramin Vikas Trust, Godda-Jharkhand

Infrastructure Leasing & Finance Service Limited, Kolkata

(ILFS)

West Bengal Minorities Development & Finance Corporation,

Kolkata

Teesta Agro Industry Private Limited

Kocchar Infotech Private Limited

Strengthening Rural Decentralization Project, Farakka

West Bengal, Sankrail Agriculture Development Department, Sankrail Block

Agriculture Development Department, Jagatballavpur Block

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jagatballavpur

International Labour Organisation, New Delhi

UNICEF, Kolkata

West Bengal State AIDS Prevention & Control Society

Apollo Tyres Foundation

NABARD

Howrah District Central Cooperative Bank

PRASARI, Kolkata

State Bank of India

United Bank of India

Paschimbanga Gramin Bank

West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency

(WBREDA)

District Health Department (CMOH)

Block Health Department (BMOH)

Howrah Network for the HIV Positive

M.P. Birla Eye Clinic, Kolkata

Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vidyalaya

Comprehensive Area Development Corporation

SPARSHA

Dhulagori Mahila Samity

PARIVAR SEVA

Enable India Foundation

State Resource Center

CINI

Health Latex Limited

TCI

School of Tropical Medicine (ART Center )

DOT, Sankrail

Local Government Institutions

SUPRAVAT

Sikkim Manipal University

Chakari.co.in

West Bengal State Technical Institution

District Industries Centre

Our SpreadEnergise

Involve

and Enable

Communities

to Realise

their Potential

20

Andhra Pradesh

OverviewACF works in Nadikudi, focusing on agro-based livelihood and

its water resources programme. Good quality drinking water is

a scarce resource here, and ACF’s activities involve installation

of reverse osmosis plants in villages to reduce dependence on

commercially marketed water.

Under our agriculture programme, farmers have shown

keenness to adopt the Better Cotton Initiative as it has

demonstrably distinct advantages over traditional forms of

cotton cultivation. The programme supports farmers through

regular trainings, crop monitoring and provision of technical

inputs from agricultural experts.

NadikudiAgro-based LivelihoodIndiscriminate use of pesticides and fertilizers has had a

depleting effect on the quality of the soil, environment and

health of farmers. ACF has been promoting organic farming

among the farmers of Nadikudi to reduce the harmful effects

of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which over the last many

years have led to depleted soil fertility and adversely affected

the environment and the health of the community.

Kotta Ramarao from Ambapuram village is one of the farmers

who has adopted organic farming practices for his chilli crop.

He experimented on an acre of land using non-pesticide

management (NPM) techniques promoted by ACF. The quality

and quantity of the yield he obtained surprised him. The result

was particularly remarkable since many crops in the area did

not produce a good yield as the unexpected rainfall left behind

infested crops. In light of this experience, many farmers were

convinced about the effectiveness of NPM. ACF followed it

up through establishment of farmer field schools and training

programmes for farmers from nine villages. Close to 180 farmers

have taken up the NPM method of cultivation of chilli, while 135

farmers initiated the use of organic inputs in their fields.

As part of the farmers’ training on non-pesticide management

techniques, farmer field schools were set up on demonstration

plots in each village. ACF supported farmers with technical

inputs to create fencing crops, refugee crops, inter-crops and

attractant crops. Bio-manure and neem powder were used to

enrich the quality of the soil. The training helped farmers identify

ways to control pests without resorting to harmful pesticides.

Farmers were also encouraged to opt for vermi-composting for

organic manure through establishment of commercial vermi-

compost units. This helps farmers to earn profits from the sale

of organic manure as well. The master demonstration plot

maintained by ACF is divided into three parts to grow crops

using integrated pest management techniques, experiential

research, and traditional farming methods respectively. This

gives farmers an opportunity to compare the results of three

different types of farming in the same climatic conditions.

The BCI project is implemented in seven villages of Nadikudi –

Andhra Pradesh

those that have been traditionally growing cotton for decades.

The project is supported by our trained village extension

volunteers (EVs). In the reporting year, 378 farmers took up

BCI as a mode of cotton cultivation. These farmers have been

organised into 37 learning groups with 20 farmers each to

enable them to share their observations and learnings on BCI.

Each of these groups has been trained on integrated pest

management and non-pest management by agricultural

experts and trained EVs through classroom sessions, video

presentations, demonstrations and the farmer field schools.

Farmers are also encouraged to maintain a field book detailing

expenditure incurred on crop cultivation, enabling them to

compare costs while growing crops through different methods.

Following an assessment of cotton crops, 30 groups were found

to be eligible to sell their produce as better cotton. The quality of

cotton was also independently assessed the BCI Coordinator,

India. These farmers were able to sell their certified produce

to a Hyderabad-based company for a profit. The village of

Kachavaram has seen 105 farmers adopting sustainable cotton

cultivation. The impact of the process is felt most in this village,

with farmers being able to produce good quality yield and

realise good profit.

Training of EVs is also an integral part of the BCI project. Training

programmes for EVs were conducted in collaboration with the

Regional Agriculture Research Station, Guntur. They covered

topics like practices in chilli cultivation, BCI and integrated pest

management (IPM) in cotton cultivation.

The wadi project, supported by NABARD, is implemented

among three mandals in villages around Nadikudi. The project

aims to develop 500 acres of land for horticulture and the

process has been initiated with the cultivation of sweet orange,

guava and mango in 198 acres of land.

ACF initiated trainings on dairy economics for farmers from

WADI programme in village Chakrayapalem

21

ACF also provided electric motors for the bore wells in these

villages on the request of the community.

In response to the need for drinking water pipe lines, 410 metres

of pipe were laid in two villages. The work is being supervised

by the sarpanches themselves. Ninety percent of these villages

now have access to drinking water.

Women’s EmpowermentACF conducted an audit of the books of 24 self help groups

(SHGs). On compilation of a final data sheet, numerous flaws in

their functioning were identified. The SHGs were given training

in these areas. The training programmes included management

of the revolving fund, internal lending and the roles and

responsibilities of SHGs. ACF also established a tailor-training

centre, with the first batch comprising 20 women.

five villages. Close to 100 families participated in the training

programmes to learn more on aspects of machine milking;

techniques to improve percentage of fat in milk; cultivation of

advanced fodder crops; and the concept of unit-wise dairy

maintenance. Post-training, 40 families have started two mini

dairy units with 20 buffaloes in each unit.

Under the animal husbandry programme, ACF held

gynaecological and de-worming camps in collaboration with the

Department of Animal Husbandry. Almost 10,000 animals were

treated or vaccinated at various cattle camps organised by us.

Water Resource ManagementDue to the high level of dissolved salts in potable water,

sometimes as high as 3,000 ppm, people are forced to buy

filtered water from commercial sources at huge cost. ACF

mobilised communities through different village level meetings

to install reverse osmosis (RO) based water purifier systems

within their villages.

RO based systems with 500 litres/hour capacity were established

in Budavada and Kachavaram villages; a similar system with

1000 litres/hour capacity was set up in Nadikudi village. Water

from the RO system is affordable as its supplied to the people at

R 3 for a 20 litre can. The distribution and maintenance of water

is the responsibility of members of the village based committee,

while ACF provides the technical and monitoring support. ACF

worked on minor drinking water projects like construction of

cisterns. Villagers contribute their labour, while ACF provides

the materials required for construction. Tanks have been built

in the villages of Gadevaripally, Takkellapudu and Budavada,

ensuring availability of water even during a power shortage.

Villagers during the inauguration of the RO plant at Nadikudi

EducationACF organised a Balotsavam for school children, in which

children were taught to make toys and greeting cards from waste

material like broken bangles, paper and stones. Four hundred

and fifty children from seven schools took part in the fair. The

Balotsavam was an opportunity for children to showcase their

creativity and skills.

ACF also organised paediatric camps for anganwadi children in

five programme villages. Four hundred and nine children were

examined and provided with medicines as required.

Children explore arts and crafts at the Balotsawam

22

OverviewNatural resource management is one of our key areas of focus in

Bhatapara, Chhattisgarh. The region’s ground water resources

are being depleted due to over-exploitation. ACF’s efforts focus

on renewal and rejuvenation of underground water through the

construction and renovation of water harvesting structures,

ponds and check dams across villages around Bhatapara.

Under our agro-based livelihood projects, ACF promotes the

Systematic Rice Intensification (SRI) method among paddy-

growing farmers. ACF also promotes the wadi project among

farmers, in collaboration with NABARD.

Malnutrition among young children is one of the prevailing

problems in the region; aggravated through a lack of access

to quality health services. Our integrated health programme

focuses on raising awareness about ante- and post-natal care

for women, and neo-natal care for infants. Regular health camps

conducted in various villages also enable us to reach out to

more women and community members on issues of health and

sanitation.

Chhattisgarh

Bhatapara Water Resources ManagementTo ensure the availability of water for drinking and irrigation

for a longer duration, ACF helped village based communities

to conduct de-silting in five ponds. It helped increase the total

water storage capacity by 51,750 cubic metres. Hand pumps

have also been installed in four villages.

Agro-based LivelihoodACF demonstrated the SRI method of rice cultivation in 254

acres of farm land belonging to 229 farmers. This helped farmers

compare the advantages of SRI over traditional methods and

make an informed choice.

During field demonstrations in the kharif season, 50 acres were

planted with arhar and soya bean. In the rabi season, field

demonstrations were carried out with mustard and sunflower

on 25 acres of land. One hundred farmers were encouraged

to cultivate vegetables like onion, cauliflower, tomato and

chilli. Seeds for kitchen gardens were also distributed to 410

households through our sakhis.

Under the animal husbandry programme, ACF held 27 animal

treatment-cum-awareness camps during the year. Artificial

insemination was carried out on 400 animals. Eight travis, which

are iron frames used to tie cattle, were installed in the villages to

facilitate treatment of animals.

Chhattisgarh

SRI farming at a village near Bhatapara

23

Integrated Health ProgrammeA number of general health camps, including ante-natal camps,

were organised during the year. Specialist camps for blood

testing and detection of diabetes were held in 12 villages. The

camps were organised with support from doctors of the Ambuja

Cements’ Occupational Health Centre. An eye camp was

organised jointly with the Pragya Mandal Gayatri Shakti Peeth,

Baloda Bazaar and the Government Hospital, Baloda Bazaar.

More than 180 eye operations were conducted at the camp.

Our sakhis worked tirelessly on creating awareness about

health and hygiene in young children through action and song

at various khelwadis. The sakhis also participated in health

tanks, pipe lines and roof rain water harvesting structures are

under construction in the schools. ACF also supports schools

through provision of sports gear, teaching aids, mats, utensils,

furniture and books for students’ libraries.

ACF conducts regular meetings with the village education

committees to ensure that the schools function smoothly. The

government schools had reported a shortage of teachers; ACF

provided 12 subject-specific teachers and eight computer trainer

volunteers to five schools in the villages of Pousari, Arjuni,

Rawan, Karmada and Mopar. Computer education is supported

in five schools under our education programme. ACF supports

the village knowledge centre in Rawan village, in collaboration

with the NASSCOM Foundation,

where students, youths and

community members learn about

computers and access information

through the internet.

Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Institute Despite proximity to the industries

of Raipur and Bilaspur, youth from

the villages around Bhatapara

were at a disadvantage. A

lack of technical skills were

hampering their chances at

wage or self-employment. ACF

recognised the need for a skill and

entrepreneurship development

institute, and conducted a baseline

survey to gauge the response

of youths to the idea. The survey

revealed an high interest among

youth for a SEDI, and in courses

like carpentry and electrical two-

wheeler mechanics and driving.

In August 2010, ACF established

a SEDI in Baloda Bazaar, to

provide skill-based training to

unemployed youth. It began with

offering courses in carpentry and

electricals; and soon included

training in masonry as well. The

first batch of 33 students have

been trained in these courses,

and have been employed in various establishments around

Bhatapara and Raipur.

Women’s EmpowermentACF supports 60 SHGs in 14 villages. They have a cumulative

strength of 778 members. ACF conducted ten training

programmes during the year, on accounts and book keeping;

strengthening of the SHGs, their roles and responsibilities;

and the bank linkage process. Two training programmes were

conducted for the SHGs on income generating activities like

candle, agarbatti and vermi-compost manufacture. They were

also taken on exposure visits to observe the best practices of

other SHGs and replicate them in their own villages.

Villages of Bhatapara are quite distant from one another. Sakhis had not been able to reach out to far-flung

areas earlier. With bicycles, came increased mobility, and the scope to serve families in distant locations, and

respond to every emergency on time.

camps where they disseminated information about government

schemes. They provided the community with valuable follow-

up and referral services. Special days like World AIDS Day,

Pneumonia Day and Girl Child Day were observed to create

awareness among the community.

Under our sanitation programme, ACF supported the

construction of 53 toilets in a village with the people’s

contribution.

EducationACF’s education programme is implemented in 23 schools

across 12 villages. Amenities such as boundary walls, overhead

24

Infrastructure DevelopmentACF supported the construction of a community hall and

boundary walls for village Bharseli and the government. school

in village Mopar. Two cemented ghats were constructed in

the villages of Pousari and Khairtal during the year. Our other

infrastructure projects during the year included construction of

concrete roads, setting up of street lights, and building of water

tanks to ensure sufficient storage of drinking water.

Kitchen gardens, promoted under the integrated health programme, are taking roots in many homes. With this, the fight to reduce incidences of iron-deficiency anaemia has begun right at home.

The kitchen garden initiative,

under ACF’s integrated

health programme, focuses

on improved nutrition as a

way to sustained health. In

village Rawan in Bhatapara,

sakhis Ambarica Patel and

Asha Singh are paving

the way for nutrition and

food security by initiating

kitchen gardens in homes.

However, when they first

mooted the idea during a

group meeting, the village

women were very reluctant.

They were unsure about

their land and worried about

the amount of water, seeds,

and fertilizers to be used,

and doubted their own skills.

After a bit of convincing,

Geeta Verma from Rawan

agreed to the idea. ACF

shared the cost of good

quality seeds with her, and

Geeta carefully followed

instructions by the sakhis

about raising plants.

Sohadra Verma from the

same village showed

interest in raising bitter

gourd around her house.

Within months, both women

were extremely surprised

to see the results. The

plants thrived, bloomed and

produced excellent quality

vegetables!

A proud Geeta is now

motivating many of her

neighbours to start their

own vegetable patches.

ACF sakhis from other

villages are visiting Rawan

to learn about this process

for replication.

Sakhi Ambarica is

convinced that kitchen

gardens can make a

difference in bringing about

sustained health. “These

small plots of land around

the house can be cultivated

to produce enough yield for

the family. It’s fresh, non-

expensive and healthy,” she

says. Today, Geeta is keen

to expand her garden, and

looks forward to enough

yield to be able to sell in

the village market. Sohadra

is planning to venture

into different varieties

of vegetables. Both are

now convinced about the

viability of the process, and

its potential as a business

venture. They have also

proved that improved diets

and enhanced nutrition are

possible in a cost-effective,

sustainable manner.

HOME-GROWN NUTRITION

Chhattisgarh

Wadi plantation at village Bharsela

25

Regular health programmes conducted in villages ensures that every single person left out of the purview of other health services too have access to healthcare.

Left: Students get their HB levels checked during a health camp in

Bhatapara.

Below: Geeta Verma, in her flourishing kitchen garden.

26

Gujarat

OverviewAmbuja Cement Foundation began its community based

interventions in Gujarat at Ambujanagar, in the Kodinar

taluka of Junagadh district, 18 years ago. Given the nature

and availability of water in the coastal areas of Gujarat, it

was natural for water resource management (WRM) projects

to be given priority. Our WRM interventions have included

construction of water harvesting systems like check dams,

interlinking of rivers, deepening of ponds, recharging of wells,

establishment of percolation wells and conversion of mine pits

into water reservoirs. Various projects are being implemented

in partnership with the Irrigation Department, Government

of Gujarat (GoG), Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT) and Water

and Sanitation Management Organisation (WASMO). Our

interventions have proved to be effective in preventing salinity

ingress and increasing the ground water table in the project

villages.

This has had a positive impact on the agriculture; health and

economy of the community. The large farming community has

directly benefitted from the increase in the availability of water.

Farmers are now able to grow two to three crops a year. The

Bhekeshwar Dam is in its final stages of completion and will

benefit 1,067 hectares of farm land with its 35.31 mcft capacity.

Gujarat

A Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) was set up in Kodinar in 2007 in

collaboration with the Indian Council for Agricultural Research

(ICAR). KVK offers on-and off-campus training to farmers

to update them with new technologies and development

strategies. The farmers attend front line demonstrations on farm

testing, farm development and seed production, and participate

in extension activities. Our focus areas include health, animal

husbandry and horticulture.

We have expanded our reach in Gujarat to include the districts

of Surat, Sanand and Dahod. In Surat, two school knowledge

centres have been established with the support of the NASSCOM

Foundation. The centres are utilised by over 700 students and

villagers to access the web, to learn about IT, government

schemes, rights and benefits, weather, market prices and PRI

schemes. A Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Institute

(SEDI) was set up in 2010 to equip youth with technical skills

that will help them find employment.

In Sanand, we continue to receive support from Anand

Agricultural University to train the farming community on

vegetable farming, Systematic Rice Intensification (SRI)

and medicinal plants. Like most towns that are on the cusp

of being urbanised, Sanand is doing well economically;

however, much needs to be done on health aspects. This year,

ACF facilitated construction of 62 sanitation units and have

actively campaigned on health issues among communities.

In Dahod, ACF implements its mason training programme

with tribal youth, in partnership with the Tribal Development

Department, GoG, with technical support provided by Ambuja

Cements. Castor crop in village Virpura

The Devaka-Khari Link Canal, Kodinar

27

Ambuja NagarWater and Land Resource ManagementThe Bhekeshwar Dam, which is being constructed by ACF in

partnership with the Irrigation Department, GoG across the

river Singoda, is nearing completion. The dam has tremendous

potential to increase the water storage capacity in the coastal

villages of Kodinar. Construction of a check dam across the

river Saraswati in Sutrapada was completed this year. It has

a storage capacity of 2.2 mcft, and will provide water to 95

hectares of agricultural land, besides recharging 45 adjoining

wells. Renovation of check dams at Dudhana, Chhachhar

and Ronaj has improved the local water situation. Currently

ACF is constructing the Arithiya and Tobra check dams with

increased storage capacity. The Devaka and Khari rivers have

been interlinked with a 4.5 km long canal. It stores 68 mcft of

water and benefits 302 farmers in 750 hectares of land. Three

percolation tanks built by ACF in Sutrapada and Bhetali have

increased the available water by 2.37 mcft, providing water to

150 wells and 165 acres of farm land.

Coastal salinity is a major issue in large parts of Kodinar taluka.

ACF and SRTT have been working on salinity mitigation in

Kodinar and Sutrapada villages. Saline-resistant horticulture,

less-water intensive agriculture, organic farming, kitchen

gardening and drip irrigation are promoted under the project.

Saline-resistant horticulture crops like sapota, cashew, figs,

coconut and mango were planted in over 120 hectares of land.

Eighty tissue-cultured date palms and 30,000 teak stamps

were planted along farm boundaries in saline-affected villages.

The farmers were given 400 integrated nutrient and disease

management kits to plant saline-resistant, less-water intensive

crops and were encouraged to take up vegetable farming and

kitchen gardening. The salinity issue was also addressed by

the construction and renovation of drinking water wells, water

harvesting structures and drip irrigation systems.

A

ACF and Water and

Sanitation Management

Organisation (WASMO)

have initiated the Coastal

Area Development Project

through pani samitis in 23

villages. We collected water

samples from villages, got

them tested in our KVK

laboratory and shared the

results with the community.

This motivated the pani

samitis to plan, execute

and manage assets

created for drinking water.

The pani samitis work

towards creating

infrastructure to supply

every household with

drinking water, with 10%

of the cost contributed by

the families. As of now,

they have mobilised a

cash contribution of R 29.47

lakhs in 27 villages. Pipali

village has successfully

provided drinking water to

all its households through

pipelines and taps. It is now

a model for other villages.

PANI SAMITIS

reduces water consumption, increases crop productivity and

requires less manpower. It has been adopted by farmers on 233

hectares of land. Our sprinkler irrigation programme is being

implemented in collaboration with the GoG. ACF is motivating

farmers to adopt sprinkler irrigation devices for efficient

utilisation of water. These methods ensure that water is used

judiciously for agricultural activites, reducing the impact on the

environment. Our efforts this year have been more successful

than last year; the technique is being applied in 266 hectares

of land.

The conference on salinity ingress and prevention in coastal areas was an opportunity to evolve sustainable options to mitigate salinity.

state-level workshop on salinity ingress and prevention saw

a participation of 130 members from across government,

corporate, academic, NGO, and rural sectors. The workshop

was inaugurated by the Minister of State for Agriculture and

Water Resources, GoG. It was a platform to discuss salinity

mitigation methods undertaken by various organisations across

the coast. It also paved the way for more collaborations, and

sharing of information and resources for greater impact. Some of

the recommendations of the workshop included better policies,

and implementation to conserve, rejuvenate, and harvest water

for domestic, agricultural and industrial use.

Training and exposure visits were organised for the farmers to

understand drip irrigation for judicious use of water. Drip irrigation

28

KVK scientists interacting with farmers during a field visit

thus reducing their dependence on chemical fertilizers.

Animal husbandry is a secondary source of income for many

farmers. However, cattle need intensive care. During the year

ACF organised 10 cattle health camps in collaboration with the

Veterinary Department. Cattle were diagnosed for infections,

administered vaccinations and provided with treatment at these

camps. More than 4135 cattle belonging to 691 farmers were

treated by vets during the camp.

Based on the feedback from farmers, ACF collaborated with the

National Dairy Development Board to manage the Sabarmati

Gaushala under its Cattle Breed Development Programme.

We also streamlined artificial insemination (AI) programme in

all the villages of Kodinar and Sutrapada talukas. Twenty five

paravets were given training to promote the procedure and help

in preservation of the Gir cow breed. By supporting them with

loans to buy containers for nitrogen and semen doses, ACF

helped the paravets to become self-employed professionals.

Agro-based Livelihood Krishi Vigyan KendraThe Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) is the driving force behind our

work in this region. Training forms an important component of

our work; this year we trained 4,831 people from the farming

and fishing communities through various training modules.

The training programmes included training of extension

functionaries, vocational training of fishing communities

and value-addition training in groundnut farming for women.

Techniques like integrated crop, nutrient, and pest management

in groundnut, brinjal and mango were taught through front-

line demonstrations on the farmers’ fields by KVK personnel.

The farmers were also educated about new technology in

cotton production; crop sequencing in wheat and groundnut;

introduction of new varieties of

onion; and kitchen gardening with

bucket drip irrigation. This year 156

individuals benefitted from 10 front-

line demonstrations conducted on 43

hectares of land.

KVK scientists undertake regular

visits to farmers’ fields to understand

and analyse ground issues pertaining

to agriculture. They share information

about common concerns like control

of pests and crop diseases with the

farmers. The farmers visit KVK to

learn about new technologies and

observe the demonstration plots.

Thirty-two women also went on

an exposure visit to the Junagadh

Agricultural University to learn about

spice-management. KVK is now

upgrading its infrastructure to include

new units and facilities. A model

nursery and leaf tissue analysis lab

are being set up in collaboration with

National Horticulture Mission. A soil

and water testing laboratory, set up

in 2010, collects samples for testing

and provides recommendations along with the test results.

A demonstration fish pond and a ‘crop cafeteria’ showcase

scientific cultivation methods of various fish and crop varieties.

KVK has tied up with the Directorate of Groundnut Research

Station, Junagadh, for production of the SG-99 seed variety. A

herd of 21Gir cattle, which is the best milch breed, is housed in

KVK’s gaushala or demonstration dairy unit.

In an innovative ICT experiment, the kendra sends information

to farmers on their cell phones through a Gujarati SMS service.

This year, KVK reached out to 148 farmers through tele-

counselling. KVK plans to upgrade to a voice SMS service

that will send out information on agriculture practices and

technology to farmers. KVK is now set to raise the benchmark in

its interaction with the community by establishing a radio station

in collaboration with ATMA.

Horticulture has been taken up on a large scale in villages in

Kodinar and Sutrapada talukas, both for cash crops and to

maintain the green cover. Major crops like mango, sapota and

coconut were planted across 237 hectares of land. Under our

forestation programme, teak was planted as farm borders in

over 75 hectares of land.

KVK has also helped form nine SHGs. The SHGs are encouraged

to enhance their savings and promote internal lending. This

year more than 400 people came together at KVK to observe

Farmers’ Day, World Food Day, Women in Agriculture Day and

International Women’s Day. They were linked to Agriculture

Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Junagadh.

Kitchen garden kits were provided to women SHG members to

enable them to grow fresh vegetables in their homes. This year,

they were provided with 200 kits of vegetable seeds like lady’s

finger, bottle gourd and chilli. Farmers have begun setting up

vermi-compost units in their fields, and are using it as manure,

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29

Thus far, 14439 artificial inseminations have been carried out

under the programme.

Weather InsuranceDue to the imminent dangers of climate change, ACF has

initiated weather insurance as a pilot project. Workshops have

been held to emphasise the need for crop insurance. Three

hundred and eighty seven farmers have purchased a weather

insurance policy from Agriculture Insurance Company of India

Ltd. (AICIL). NABARD has offered a subsidy of R 1830 to each

farmer to buy the policy. Sajjata Sangh, an NGO network, also

supported us in promoting weather insurance in Kodinar. This

year the farmers were able to claim insurance worth R 1740 per

acre for losses incurred due to heavy rains.

Better Cotton InitiativeThe Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) project is being implemented

this year at Ambujanagar in collaboration with Solidaridad,

a Dutch-based nodal agency that promotes economically,

environmentally and socially sustainable cotton among

small-land farmers. Traditional cotton growing has become

increasingly dependent on chemicals and pesticides, adversely

affecting the environment. BCI cotton uses bio-agents that have

been successful in controlling mealy-bug, pink boll worm and

other sucking pests. Since cotton is a water intensive crop,

ACF promotes drip irrigation to water the crop. The project was

initiated with 810 cotton-growers in 12 select villages of Kodinar,

Sutrapada and Una talukas after a participatory rural appraisal

process. Close to 1000 farmers have

expressed their interest in taking up BCI

in the coming season.

Forty four learning groups (LGs)

have been formed to coordinate and

strategise practices of cotton farming.

Weekly meetings are held with the LGs

at the Farmer Field School where a

one-acre demonstration plot has been

developed. The ten farmers’ clubs formed

this year are supported by ACF, ATMA

and NABARD with regular trainings.

The farmers have attended 56 training

sessions on various aspects of cotton

farming, like purchasing quality seeds,

land preparation, water management and

storage management. Sixty farmers went

on a two-day exposure visit to understand

drip irrigation systems. Contamination

prevention kits were provided to 200

farmers; 200 others adopted safety kits

for use while spraying pesticide.

IEC materials have been developed

in Gujarati for 1052 farmers. Literature

highlighting the minimum production

criteria for BCI cotton, with details on

costs and profit margins, has been

distributed to 544

farmers in time for

the 2011 sowing

season. A booklet on integrated pest management was

published in Gujarati and circulated to 1000 farmers.

BCI farming has brought tangible profits to the farmers,

because of reduced use of pesticides and fertilizers. BCI cotton

commands a higher price in the market than commercial cotton.

Sixteen LGs have qualified as BCI growers and have been

linked with two ginners’ associations in Una. After assessment

and registration, these groups will be able to fetch higher prices

for their produce in the open market.

Integrated Health ProgrammeACF provides curative, preventive and promotive health care

to the communities within the project area. Doctors and nurses

from Ambuja Hospital travel in mobile dispensaries to 22 villages

around Kodinar, providing services like clinical examinations,

injections and dressings, minor surgeries, health education

and distribution of family planning material to the people. This

year over 10000 patients could access services provided by the

mobile dispensary.

ACF’s health care initiative is supported by a team of 18 sakhis

in 12 villages. They work closely with health service providers

like the PHCs, ICDS, taluka officials and the village panchayat to

reach out to people in remote areas. This year, they participated

in 23 fortnightly capacity-building sessions and interacted with

representatives from the PHCs, medical officers, block health

officials, the taluka officer, education inspector and sarpanches.

As a result, both groups have been able to gain a better

understanding of their roles.

A child is weighed by

ACF’s Sakhi during

“Mamta Divas”

30

Students exploring computers at the Village Knowledge Centre, Singsar

camp was attended by 2500 patients including 325 physically

challenged persons. A cleft and craniofacial camp was held in

collaboration with the Gujarat Cleft and Craniofacial Research

Institute, Ahmedabad where 45 cleft lip and palate deformity

cases were treated.

Seventy toilet blocks were constructed in Mathwa, Muldwarka

and Vadnagar villages to reduce the incidence of open-

defecation. ACF is promoting healthy and hygienic practices

among the rural communities. Children are taught about the

importance of such practices through yoga, storytelling and art

competitions at their khelwadi sessions.

The sakhis conduct regular meetings with the village women,

stressing the importance of immunisation, vaccination of mother

and child and ante- and post-natal care (ANC/PNC). More

than 240 such sessions were held over the year. They provide

the community with timely medical service; this year around

256 complex cases were referred to hospitals for advanced

treatment. The sakhis went on exposure visits to SEWA Rural,

Jagadiya and Bharuch to enhance their practical knowledge.

Following accreditation of seven sakhis as health workers, their

work has gained further credibility.

In the reporting year, 1083 children below 12 years were

vaccinated against Hepatitis B. Eye camps, supported by the

Shivanand Mission Hospital at Virnagar, were held regularly to

screen and identify patients for cataract operations. This year

2,861 patients were screened at 11 eye camps and 350 cataract

operations were carried out. Four village-based general health

camps were held in Kodinar and Sutrapada talukas. A special

health camp was organised in collaboration with the Police

Department, Civil Hospital and Health Department, Junagadh,

where over 100 doctors provided honorary services. The

Skills Training and Capacity BuildingVillage knowledge centres (VKCs) have been set up in

collaboration with NASSCOM Foundation in Vadnagar,

Muldwarka and Singsar villages. They are equipped with

broadband connections and bringing services like IT education

and information on agriculture, government schemes, weather

and market prices to villagers and students.

ACF conducts a student awareness programme with students of

Kodinar taluka to sensitise them about the environment. A total

of 768 students were covered in 15 training sessions. Besides

being taught about best environmental practices, the students

learned about global warming, the green house effect and the

stages of pollution through discussions, classroom sessions

and film screenings.

The coastal belt of Saurashtra is home to various kinds of

industries, generating huge demand for trained and skilled

personnel. ACF established a Skill and Entrepreneurship

Development Institute (SEDI) in 2010, to provide rural youth with

training and employment opportunities. We obtained feedback

from the community through 4000 rojgar survey forms; and

visited six ITIs to learn about the various

trades and management processes of

reputed vocational training institutes.

SEDI - Kodinar received a very positive

response from over 600 applicants in 48

villages, who wanted to be a part of the

SEDI programme.

Women’s EmpowermentTen new SHGs have been formed in

our project areas. These groups have

been trained on various aspects of

SHG management like group-formation,

documentation, internal lending, credit

rotation plans and bank linkages. SHG

interface workshops with bankers from

Cooperative Union Bank - Kodinar,

State Bank of India, Dena Bank, Bank

of Baroda and NABARD helped 12

SHGs to form links with banks and avail

of loans worth R 7 lakh. The workshops

also helped 32 SHGs to get graded by

the banks.

This year, training programmes covered

a range of topics that addressed farmers,

women’s groups, village health workers

and students. Women SHG members

learned about micro credit, bank linkages, grading, availing of

loans from banks and developing a credit rotation plan. A total

of 811 women participated in 37 training programmes. Forty

nine SHG members went on an exposure visit to SEWA Bank,

Ahmedabad.

Special Project: Making Safer Habitats for WildlifeWildlife in the Gir Sanctuary and Reserve Forest is shrinking

rapidly due to human encroachment and intensive farming.

Animals like the Asiatic lion are always at risk of falling into man-

made open wells in their habitat. ACF has been constructing

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31

Promoting vegetable cultivation in village Vasna

parapets around open wells in collaboration with the Forest

Department. This year 191 parapets were constructed. The

farmers are also encouraged to construct parapets around their

open wells to ensure the safety of people and animals.

SanandAgro-based LivelihoodA Participatory Irrigation Management project was initiated

in the Narmada Canal Command Area of Sanand taluka.

ACF became the first organisation to sign a memorandum of

understanding (MoU) with the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam

Limited (SSNNL) for participatory irrigation management in

13,325 hectares. The project focuses on efficient and equal

use of irrigation water supplied through the Narmada Canal

to the 35 villages of three talukas which are watered by three

main tributaries. To build capacity among the stakeholders,

irrigation societies have been formed and women are included

as members of cooperatives.

ACF also collaborated with universities and research centres

for training and expert inputs on agriculture for the farmers.

Scientists from Anand University provided training on vegetable,

rice and wheat cultivation and medicinal plants. Training on SRI

and pest control were provided by ACF in collaboration with

Rice Research Centre, Navagam and Development Support

Centre. Around 426 farmers, including 127 women, participated

in the training. Thirty farmers implemented SRI in 25 bighas of

land and were given on-field support by ACF. They were also

taught about the use of vermi-compost in paddy nurseries for

healthy transplantation. The community has been sensitised

to the dangers of high pesticide content in vegetables. ACF

supported the setting up of kitchen garden plots by providing

seeds and technical inputs. The farmers were provided with

vegetable seeds for their plots; castor seeds were distributed for

winter sowing. The people responded positively and contributed

up to 50% of the costs.

ACF promotes judicious use of water in agriculture. Farmers

were encouraged to use sprinkler irrigation in their farms, and

contributed up to 33% of the cost towards the installation of

sprinklers. Majority of the farmers around Sanand now use

sprinkler irrigation systems. Exposure visits are integral to our

training programmes because the farmers get a chance to

observe firsthand the impact of new technologies like water

resource management; the visits help them to learn how the

pani samitis implement the watershed project in a participatory

manner.

Kolat village was affected by the Crimean Congo virus this year.

The deadly virus is transmitted rapidly through ticks and affects

both cattle and humans. ACF, along with the Bavla District

Polyclinic, vaccinated 891 cattle in four villages around Kolat

and conducted awareness programmes on hygiene and care of

animals. These interventions helped in containing the spread of

infection and proved beneficial to animal and human life.

Bapupura village in Mansa holds the record for the highest

production of milk in India, with an output worth R 10 crores per

year. All the families in the village are engaged in the business.

ACF conducted two training programmes for the milk

cooperative at Bapupura, which coordinates the functioning

of the milk producers. The training served to strengthen the

32

generation of resources from industries situated on revenue

land; trading soil that is excavated from ponds after deepening,

to nearby industries; accessing funds allocated to the local MLA

and delegates of the taluka and district panchayat; and tapping

government resources like the Gujarat Water and Sanitation

Sewage Board, WASMO and the District Rural Development

Agency. The committee has taken up the responsibility

of managing water distribution, as well as operation and

maintenance of the RO system installed at Iyava. As part of their

training, VDC members visited Meharpura, Himmatnagar to

understand how the village committees worked towards earning

the ‘Nirmal Gram’, ‘Gokul Gram’ and ‘Tirth Gram’ awards. Our

efforts in building rural infrastructure included constructing

fences to prevent animals from entering the Panchvati

playground in Iyava village. The old and deteriorating cement

poles were replaced with iron angles and trees were planted

to enhance the scenic beauty of the place. Another example of

a successful collaboration is the installation of the RO system

at Iyava jointly with WASMO, to provide good quality drinking

water to the people.

SuratIntegrated Health ProgrammeIn a bid to reach out to communities with little or no access to

quality health care, ACF organised 12 health camps in villages

Training of women in skill-based activities in village Iyava

functioning of the cooperative. In addition, 75 farmers were

supported in the dairy business with high quality Rajko Anand 2

fodder procured from Anand Agricultural University.

Water and Land Resource ManagementDuring the reporting year, five ponds were deepened in Charodi,

Virpura and Iyava villages. The soil excavated from the well at

Charodi was used to construct a road in Swarnim township. This

is one of the first townships for BPL families, built by the GoG

with support from ACF and other NGOs. A reverse osmosis

plant was installed in Iyava village in collaboration with WASMO

to deliver good quality water to a large population here.

Integrated Health ProgrammeAlthough Sanand is now moving rapidly towards urbanisation,

health and sanitation have not got the priority they deserve.

ACF’s focus has been on raising awareness among the

community through involvement of SHGs. They are instrumental

in motivating villagers to adopt toilets and improve their hygiene.

As part of this process, we facilitated sanitation units for 62

families this year.

ACF also joined hands with the Iyava and Vasna village

panchayats to strategise on solid waste management. We

provided dustbins and drums to collect the garbage, and tricycles

for its transport and disposal at a designated area. Maintenance

and daily operation of the project are being managed by the

taluka panchayats.

Women’s EmpowermentACF continued to bring women together through the formation

of five new SHGs. The existing SHGs underwent training on

facilitating internal loans and regularisation and have been

graded by banks.

The women of the region are keen to utilise their talent and

skills, but are hindered by social restrictions. SHGs have been

an important tool in bringing them together and opening up

windows of opportunities. Women attended training programmes

conducted in collaboration with Rural Development and Self

Employment Training Institute, Ahmedabad. This has led to a

demand for more training back in the villages. An intensive two-

month training for 16 women inspired them to source work for

readymade garments from Ahmedabad, thus beginning to stitch

together a future for themselves.

The Iyava village women traditionally weave beautiful baskets

from wheat straw. Their work was displayed by ACF during

the International Women’s Day celebrations in 2009 and was

much appreciated. ACF recognised the potential to use this

skill to provide the women with a viable source of income and

is now collaborating with a designer for a design-led training

programme that will facilitate the creation of handmade crafts

by the women.

Infrastructure Development This year we worked closely with Iyava village to develop a plan

to make it a model village. A village development committee

(VDC) was set up to represent the needs of all the communities

inhabiting the village. Planned interventions by the VDC include

Women are trained to enhance their existing skills, and learn new ones, enabling them to earn a livelihood

Gujarat

33

A woman being checked at a health camp in village Dumas

and truck yards. The camps were organised jointly with the

METAS Adventist Hospital and the Surat Municipal Corporation;

reaching out to 1143 patients, of whom 43 were referred to other

hospitals for specialised treatment. The organisers were joined

by Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Societies

of India to conduct 12 specialist health camps; these camps

covered skin diseases, blood and eye tests.

The camps have both immediate and long-term impact. A health

camp for adolescent girls revealed a high degree of anaemia

among them. The girls were counselled and prescribed iron

tablets and a healthy diet. A follow-up

camp held six months later indicated

that the number of anaemic girls had

dropped to 37 from 103. A health camp

was also organised for residents of an

old-age home in Surat.

Training of communities and groups

forms an important component of

our programme. During the reporting

year training programmes were held

for women and adolescent girls

on pertinent issues like nutrition,

adolescent health, osteoporosis and

cancer. Post-training, over 1370 trained

participants began disseminating their

learning within their communities.

ACF supported the construction

of 200 sanitation units in Bhatha

and Bhatpore villages. Awareness

campaigns including training sessions

on health and hygiene were conducted

simultaneously. Roads and drainage

systems were constructed in Gavier

village to avoid water logging and

contain water-borne diseases.

HIV/AIDS Awareness Programme Surat is an industrial district with a

large floating population of workers. ACF and Apollo Tyres

Foundation have been working on a comprehensive HIV &

AIDS prevention project with this group around Magdalla Port. A

Health Care Centre was established this year to implement the

programme. Six hundred and fifty five patients were screened

for STI infections at the centre, and treatment was provided to

affected persons. ACF provided information about the infection,

its causes, preventive measures and safe and healthy sexual

practices to 1411 truckers through personal interactions. Besides

this, slogan competitions, video screenings, puppet and magic

shows and street plays were used to disseminate information

among truckers, drivers, labourers and youth. Condoms were

distributed to the target group, and patients were counselled

during screening for HIV/STI.

The programme is supported by seven peer educators who

reach out to fellow truckers and create awareness.

Condom boxes have been installed at the Ambuja Transport

Department, Ultratech truck yard, the Ambuja campus and

the transport office to ensure that condoms are always within

easy reach of the target group. More than 17545 condoms

were distributed during interactive sessions with truckers.

Regular HIV screening camps were held and patients referred

to the Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre for advanced

counselling and training.

An awareness campaign was organised on the occasion of

World AIDS Day for high-risk groups, youths, community

members and employees of Ambuja Cements. Students

participated in poster, quiz and slogan competitions. ACF

launched its ‘message vehicle’ to carry the message within the

city and to our programme areas. The campaign was supported

by the Network of Surat People Living with HIV/AIDS and Surat-

based Anti-Retroviral Treatment Centres.

Agro-based LivelihoodTraining programmes were conducted on animal husbandry and

vegetable farming. Farmers were trained in nutrient management,

identification of primary diseases in cattle, home-based

remedies and enhancing milk yields in dairy units. Four animal

health camps were organised, where cattle were diagnosed

and vaccinated against milk fever and foot and mouth disease.

Twenty eight farmers visited the Amul Dairy at Anand and Gram

Bharti, Amrapur, to understand income generation through

animal husbandry.

Over 300 farmers participated in an exhibition at Bhatpore

village, organised in collaboration with the Animal Husbandry

Department, Surat, Nandini Hospital and Jidus Animal Health

Group. They received information on animal husbandry, breed

34

Arun Patil, 38, is a

migrant truck driver from

Maharashtra, residing in

Bhatar Azadnagar in Surat.

He works primarily around

the Magdalla port. His erratic

lifestyle, with long distance

travelling, combined with

alcoholism was affecting

his relations with his wife.

Despite realizing the role

of alcohol in damaging

his relationships, he was

unable to get rid of the habit.

Arun was part of the group

with whom ACF interacted

during a peer-to-peer

session.

These sessions not only

outlined issues related

to HIV and AIDS, but

also explored aspects of

a migrant lifestyle, and

the impact of a high-risk

behaviour on oneself, and

families. Arun decided to

seek help, and came to

the Health Care Centre at

Magdalla. This centre is run

by ACF in collaboration with

Apollo Tyres Foundation,

and its services include

counselling, testing and

supporting Positive people

towards treatment and

rehabilitation. Arun revealed

that he had had instances

of unsafe sexual behaviour

with commercial sex

workers. Following an in-

depth counselling session,

Arun opted for an HIV

screening test, and was

extremely relieved to know

that the results were came

off as HIV-negative. He

realized that it had been an

extremely close shave, and

that he may not be so lucky

the next time round.

Today, Arun has taken

positive steps to control his

drinking habit and strictly

follows safe-sex practices.

He shyly says that he has

been trying to make up to his

wife for his earlier behaviour.

The profound change in his

life is also visible in his new

role as a peer educator. He

volunteers with ACF’s HIV

and AIDS team, interacting

with other truck drivers,

cleaners and workers and

motivating them to adopt a

healthier lifestyle.

A NEW APPROACH TO LIFE

improvement and cattle health through various IEC materials.

They also learned methods to improve milk yield in cattle.

This year 202 kits including quality seeds were distributed

among families to promote kitchen gardens. Women showed

keen interest in the activity as it provided good nutrition to

their families and also augmented their income. Farmers were

encouraged to supplement their incomes by setting up mango

plantations. In Khajod, Budiya, Abhva and Bhaha villages, 929

mango saplings were planted in 22 acres of land. Forty two

farmers were trained in horticulture and contributed 40% of the

costs towards the plantations.

Agriculture demonstration plots were developed in over 50

hectares of land by 66 farmers. ACF provided technical support

and quality seeds; the farmers contributed up to 50% of the cost

of the farms. They were able to generate more than R 25000 per

acre this year.

EducationACF has been promoting education of the girl child, especially

where they have been forced to drop out due to poverty. This

year 37 economically backward girls were given scholarships

to continue their education. Over 200 tribal students have been

supplied with school-education material. Other drop-outs are

educated at the non-formal education centre in Dumas. Four

balwadi centres reach out to young children and encourage

early learning through play and fun-based activities. ACF

works closely with village education committees to promote

quality education in schools. Eighteen meetings were held with

teachers, parents and VEC members where issues like quality

education, attendance, discipline and extra-curricular activities

were discussed.

Students were sensitised about the environment through 22

training sessions that addressed 788 students in eight schools.

They were taught about pollution, global warming and eco-

friendly measures to address these problems. The students

were urged to begin by avoiding plastic bags, saving electricity

and protecting trees in their localities. School-based knowledge

centres with broadband connections were set up in Budiya and

Magdalla villages this year with support from the NASSCOM

Foundation. More than 700 students now avail of IT education.

Villagers also access these centres to access the internet

for information on government and PRI schemes, rights and

benefits, weather and market prices.

Infrastructure DevelopmentEvery year, the Halpati tribal community in the villages around

Surat faces serious health complications during the monsoons.

Rain water that seeps through their mud floors causes severe

bacterial and fungal infections among the entire community. In

2010, ACF supported the renovation of homes in Bhata village

and built concrete floors. As a result, none of the families reported

bacterial infection. ACF also supported the construction of five

toilet and urinal blocks in two primary schools to promote health

and hygiene among children.

Women’s EmpowermentACF started five new SHGs to facilitate better access to micro

credit by rural women. SHG members have now initiated small

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35

Galiben Gopalbhai, a

widow from Undar village

lived with her two young

school-going children, one

of them visually challenged,

in a ramshackle house.

She worked as a daily-

wage labourer, and with no

support from her extended

family, struggled to earn a

livelihood. They had also

never received benefits from

any government scheme.

“My husband and I used

to work in the tile factory

at Morbi, in Rajkot, when

he unexpectedly fell ill. We

spent all our savings on

his treatment, but he did

not survive, leaving me

with two small children. I

was forced to mortgage

our small holding of land

to raise money for his last

rites,” recalls Galiben. On

the advice of a school

teacher, her challenged son

was enrolled in a school in

Dahod. To make ends meet,

she worked as a labourer in

Morbi for most part of the

year. During the agriculture

season, she would be seen

tilling the land in the fields.

Despite her hard work and

difficult situation, her in-

laws kept pressurising her

to migrate and earn more

for the family.

Imagine her astonishment

when the ACF team turned

up at her doorstep with a

proposal! The team sought

her permission to apply

for a home for her under

the government housing

scheme. Galiben realised

that a pucca house would

go a long way in making

life secure for herself and

her children. But she was

afraid to hope…and dream.

In her view, engaging with

the bureaucracy could only

mean more trouble and

expense. She wondered

how this application could

be any different. But she

was in for a pleasant

surprise. ACF got the

required approvals under

the housing scheme, while

our mason trainees quickly

got together to construct her

home. A roof, a door, a toilet,

strong solid walls and lovely

windows opening up to the

sky soon unravelled before

her eyes. Today, she lives in

her new home, with hope.

A DREAM BECOMES REAL

Trainees at the mason training programme conducted by ACF

employer in the country, next only to agriculture, accounting for

11% of the country’s GDP. ACF’s Mason Training Programme

blends technical expertise from Ambuja Cements, community

mobilisation skills of ACF and government funding to create a

strong and professionally trained workforce for the construction

industry. The project is now in its third year, and is supported

by the Tribal Development Department of the Government of

Gujarat under the Van Bandhu Kalyan Yojana.

The project comprises two components – basic and advanced

mason training. Basic mason training aims at converting

unskilled labour into a semi-skilled construction force, while

advanced mason training upgrades trained masons to specialist

craftspersons. This year 368 youth, of whom 79 were women,

were trained in basic masonry.

As part of the practical component of the training, trainees

create community assets like common sit-outs, water tanks

and compound walls for village schools. This process, while

benefitting the village, provides valuable practical training to

the students. Following discussions and approvals from the

government, ACF has begun construction of low-cost housing

for the poor this year. We are supported by the village panchayat

in identifying families who have not received help under any

government housing scheme.

scale income-generating activities. This year three SHGs

were provided with a revolving fund of R 45000 to start income

generating activities.

Regular training and exposure visits were conducted for over

272 SHG members to build capacities on SHG management,

internal lending and bank grading. Fifty three members went

on exposure visits to Dr Reddy’s Foundation, Vyara and the

Aga Khan Rural Support Programme, Netrang, to learn about

income generation and group motivation techniques.

DahodACF has been working in the district of Dahod with tribal

youth, to enable them to be employed as professionally trained

masons. The construction industry is the second largest

36

Himachal Pradesh

OverviewACF began its interventions in Himachal Pradesh in 1996-

97, reaching out to communities in and around two integrated

Ambuja Cement plants at Darlaghat. In 2008, we expanded our

operation around the grinding unit in Nalagarh block and today,

ACF has grown to be one of the key development organisations

Himachal PradeshWe are also committed to addressing issues of HIV and AIDS

that are prevalent in the region. The HIV & AIDS programme

is implemented in collaboration with Apollo Tyres Foundation,

and reaches out to groups of truckers, labourers, employees of

Ambuja Cements as well as the community.

Activities under our education programme are currently

implemented in 31 government schools,

and the process is supported by the

strong cadre of balmitras.

DarlaghatWater & Land Resources ManagementACF implements a number of water

conservation programmes, including the

important NABARD-assisted watershed

projects. One watershed project is being

implemented in the Dhundhan panchayat

of Arki tehsil in Solan district. The R 60

lakhs project is funded by NABARD

and spans 16 villages, covering close

to 715 hectares of land. This year,

we have also been awarded two new

watershed projects namely, Daseran

& Saryanj-Sarma, covering 1,100 and

900 hectares respectively, by NABARD,

Shimla. The preliminary capacity building

phase (CBP) has been awarded to us

and subsequently ACF - Darlaghat will

undertake the full implementation phase.

The project is completely monitored by

the Watershed Development Committee

(WDC) through monthly meetings and

review of finances with active hand-

holding of the ACF team.

The Alikhad Watershed Project was conceived jointly by ACF,

the Sir Ratan Tata Trust and the community in 2005. The project

came to an end in March 2011. The WDC, which includes 20

members from all five project villages, is responsible for strategic

planning, execution and monitoring of the project.

ACF also supports communities to construct tanks, water

harvesting structures and revive traditional baoris for

conservation of water. These initiatives are collaborative efforts,

with the community contributing almost 16% of the costs; they

serve to fulfil the irrigation and domestic needs of families.

Awareness campaigns held in villages of Sera and Newari

helped sensitise people on the importance of water conservation.

Village development committees have been organising village

level meetings, and the community is encouraged to take

ownership of the various projects in their respective villages.

The process is also supported by the various SHGs operating

in the region.

Soil erosion is another key issue faced by farmers, due to the

hilly terrain. To conserve surface runoff and preserve the top

soil, ACF has started constructing staggered trenches in the

in the region, reaching out to 92 villages in Solan district. Our

community development work in the region is fraught with the

challenges of manoeuvring the difficult hilly terrain and reaching

out to isolated rural settlements with tiny, fragmented land

holdings.

Water and land resource management and agro-based

livelihoods continue to be one of the key areas of focus, given

the traditional dependence of people on agriculture in the region.

ACF’s interventions bring in improved, scientific conservation

and farming methods to the community.

Health and education are the other key areas of intervention

by ACF in this region. Communities around Darlaghat and

Nalagarh have inadequate health facilities and poor sanitation

infrastructure within villages.

The nearest PHCs are often kilometres away and access

is difficult due to the hilly terrain. ACF’s dedicated team of

sakhis, however, is slowly transforming the situation, engaging

community members, SHGs and youth to bring in qualitative

changes in health.

Gabions are installed to minimise soil erosion during the rains

37

for planting. Farmers who opted for garlic and pea cultivation

were helped in procuring the seeds from various sources. ACF

also helped 280 SHG members set up kitchen gardens and

provided seeds of various vegetables sourced from the National

Seeds Corporation, Solan.

To overcome the shortage of water for irrigation, gravity-

based micro irrigation systems were piloted this year with

five progressive farmers. Their farms will also serve as

demonstration plots to showcase scientific irrigation methods,

vermi-composting and organic farming.

A need has been felt to introduce planned and scientific

methods of animal rearing to raise productivity and yield. Pashu

swasthya sevikas, a cadre of volunteers, work closely with

farmers on livestock development. The sevikas are trained in

diagnosing common animal diseases and providing services

in preventive and curative health and vaccination. This year,

sevikas conducted more than 270 village meetings to educate

the community about cattle health care, breeding, feeding and

management. ACF also organised regular animal health camps

to treat cattle for prevention and cure of various diseases.

Monthly meetings conducted by ACF also helped monitor the

progress of its initiatives and learn about the problems faced

by the community in animal rearing. Traditional insemination

practices on local breeds had been yielding low milk outputs.

Hence artificial insemination was promoted by ACF in

association with the Government Veterinary Department.

Fifty two farmers carried out this procedure on their animals,

encouraging more farmers to adopt AI for their cattle. Since the

quality of milk is also affected by the type of fodder used, ACF

promoted chaff cutters among farmers. Chaff cutters are useful

in cutting fodder, making it easily chewable for digestion.

villages of Ghyana, Dharth and Aer. These trenches help

increase soil moisture and increase production of grass as

fodder. Farm bunds constructed in the villages of Dhundhan,

Lalahana, Mayana and Syari have also helped in enhancing soil

moisture for the agricultural lands.

To stem soil erosion, more than 12000 saplings of indigenous

plants like daru, amla, mulberry, and beuns have been planted

in drainage lines as nala treatment measures. Horticulture

plants like mango, lemon, guava and pomegranates too have

been planted in 16 villages, while 17500 forestry saplings and

140000 Napier grass roots have been planted in five villages. An

effective method is the use of a gabion – a retaining wall made

of galvanised wire, filled with stone and stacked in tiers along

the slope. A large number of gabions were installed in drainage

lines to minimise soil erosion during the rains.

Agro-based LivelihoodMushroom cultivation has been taken up by a large number of

families as a means of sustainable livelihood. The Darla Khumb

Utpadak Samiti (DKUS) is a society which supports mushroom

cultivators to procure raw materials, cultivate, pack, transport

and sell mushrooms in the market collectively. ACF and

NABARD, Shimla supports farmers in effectively marketing the

produce. Dhingri mushroom, cultivated in summer and button

mushroom in winter have been able to bring in substantial

profits to farmers with relatively low investments. This year 60

farmers sold more than 3500 kg of button mushroom and 700

kg of Dhingri mushroom worth R 330000.

Around 180 farmers were motivated to take up ginger, peas,

tomato and garlic cultivation this year. ACF supported farmers

in creating a seed bank through which they could source ginger

Mushroom cultivation at village Jabla, Darlaghat

38

helped raise awareness on the importance of early child care.

Close to 2,000 children participated in 38 school health

camps held this year. A two-day family planning camp, held in

collaboration with the Health Department, included non-scalpel

surgery for men, and laparoscopic operations for women. A

blood donation camp organised in collaboration with the Indira

Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, saw huge participation from

the staff of Ambuja Cements and the neighbouring communities.

One hundred and seven units of blood were collected.

Sakhis undergo steady training throughout the year through

refresher and advanced courses. Workshops covered topics like

micro-planning and PRI and included review and planning of

the health project. ACF also conducted exposure visits to Sewa

Rural and Jhagdia in Gujarat to help participants learn more

from the health care experiences of other NGOs.

HIV and AIDS Prevention ProgrammeThe objective of the HIV and AIDS Prevention Programme is to

bring about behaviour change among communities; and create

an enabling environment for people living with HIV and AIDS.

Strategies to achieve these objectives include using behaviour

change communication, STI case management, condom

promotion, and HIV testing, counselling and rehabilitation

support. We work with migrant workers and truckers around

Ambuja Cements’ plants and at the various dhabas, truck union

offices, truck yards, coal yards and at Chowkiwala Nalagarh.

One-to-one interaction sessions were held with more than

2500 truck drivers and helpers, and included discussions on

Learning the fun way at school in Darlaghat

EducationACF’s education programme is being

implemented in 31 Government Primary

Schools and 16 Government Middle

Schools in the Arki tehsil of Solan district.

Twenty-four balmitras, or volunteers, form

the backbone of this initiative. They have

been trained in pedagogy, participatory

learning and child psychology. Under the

Parivar Milan initiative, a balmitra visits

three families every day after the school

hour and apprises the parents about the

progress of their wards. Thus remote

communities are integrated into the

activities of the school to facilitate their

children’s holistic development. Balmitras

work with children to inculcate habits

of reading and writing through ACF’s

academic support centres in schools.

Children learn through play, attend

balsabhas, and take part in sports and

cultural activities. They undergo regular

health checkups at school health camps.

Schools are encouraged to follow fun,

interactive and participatory methods of

teaching. Teachers have been trained in

teaching-learning methodologies, early

child care and skill-based learning.

ACF works closely with village

education committees and school

management committees, building their capacities to ensure

quality education. A Project Monitoring and Implementation

Committee, including members from the government, education

officers and representatives from Ambuja Cements, meets on

a quarterly basis to assess the direction and success of the

project. Balmelas organised by the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan saw

ACF-supported schools bagging the top prizes among 278

participating schools. Communities also supported celebration

of events like Teacher’s Day and International Literacy Day.

The 2009-10 board examination results are a testimony to the

success of our efforts. The top five positions in the entire block

were captured by ACF-supported schools.

Integrated Health ProgrammeACF’s mobile clinic reaches out to 45 villages every week,

bringing much required health care services to people. This

year, more than 2,400 people received treatment at the mobile

clinics, with sakhis ensuring follow-up at the community level.

Sakhis organise khelwadis to promote healthy practices among

children. Children learn about social and environmental issues

through song, dance and play. More than 700 khelwadis were

conducted this year. Sakhis also facilitated over 370 meetings

with community members on health and sanitation issues.

ACF held 10 ‘Healthy Baby’ competitions to encourage parents

to pay greater attention to children in the 0-3 age group. The

babies were assessed on various development indicators,

mothers’ health, immunisations and the place of delivery. The

competitions saw participation of more than 288 babies and

Himachal Pradesh

39

Training of SHG members at Darlaghat

HIV and AIDS, STI’s, demonstrations for correct condom usage

and distribution of IEC material. We reached out to 683 truckers

through group meetings, and to the community through 41

events including street plays, magic shows, video screenings,

games and rallies. Easy access to condoms is maintained

through the 17 condom vending machines, various outlets and

the health clinic.

Counselling is integral to the programme and is done with

individuals, in a group, with couples and families. However it is

a challenge to reach out to truckers. There have been occasions

when truckers had to leave the ICTC without testing because

of their busy schedules. Their always-on-the-move lifestyle also

makes follow-up of counselling sessions difficult. But health

camps on HIV / AIDS and STI’s are held at regular intervals to

help bridge the gap.

Women’s EmpowermentACF currently supports 108 SHG groups in and around

Darlaghat, with a membership of close to 1420. They have a

cumulative corpus of more than R 87 lakhs and have linkages

with Punjab National Bank, UCO Bank and Jogindra Bank.

SHG members have received training in accounts and record

keeping, group strengthening and IG activities. About 25 farmers

and SHG members attended a one-day training programme

on mushroom cultivation. ACF invited technically qualified

resource persons who shared their inputs with the participants,

following which SHG members started mushroom cultivation

in their homes. Women have also been encouraged to take to

dairy farming, cutting, tailoring, and knitting for their livelihood.

ACF also conducted an exposure visit for SHG groups to

Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, to understand various livelihood

opportunities taken up by women’s groups.

Rural Infrastructure DevelopmentACF’s rural infrastructure development programme helps build

community assets while providing employment opportunities for

people. These programmes are carried out in consultation and

collaboration with village groups; their involvement ensures that

people have a sense of ownership in these activities.

During the year, 1275 metres of plain cement concrete footpath

were laid at Fugana, Banog, Sanghoi and Kashlog villages,

ensuring easy movement even during the rains. Two community

centres were set up at Suli and Koon villages, overseen by the

women’s groups and the gram sudhara sabhas.

ACF supports building of anganwadis in villages wherever they

do not have dedicated premises. This year we constructed an

anganwadi at Rathoh village in the Kashlog panchayat. ACF

also supports government-run schools or local communities to

upgrade school infrastructure. This year we helped construct

additional rooms in schools in Chhamla, Chandi and Mangoo

villages, as well as a fence for the Government Middle School,

Rouri.

The degree college in Arki tehsil was constructed jointly by

the Government of Himachal Pradesh and Ambuja Cements.

Students have been facing a dearth of good quality teachers,

affecting their studies. ACF intervened and provided monetary

support towards teachers’ salaries. Under RID we have been

able to construct roof rain water harvesting systems for the

villagers in order to combat severe water crises during non-

monsoon periods. To date we have been able to construct 45

RRWHSs for the villagers. Our other infrastructure development

activities include building of water tanks, renovation of old tanks,

setting up of pipelines, community toilets, cremation shelters

at cremation grounds, promotion of smokeless chullhas and

construction of boundary walls in villages.

40

It is difficult for Lata Bansal

to wipe the smile off her

face. She’s just topped

the Gram Sakhi exam

for village-based health

workers with a whopping

87.25%, and her entire

village is suddenly in awe of

her. Lata Devi, from village

Malawan, is a Sakhi, part

of ACF’s integrated health

programme and works with

communities on the hilly

outreaches of Darlaghat.

Over the past few years,

Sakhis working on health

and sanitation in villages

across locations have felt

the need for an official

accreditation. This, they

felt, would add a stamp of

authority, and ease their

work with local panchayats,

government functionaries

and public health systems.

The National Institute of

Open Schooling (NIOS)

conducts the Gram Sakhi

examination for health

workers, and this was an

ideal opportunity for women

to prove their potential.

However, most sakhis

came from underprivileged

groups, had low

educational qualifications,

and had left formal school

systems years ago.

Suddenly they had to

juggle studies along with

their work, home, children

and farms, and write an

exam at the end of it all. The

mere thought was terrifying.

Their greatest qualifications

however were their

experience, understanding

of community health issues

and willingness to work

hard.

Backed by ACF’s regular

revision sessions and tests,

sakhis began their training –

attending classes, sharing

notes, and debating topics

threadbare. Fifty-one sakhis

made it to the exams. It

was a proud moment for

the sakhis and ACF when

results revealed that 26

passed with distinction and

22 sakhis had a First Class.

This success has raised

their confidence and self-

belief, and they are now

looked upon with pride by

their family, friends and

community.

AGAINST ALL ODDS

Training of students at SEDI, Darlaghat

Skill and Entrepreneurship DevelopmentACF setup a SEDI in Darlaghat close to the PHC in Darlaghat,

in 2010, to provide short term, intensive courses in vocational

trades to unemployed youth of the region. The objective is to

build capacities and skills of youth for wage or self-employment

opportunities, enabling them to earn their livelihoods. The

SEDI offers courses in engineering trades like Automobiles,

carpentry, computers, electronics, fabrication and plumbing.

Non-engineering trades like beauty culture & hair dressing;

cutting & tailoring; and embroidery are also popular courses.

In 2010-11, SEDI trained 174 students in the long term courses,

and 75 students in the short-term courses. The placement

percentage is high at 84%, with 87 of the trainees employed

with various enterprises in and around Darlaghat, and with

61 students starting off their own ventures. Twelve of these

students have also availed of loans from banks to fund their

dreams. SEDI students also participated in a blood donation

camp organized by ACF, and attended an Art of Living camp

held for self-improvement, this year.

NalagarhACF began its interventions in Nalagarh in 2008. We began by

establishing a diagnostic centre in Nalagarh town to provide

health services to the local communities. Gradually, we

expanded our operations to include preventive health, sanitation,

agriculture and allied services, and rural infrastructure support.

Today, ACF implements several development programmes that

directly impact both the rural and urban poor.

Integrated Health ProgrammeThe practice of open defecation is one of the key reasons

for the poor health situation in this region. ACF carried out a

Himachal Pradesh

41

ACF’s health camps in schools seek to prevent illnesses in children through early detection and diagnoses.

detailed household survey for the construction of toilets and

followed it up with a series of awareness campaigns. Street

plays were organised in villages, highlighting the issue of health

and hygiene. Meetings at the village level stressed the need for

good sanitation, and people were introduced to the concept of

low cost toilets in their homes. Thirty four low-cost toilets have

been constructed in villages, initiating the process of change.

Health camps were held at the panchayat level with specialist

gynaecologists, orthopaedists, dermatologists, neurologists

and dentists who volunteered their time and expertise. The

camps reached out to more than 600 villagers with diagnoses,

treatment, and medicines. Ten school health camps were

organised in the schools at Nawagraon, Dugari and Ratyor

villages, and included sessions on healthy living facilitated by

doctors. Based on the high number of dental ailments detected

among students, dental treatment camps were soon organised,

reaching out to 550 students.

The diagnostic centre at Nalagarh is now well equipped and

has facilities to carry out all pathological and biochemistry tests

at subsidised rates. During the year, an automatic digital blood

cell counter was procured for the centre. A total of 2,132 patients

visited the centre during the year, and more than 14,000 tests

were conducted.

The Health Care centre set up in collaboration with Apollo Tyres

Foundation reaches out to groups of truckers, workers, and

community members on issues of HIV and AIDS. Our activities

include creating awareness on HIV/AIDs through street-plays,

shows and campaigns; workshops for students, women and

adolescents; and dissemination of information through IEC

material development.

Agro-based LivelihoodCapacity building workshops for farmers were organised,

where they had an opportunity to discuss subjects like irrigation

systems, cash crops and vermi-composting. An exposure visit

to Dr. Y. S. Parmar University, Solan, helped farmers learn more

on micro-irrigation systems. Farmers have now taken up vermi-

composting, and are selling it to Ambuja Cements’ Horticulture

Department.

Drip-irrigation systems installed in fields have enabled farmers

to increase their yield at minimal cost. To conserve water and

minimise soil erosion, ACF also constructed 20 loose-stone

check dams and 54 gabions in Nawagraon and Dugari villages.

As part of our initiatives with SHGs, 70 vegetable seed kits

were distributed to members and farmers, to promote kitchen

gardening.

ACF conducted 10 animal health camps at Nawagraon, Panjera

and Paterphaloo villages. As part of our intervention, doctors

from the Animal Husbandry Department regularly conduct

training programmes on cattle rearing, disease management,

health, hygiene and feeding for the farmers. Health of the

livestock is monitored through a cattle health card maintained

by each farmer. To enable good milk production, ACF supported

farmers with quality barseem seeds to be planted in 15 acres of

land for fodder.

Rural Infrastructure DevelopmentThe project villages around the Nalagarh plant suffer from

inadequate infrastructure and sanitation. Based on community

needs, ACF has constructed roads, culverts and footpaths to

improve connectivity. The roads built by ACF at these locations

are high-specification, all-weather roads.

ACF is currently constructing a two-storeyed building for Senior

Secondary School, Nalagarh which will include five laboratories,

an administrative block, five toilet blocks and 12 classrooms.

Women’s EmpowermentACF supported the formation of four new SHGs at Nawagraon

and Paterphaloo villages. The SHGs have a strength of 65

women. As part of their capacity building, women went on

three exposure visits to learn about dairy farming and vermi-

composting. Women are also demonstrating their skills and

leadership qualities by participating in panchayat elections

and taking up responsible posts. SHG members are also

diversifying into various income generation activities including

vermi-composting.ACF’s Education programme supports all-round development of students in schools

42

ChhindwaraSkill and Entrepreneurship Development InstituteACF has established a Skill and Entrepreneurship Development

Institute in Amarwara, in the district of Chhindwara in Madhya

Pradesh. Since its initiation seven months ago, the first batch

of 42 students has successfully passed various technical

programmes including computer-related and electrician training

courses. Ten students are successfully self-employed, while

18 of them have been placed in various organisations around

Amarwara. A few students have opted to take up higher studies.

Currently, the second batch of 40 students, including four

girls, has enrolled for the courses in computers and electrician

training.

The creation of SEDI in Amarwara has opened up access to

vocational training to youth in the region, bringing in concrete

changes in the lives of many. In the coming year, ACF plans to

increase the number of courses in various trades to create a

skilled workforce for industries in and around Chhindwara.

Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh

SKILLED AND SELF-EMPLOYED!Despite struggling for a livelihood,

employment opportunities were

rare for Anil Uikey, a class X drop-

out from village Seja. Financial

constraints had forced him to drop-

out of school, and lack of skills

prevented him from getting a good

job. When he first heard of SEDI, he

was sceptical about his chances.

But he decided to give it a shot.

He enrolled in the three-month

electrician training programme.

This short span of time was

enough to bring back the smile on

his face. He completed his training

and became a self-employed

electrician in Seja. He was instantly

successful because Seja had no

one with knowledge of electrical

maintenance. The villagers now find

it easy to call on him with their day-

to-day maintenance requirements,

instead of travelling to Amarwara

or Chhindwara. Today, Anil has

a steady clientele and is able to

generate a comfortable income to

support himself and his family.

Students learning computer skills at SEDI, Amarwara

43

Despite a class XII

qualification, Rajkamal

found that a satisfactory

job was hard to come by.

He had shouldered the

responsibility of educating

himself and his sisters

through part-time jobs. And

he was desperate for a

steady job with an income.

When Rajkamal first heard

about the SEDI from a

friend, he immediately

came over to check out

the courses. Following

an interaction with the

SEDI head, he opted for

the computer operator’s

course. The experience

helped Rajkamal build his

confidence; he enrolled for

training in life-skills and

personality development,

and gradually began to

get involved in the various

activities conducted by

SEDI.

On completing his training,

he attended an interview

for a SEDI field executive.

He was given a task to

enrol at least five trainees

in the next five days. He

met his target in four days

and was appointed as a

field executive at SEDI,

Amarwara. He now earns R

5000 per month and is very

happy with the way his life

has shaped up.

Anil Ahirwara from

Markawada village lost both

his parents in an accident

when he was just 15. He

and his sister were taken

in by their uncle who was

a daily wage labourer. Anil

often remembers how his

uncle went without food

on several occasions. To

support the family, Anil

began working as a manual

labourer, even as he strived

to study. Having cleared the

class XII exams, he had

begun looking for a steady

job, when he heard about

SEDI.

Motivated by the village

sarpanch and his uncle, he

paid a visit to the centre. In

his interaction with the SEDI

team, he admitted being

interested in the courses,

but was worried about his

ability to afford them.

The SEDI team assured that

he could be granted a fee-

exemption if the sarpanch

gave him a recommendation.

Armed with the sarpanch’s

letter, Anil enrolled for

a computer operator’s

training programme. His

life underwent a drastic

change from that day. His

confidence levels improved,

and on completing his

course he obtained a job at

Naman Indian Gas Agency,

Amarwara.

He enjoys his work, and

is already looking forward

to the day when his hard

work can win him a salary-

raise.

BUILDING CAPACITIES AND CONFIDENCE

SEDI, Amarwara has opened up access to vocational training for the youth in the region, bringing in concrete changes in the lives of many.SEDIs enables rural youth to explore and learn new trades, and has a placement record of more than 70 percent.

SEDIs facilitate the entry of a skilled workforce into the industries, and encourages a healthy employment rate in the rural areas.

ON THE ROAD TO SUCCESS

44

OverviewHealth is one of the key areas of work in Chandrapur, lead by a

strong team of Sakhis. ACF’s home-based neo-natal programme

is an important activity to address the issue of maternal and

child health in the region. Water resource management is also a

priority, given the scarcity of water in the district. ACF supports

creation of check dams, and rain roof harvesting structures in

villages which are then managed by the community to fulfill their

water requirements.

ACF’s Skill and entrepreneurship development institute

caters to unemployed youth in both Panvel and Chandrapur,

offering courses in 17 different trades; creating scope for self-

employment or wage employment in one of the many industries

in the state. Our education programme focuses on bringing

new teaching and learning methods to make school education

interactive, innovative and fun.

ChandrapurIntegrated Health ProgrammeThe home-based neo-natal programme was first implemented

in Chandrapur, to address the issue of maternal and child

mortality. We have now expanded this programme to 160

villages. The programme is implemented by our sakhis, who

identify expectant mothers; provide inputs on ante-and post-

natal care, attend deliveries, establish linkages with anganwadis,

sub centres and PHCs; and strengthen the village health and

Maharashtra

sanitation committees (VHSCs). Paediatric and ANC camps are

also organised regularly for an effective implementation of the

programme. Sakhis hold regular meetings with the villagers and

stakeholders, sensitising them on the importance of maternal

and child health. They ensure that timely medical intervention is

provided by maintaining a strong referral system.

Our mobile dispensary service reaches out to 12 villages

around Upparwahi. ACF also runs a weekly dispensary in

Pakdigudam. At present 14,500 families from 160 villages are

covered by our health programme. This year, ACF continued to

organise health camps for blood donation, ante and post natal

care, laparoscopy, family planning and general health checkups

for the communities. The camps were organised jointly with the

District Hospital, Chandrapur; Rural Hospital, Gadchandur; and

the Public Health Centre, Jiwati. ACF also supported 70 families

to construct toilets under our sanitation programme to help

make the villages open-defecation free.

Training of our sakhis is an ongoing process with regular

refresher trainings being held for existing as well as 78 new

sakhis in home-based neo-natal care. Training on preventive

health care, and strengthening of panchyati raj institutions were

also conducted for 111 sakhis in this year.

At Gadchandur, 2000 students, teachers, peer educators,

health workers and community members participated in an

awareness rally on occasion of World Aids Day. A Chalta Bolta

programme, a fun-quiz exercise saw a participation of more

than 375 village youths from Upparwahi and Lakhmapur. The

exercise was hugely popular, dealing with HIV and AIDS in an

interactive way; the youngsters enjoyed quizzing each other and

competing for the prizes. Other programmes included rangoli

and drawing competitions; video presentations; puppet shows;

and a marathon. These activities were organised in close

collaboration with the hospital run by Ambuja

Cements.

EducationTeacher’s trainings are an integral part of ACF’s

education programme. Teachers and anganwadi

workers are trained on integrating teaching-

learning materials to improve classroom learning

with a focus on language and mathematics.

A Language Development Programme has been

implemented in 16 tribal villages. The objective

of the programme is to develop good language

skills, based around the curriculum, among tribal

students. Parents are encouraged to take interest

in their children’s education at parents’ meetings

and through the parent-teacher associations.

Students were taken on exposure-cum-

educational visits to the post office, bank and

police station to learn about the functioning of

these institutes. ACF also conducted trainings

for village volunteers on preparing and using

teaching-learning materials. ACF organised a

multi-grade, multi-level workshop for teachers and

an early child care and development workshop for

anganwadi workers, where they learned how to

deliver quality education.World Environment Day celebrations at Moha village, Panvel.

Maharashtra

45

Bal sanskar kendras are non-formal education centres for

children of migrant populations. The centres provide an

opportunity to build their learning skills, so as to enable them to

move on to mainstream schools. ACF currently supports thirty

bal sanskar kendras in villages around Gadchandur. To increase

the involvement of the community in school management, ACF

organised 62 parents’ meetings and 53 school management

committee meetings. The quality of education imparted in

the schools and bal sanskar kendras was reviewed at these

meetings.

ACF has been working on building access of students and

villagers to computers. Computer centres have been established

in eight zilla parishad schools; in village knowledge centres;

and through window centres. Sakhis too use these centres to

learn about accessing the web for information on health issues.

Users like farmers and youths utilise them to gain information

on markets and employment opportunities respectively.

Water Resource ManagementWater resource management are an important component

of ACF’s interventions in Chandrapur because of the acute

scarcity of water. Though the rains in 2010 were an improvement,

recording an average of 1200 mm of rainfall, the rains in 2009

were a disappointing 485 mm. The low rainfall had resulted

in a severe shortage of drinking water in the three talukas of

Rajura,Korapana and Jiwati. To help villagers tide over the

shortage, ACF facilitated supply of drinking water through

tankers to 22 villages. Four check dams were constructed in

Hardona, Pipardha, Kargaon and Jambulzara villages. Fourteen

vanrai bandhara were constructed in different villages. The

villages were also provided with new hand pumps and 11 bore

wells to address the issue of availability of drinking water.

Agro-based LivelihoodExposure visits to Patangrao Kadam Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola

and Jain Irrigation, Jalgaon, were conducted for farmers, where

they observed modern, cost-effective farming techniques. ACF

also helped establish 30 vermi-composting units in farmers’

fields during the year. A workshop on neem pesticide was

also conducted for farmers to promote environment-friendly,

sustainable practices in farming.

ACF and NABARD are working in collaboration on the wadi

project. The project aims to establish wadis in 500 acres of land

belonging to tribes in Korpana and Jiwati talukas of Chandrapur

district. Under this project, horticulture plants are planted in

parts of existing agricultural land. These trees have potential

to provide additional income through fruit cultivation at no

extra cost. The project gives priority to barren and degraded

land; mango and anola are cultivated as fruit plantations, while

karonda and kranch are planted as border plants. The project

also lends support to 25 landless beneficiaries. The project was

initiated this year with wadis planted on 52 acres of land from 15

villages.The BCI Project aims to develop sustainable cultivation

of good quality, environment-friendly and cost-effective cotton.

Students at the Balotsav programme in village Bhendvi

46

The BCI project is being implemented with 304 farmers in 12

villages of Gadchandur. Emphasis was laid on reducing input

costs to increase net profitability of the produce. A baseline

survey was conducted with 14 learning groups to study the

impact of the project. The study has revealed that BCI methods

were considerably cost-effective than traditional methods of

cotton farming.

Cattle rearing and dairy farming are supplementary agricultural

activities that help farmers generate additional income and also

procure good bio-manure which improves the yield of their fields.

Members of the two dairy societies in Isapur and Lakhmapur

villages received inputs from ACF’s veterinary doctor on

cattle management aspects like feed, immunisation, breed

improvement, treatment and de-worming. ACF also conducted

21 cattle vaccination, treatment and de-worming camps

jointly with the Animal Husbandry Department. Awareness

programmes on infertility and improvement of milk output were

also conducted regularly with dairy farmers.

of the local breed kadaknath, dairy farming, established flour,

chilli and lentil mills and put up vegetable shops. A Women’s

Federation called the Ekta Mahila Swayam Sahayata Sangh,

formed in 2010-11 have received a licence for an agriculture

service centre. The federation sells seeds and fertilizers to

farmers at lower-than-market rates. It also organises cultural

activities like women’s kabaddi, haldi-kumkum and International

Women’s Day. Apart from this, it strives to enhance the skills

of the village women. A short term tailoring course has been

started this year with 15 women.

Non-Conventional EnergyOne hundred and fifty smokeless Chulhas were installed in

Lalguda, Warzadi, Kusal and Gopalpur villages. Sixty percent

of the households in these villages now use smokeless chulhas.

The total number of such stoves provided by ACF now stands

at 780. Forty two Sarai Cookers, developed by Appropriate

Rural Technology Institute (ARTI), Pune, have been distributed

with a 50% contribution from the beneficiaries. Residues from

sugarcanes are used as fuel for these cookers and they are

designed to save labour and costs and reduce pollution.

Skill and Entrepreneurship Development InstituteThe Ambuja Industrial Training Centre (AICT) was established in

2008-09. Courses offered here are affiliated to National Council

of Vocational Training; State Council of Vocational Training,

Director General of Employment & Training, New Delhi; NABARD

Maharashtra

Women’s EmpowermentACF supported the formation of 9 new SHGs this year, taking

the total number of SHGs in villages around Gadchandur to 86.

These groups have a cumulative membership of 1029 women

and a corpus of more than R 26 lakhs. They have also been able

to obtain loans up to R 146 lakhs to date.

Capacity building of SHGs this year included trainings on goat-

rearing, backyard poultry breeding, and on the various bank

loan schemes. Women have initiated backyard poultry farming

Goat rearing promoted for the landless, under the Wadi project

Training of women on incense-stick making at Gadchandur

47

Cotton billows in the wind on the road to Gadchandur, in

Dist. Chandrapur, Maharashtra. This region has seen years

of intensive cotton cropping. Farmers like Dashwant Yerme

have been growing cotton and crops like tur and soyabean

in the traditional way. Every year he would take money from

the village moneylender at high interest rates to buy cotton

seeds, pesticides and fertilizers. Despite the hard work of

the entire family, returns would be low, and the cycle of debt

would continue.

Then, farmers like Yerme began looking at Better Cotton

Initiative as a viable alternative. BCI is a global programme

that seeks to significantly reduce the adverse impacts of

conventional cotton production on the environment, and

improve the socio-economic conditions for small-farm cotton

growers. The quality of cotton fiber is high-grade, has better

yield and has potential to command premium rates in the

cotton market. After seeing the results of trail demonstration

by ACF, Dashwant Yerme from village Mangi (Khu), in Dist.

Chandrapur, became one of the first in his village to adopt

sustainable BCI farming.

He recognized the impact of chemical fertilizers and pesticides

on the land and crops, and followed sustainable practices

to raise cotton his three-acre land. ACF team demonstrated

techniques like growing “trap crops” to prevent insect attack

on cotton, trained him on ways to enrich the soil by preparing

organic decoctions using local products, and promoted the

use of neem as an alternative to chemical pesticides. This

is part of ACF’s training programme conducted with all BCI

farmers, and includes topics like contamination prevention,

effective picking, storing and harvesting methods. This

ensures that quality products reach the market and command

upper-band rates. A non-BCI farmer needs an investment of

up to R 22000 per acre for cotton crops. In contrast, a BCI

farmer needs to invest around R 16000 – R 18000 per acre.

A reduction of an average of R 4000 on production costs

makes considerable difference for farmers. Combined with

the market sales, they are able to bring in profits as well.

Today, Yerme is a qualified BCI producer, and is motivating

other farmers in the region as well. Slowly, farmers like Yerme

are changing the face of rural economy by farming through

sustainable agricultural methods.

and the Maharashtra State Board of Vocational Education,

Mumbai. These courses include fitter, welder, carpentry mobile

phone repairing and electrician training programmes. Students

completing standard VIII are eligible to join these courses.

During the year, AICT saw an enrolment of 92 students in various

courses. Sessions on life skills, industrial safety, basic computer

skills and English have also been conducted at the centre. The

centre has a placement rate of close to 65 % with welders,

carpenters and fitters finding employment in neighbouring

industrial units. In 2010, ten youths took up self employment,

earning up to R 6000 per month, against an average investment

of R 15000.

PanvelSkill and Entrepreneurship Development InstituteACF’s SEDI in Panvel works in close collaboration with the Fr.

Agnel Institute for Technical Training to offer courses in computer

hardware, IT, fashion designing and beautician training. SEDI

undertook a baseline survey of the villages around Panvel which

revealed a high demand for intensive vocational courses. The Fr.

Agnel Institute supported SEDI with the designing of courses,

and technical faculty. Each course was designed keeping in

mind its potential in creating employment opportunities for

students. The SEDI team also conducted meetings with other

NGOs and community based organisations working in the

region, asking them to recommend students for the courses.

This year, 56 students have enrolled for the one-year courses

in various batches. On passing out, these trainees will be able

to fulfil the huge demand for a skilled workforce in the industries

around Panvel.

Integrated Health ProgrammeThe ACF-run village dispensary reached out to more than 1500

people from the villages of Moha, Kombadbhuje and Targhar

villages this year. ACF team also worked on creating awareness

on maternal and child health through workshops and sessions

attended by close to 300 pregnant and lactating mothers from

these three villages. We also utilised wall paintings as a means

to spread information on nutrition and vaccinations for pregnant

women and young children. Sanitation is a priority area among

our activities in Panvel.

ACF initiated a community based training programme on

garbage management in village Moha. It was attended by 120

participants from SHG groups, panchayats, teachers, children

and youth. The participants followed it up with a gram swachhata

drive, held to sensitise the community. This has resulted in

SUSTAINABLE COTTON

48

A training programme on cutting and tailoring at Moha village

Income generation activities are encouraging women to take their first steps towards financial independence. These steps are changing the way they are viewed by their families and communities.

increased community participation in garbage management in

Moha, and is motivating other villages as well.

Competitions, programmes and sessions were also held in

schools to create awareness on health and hygiene for children.

As part of the sanitation programme, ACF also supported

the construction of 15 toilet blocks among families. ACF also

organised rounds of fogging and spraying in three villages to

curb the mosquito menace and combat the risk of malaria

during the monsoons.

HIV / AIDS Prevention Programme A Workplace Intervention Programme on HIV/AIDS is carried

out within the Ambuja Cements’ plant premises. ACF has

collaborated with Population Services International (PSI) to

screen patients for sexually transmitted illnesses, and general

health issues. The HIV/AIDS prevention programme includes

training of peer educators; a mobile dispensary service that

provides diagnosis and treatment for STDs; and provides

voluntary counselling on HIV/AIDS and STDs. The mobile clinic

with a doctor, counsellors, outreach workers and a team leader

visits Ambuja Cements in Panvel, catering to the health needs

of the large workers’ group.

On World AIDS Day, ACF and PSI organised HIV/AIDS

awareness programmes including street plays, puppet shows,

mime shows and a slogan competition. More than 300 workers

participated in the programme and interacted with peer

educators to know more on HIV and AIDS.

Women’s EmpowermentFifteen self help groups with a cumulative strength of 204

women operate in three villages. The groups have a total

corpus of R 5.56 lakhs. SHG members are trained in record

keeping, leadership development, internal lending, linkages

with banks and monthly reporting. Forty four women from

the fishing community went on an exposure visit to a fishery

cooperative, the Shramajivi Janata Sahayak Mandal in Mahad,

to understand the functioning of cooperatives. Women also

visited SHGs supported by organisations such as MAVIM, Stree

Mukti Sanghatana, Lijjat Papad Ltd., and Vidhayak Sansad to

understand aspects of SHG management, avenues for income

generation and developing linkages with banks. To help the

women develop income-generation skills, a training programme

on cutting and tailoring is being run in Moha village, attended

by 18 women. Seven girls from the villages of Targhar and

Kombadbhuje are also attending the

professional beauty course at SEDI,

Panvel.

EducationTo nurture the creativity of the

students, art and craft workshops

were held for 350 school children in

Moha, Targhar and Kombadbhuje

villages. Students of Targhar and

Kombadbhuje also participated

in value education sessions.

Environment Day was observed

at Moha in which 40 children prepared eco-friendly posters

and greeting cards on the theme ‘One Planet, One Future’.

These processes helped spread the message on environment

protection in a fun and interactive way. Members of the Shri

Ganesh Bachat Gat have taken the responsibility to monitor

the mid-day meal programme for school children in Moha

village. They ensure that the sixty primary school students

receive quality food and proper nutrition during every school

day. ACF also organised a career guidance workshop at Moha

for students of standard IX and X. Resource persons provided

clear and concise information on the various career options

available, to enable students to make an informed choice.

Maharashtra

49

Based on the UNICEF

model of creating total

sanitation with children

as change agents, ACF

initiated the Swachhata

Dhoot programme in

Panvel. Children have

the ability to reach out

to various segments of

the community, without

raking up controversies.

People are more liable

to consider suggestions

expressed by children. With

children at the forefront

of the total sanitation

programme, changes can

be affected at both the

family and community level.

The Swachhata Dhoot

programme introduced the

concept to schools. ACF

was supported by schools

and village health, sanitation

and education committees

in the implementation of the

programme. Workshops on

health and sanitation were

held for children, where they

learnt on the seven different

parameters of health -

Waste water management,

solid waste management,

open defecation-free

village, personal hygiene,

clean public places,

surroundings, clean schools

and anganwadis, and

collective action for village

cleanliness. The workshops

trained 50 children, and

each child had to monitor

and provide inputs to 5

families based on the health

parameters. Committees

were also made of these

children to monitor the

process as a group. At

all stages of planning,

training, implementation

and monitoring, children

were ably supported by their

teachers.

These trained “swachhata

dhoots” prepared an action

plan with the help of the

sarpanch, panchayat

members, school authorities,

parents and primary health

centre officials. They then

carried out a baseline survey

in Kombadbhuje on various

health indicators like drainage

systems, garbage cans,

and availability of toilets.

To make the programme

more sustainable, ACF

collaborated with schools to

conduct ‘neat & clean child’

competitions to inculcate

habits of cleanliness among

children.

Yashodha and her family at the house reconstructed with support from ACF

Rural Infrastructure DevelopmentWe facilitated provision of computers in three schools as well as

the offices of the panchayat samiti and the gram panchayat. The

latter was also furnished with a water purifier.

In Kombadbhuje village, the school roof was repaired and a well

was renovated.

ACF also supported the re-building of the home of Yashodha

Koli, who lost her home in a tragic fire. A poor widow with three

school-going children, Yashodha sold fish and shells to earn

her livelihood. An accident in the night however, gutted her

entire home. Though Yashodha and her children were safe, the

family lost all their essentials, including the children’s books,

and clothes. ACF supported the widow through provision of

educational material for children, and helped reconstruct

the house. Today, Yashodha is thankful that due to ACF’s

intervention, the family can live more securely.

CHILDREN AS AGENTS OF CHANGE

50

Punjab

OverviewInterventions in agro-based livelihoods are one of the main

areas of focus in Ropar and Bathinda in Punjab. The thrust is

on organic farming and the Better Cotton Initiative. Both these

processes stress on sustainable farming practices, ensuring

quality produce with higher market value.

Sex selection is a prevalent social issue in the region, that

has led to a decline in the number of girl children. ACF runs

a strong campaign against the practice of female foeticide

through numerous awareness drives, rallies and seminars.

The programme is taken forward by the enormous student

population, reaching out to a wider audience.

Punjab

ACF also runs the Ambuja Manovikas Kendra (AMK), a centre

for mentally challenged children. AMK works with more than

70 children, providing them with therapy, training and the

opportunity to get rehabilitated into the mainstream. AMK is one

of the leading centres for special children in Punjab, with its

students winning accolades in sports and cultural programmes

held at national and international levels. In 2011, four AMK

children will be representing India at the World Special Olympic

Summer Games to be held in Athens, Greece, competing

with international athletes in athletics, badminton, cycling and

basketball.

RoparAgro-based LivelihoodOver-dependence on chemical fertilizers is a leading reason for

degradation of land resources. Organic farming, on the other

hand, is a sustainable farming process in which local ecology,

biodiversity, and science are integrated to sustain the health of

the land and its people. ACF has been promoting organic farming

in Ropar, reaching out to farmers through cluster and village

level meetings. Street plays and IEC materials on the various

aspects of organic farming, along with experience sharing with

other organic farmers, help them make an informed choice.

A major incentive for farmers is the high profitability of organically

produced crops. ACF supports farmers in obtaining certification

for their crops from Control Union Certification Agency. Audits

on buffer zone management, organic manure, seed usage

and measures to control disease and pests are conducted. To

date, audits in ACF-supported farms have been satisfactory,

and farmers will soon be eligible for certificates following a final

assessment.

ACF promotes the use of jeevamrit, an organic manure, and

vermi-compost through farmer trainings and on-field monitoring.

Eighty vermi-compost pits were installed by the farmers during

the year, to produce organic manure. ACF has also set up a

seed bank to store indigenous seeds. The organic farmers

contribute seeds to the bank besides exchanging them with

one another. This process is a step to help restore indigenous

seeds and enhance the quality of organic yield.

ACF has established a demonstration farm to showcase

different technologies and provide a platform for farmers from

various backgrounds to interact with each other. We have been

able to demonstrate banana cultivation on waterlogged land

successfully, and showcase turmeric cultivation and systematic

rice intensification (SRI). A poplar nursery with 4165 plants

has been developed in the farm with plants distributed among

the farmers on a cost sharing basis. Ambuja Cements have

supported the extension of the process by providing access to

land in Daburji village for more demonstrations.

Inspired by the trials at the demo-farm, six farmers from Madho

Majra, Dakala and Ghanauli villages came forward to take up

vegetable cultivation on part of their land. Twenty five acres

of land are now under vegetable cultivation, practised by 34

farmers. Two vegetable nurseries have been developed at

Dakala village to help farmers procure good quality saplings.

We also supported SHG members to develop 150 organic

kitchen gardens, promoting nutrition and income generation

through vegetable cultivation.

Weeding at a farm in Bathinda

Drug addiction is another pertinent social issue, especially in

Bathinda. ACF works closely with law enforcing agencies, the

public health system and the community to provide health care,

counselling and a de-addiction programme to drug abusers.

The programme is supported by the Red Cross Society and

backed by the community to the fullest.

The industrial areas of Bathinda is surrounded by slum clusters,

housing the migrant working population. Children from the slums

attend the Ambuja Gyandeep Kendras to equip themselves to

enter the formal education system while regular health camps,

held in the basti, bring in much needed medical services to

these areas.

51

ACF also promotes the use of plastic

tunnels that facilitate early sowing and

prevent insect attack on plants. During the

year four farmers installed plastic tunnels

in five kanals of land.

The gram panchayats of Nuhon and Dakala

were motivated to utilise their shamlat land

– the government owned land in the village

– for agro-forestry, to plant more than 650

trees. ACF also supported farmers with

saplings of various fruit trees at subsidised

rates for plantation, and followed it up

with trainings to ensure plant survival.

Nurseries managed by ACF-supported

farmers raised more than 20000 saplings

to meet the huge demand for poplars in

the region.

As part of our interventions in animal

husbandry, 16 health camps were held

during the year. More than 600 cattle

were treated and vaccinated, while

farmers received training in scientific cattle

management.

Dairy cooperatives have been promoted

in collaboration with Milkfed, Punjab.

ACF now supports six cooperatives with 140 members and a

daily collection of more than 800 litres of milk.

Silage pits were constructed this year as a means to provide

more nutritious food to the animals. They also help in preserving

fodder for the off-seasons. Ten cattle feeding stalls were

constructed to ensure that animals had access to water round

the clock.

Biogas has been promoted as a renewable source of energy,

and ACF supports communities to construct biogas units for

domestic use. This year we facilitated the construction of five

biogas units in different villages with a subsidy of R 8000 per unit

from the Punjab Energy Development Agency.

Integrated Health ProgrammeWe have been nominated as a member of the Block Health

Monitoring Team by the Ropar Health Department. As part of

this initiative, we facilitated training of 134 ASHA workers from

Ropar block on the lines of the module developed by the Health

Department.

Our sakhis worked closely with children and village anganwadis.

Based on their feedback, ACF has supported the renovation

of three anganwadi centres. We have also introduced a set

of teaching-learning materials for the cognitive and creative

development of pre-schoolers.

ACF implements two projects in Ropar in collaboration with the

Punjab State AIDS Control Society. The ‘Composite Targeted

Intervention Project’ (CTIP) reaches out to high-risk groups, and

the ‘Targeted Intervention’ (TI) project addresses intravenous

drug users at Morinda. In addition, two more TI projects are

being implemented for 10,000 migrants in Chandigarh in

collaboration with the Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society.

ACF integrates the use of IEC materials on HIV/AIDS with

counselling, to bring about behavioural change among the

large migrant worker groups. During the year 7,682 group and

individual counselling sessions were conducted. Advocacy

meetings were held with the police and community members

who could influence high-risk groups. At the community level, 81

health awareness camps were held during which STD patients

were counselled to get tested for HIV. ACF also provides testing

and diagnostic services and supports those diagnosed with HIV

with anti-retroviral treatment.

ACF facilitates the HIV / AIDS Workplace Programme at Ambuja

Cements to reach out to workers within the plant. World AIDS

Day was observed at the company, with master trainers and peer

educators providing information on HIV & AIDS to employees,

labourers and truckers.

Intravenous Drug Users (IDUs) are another group vulnerable to

the risk of HIV and AIDS. A needle syringe exchange programme

held for the IDUs focused on the need to use fresh needles

every time. IDUs were also provided with betadine, spirit and

bandages to treat their wounds and abscesses.

Drop-in centres established at Morinda, Ropar and Anandpur

Sahib provide counselling services on safe injecting and safe

sex practices. One hundred and twenty four condom outlets

established in various locations have distributed over four lakh

condoms this year.

The ‘Roopnagar Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS’ was

formed by ACF to provide care and support to PLWHA. ACF

supported the rehabilitation of five members through an income

generating waste paper recycling unit at Anandpur Sahib.

Waste paper sourced from Ambuja Cements is recycled into

file covers, folders and notepads, providing both income and a

creative outlet for PLWHA.

Women’s EmpowermentACF has been facilitating income-generating activities with 69

established SHGs, with 812 members. The Ludhiana hosiery

Training on knitting skills at Nuhon

52

market, which exports its woollen products across the world,

outsources its requirements to village women, providing them

with good remuneration. ACF replicated the same business

model with the SHGs of Nuhon village. Thirteen women were

selected, trained for three months and linked to a vendor who

agreed to give them orders for knitted products. Eight women

have been able to obtain loans from their respective SHGs

to buy knitting machines; while others assist them in crochet

and sewing work in exchange for payment. Even though they

work individually, the women manage the business collectively.

This enables them to meet the transportation cost with their

earnings. ACF is now developing norms based on this model, to

be replicated in other villages.

Infrastructure DevelopmentACF, NABARD and local stakeholders came together to

develop the village of Lodhi Majra using various development

indicators. Meetings and sessions with community members

helped identify local problems and delegate responsibilities.

People are now taking charge of the process and demanding

accountability from concerned government departments.

The PWD reconstructed the village roads, while the block

development officer committed to install sewage pipes along the

roads. Panchayat members met the Rural Water and Sanitation

Department for a grant to construct toilets for the poor. The

community is now taking charge of their village, and demanding

services, in the process demonstrating its commitment to make

Lodhi Majra an ideal village.

ACF supports communities in building and enhancing village

infrastructure. This year, ACF constructed a school room at

Primary School, Daburji, along with a gym room. Drains and

PCC roads were built in the villages of Lohgarh Fidde, Nuhon

and Ghanauli. In response to a proposal put forward by us,

NABARD has sanctioned R five lakh for a vegetable market at

Ghanauli. Construction of the market is currently underway.

Skill and Entrepreneurship Development InstituteThe Government of India had launched a scheme for upgrading

the existing Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) under the public-

private-partnership approach, with an institute management

committee (IMC) formed for each ITI.

ACF chairs the IMC, Anandpur Sahib. As part of our contribution

to the initiative, we constructed new buildings, a hostel, staff

quarters and a canteen for the institution. We are closely

involved in admission procedures and in course design. In

addition to the existing ITI courses, we have introduced fashion

technology, computer operation and programme assistance,

diesel mechanics, electrical training, plumbing and painting.

At health awareness camps organised by us we disseminated

information on health, hygiene, diet, HIV/AIDS and related

issues to the students. The ITI is supported by a government

grant of R 2.50 crores for its activities.

Protecting the Girl Child: Programme Against Female FoeticideThe practice of sex selection is rampant across India, and

Punjab has one of the lowest sex ratios in the country. ACF

has been involved in a number of programmes against sex

selection. We reach out to students, families and community

members through awareness programmes, seminars and

competitions. This year, after four years of intervention on this

issue, ACF collected data on children between the ages of 0-6

years from 20 villages. From 2003 to 2006, the ratio was 884

girls per 1000 boys. The recent study has revealed that from

2007 to 2010 the ratio has risen to 946 girls per 1000 boys. This

is an encouraging trend, affirming that mind-sets are changing,

and misconceptions among families and communities are

melting away.

Status of sex ratio in 20 villages between 2003 - 2010

Female Male

00

400

600

800

1000

200

2003-06 2007-10

A message board to protect the girl child at village Bahadurpur, Ropar.

Punjab

53

Ambuja Manovikas KendraAMK is ACF’s centre for special education for mentally

challenged children at Ropar. The centre aims at improving

the quality of life of these children, and helping them to grow

into independent, capable citizens. Seventy students are

enrolled at the centre; they are supported by a team of trained

special educators, doctors, clinical psychologists, speech and

physiotherapists. Therapeutic services like speech therapy,

occupational therapy, hydrotherapy and physiotherapy help

them cope with their physical challenges and improve their

gross and fine motor skills. These services are also available to

the general public through an out-patient department.

AMK focuses on building capacities of children so that they

can be fully integrated into the mainstream. As part of their

rehabilitation programme, AMK students learn to make various

creative handicrafts like candles, pillow covers and jute bags.

One of AMK’s past student; Amritpal Singh now runs a grocery

shop. Gurucharan Singh, another ex-student, now works as a

volunteer in ACF’s agriculture development programme.

Students at AMK have always excelled at sports and cultural

activites. At the 13th Punjab State Special Olympic Games held in

November 2010, AMK students competed in various categories

with 400 other students from 33 special schools from all over

the state. AMK students topped the charts, winning 13 gold and

six silver medals; the badminton and football championships;

and the best male and best female athlete awards. AMK also

bagged the overall championship trophy and was adjudged the

best institution for sports for special children in Punjab for the

fifth consecutive year. Four AMK athletes have been included

in the Indian team for the Special Olympics, World Summer

Games, to be held in Athens in June 2011. They will take part in

basketball, badminton, cycling and athletics.

Sardar Gurnam Singh,

from Dakala village, loves

to tend to his cattle. But as

a marginal farmer, holding

1.5 acres of land, he and

his wife spend their entire

day labouring in the fields.

With no extra help, and

a tight schedule, feeding

and providing water for the

cattle at regular intervals

was hard. They were able

to provide water and fodder

for their cattle before going

and after returning from the

fields. This left the cattle

hungry and thirsty at times,

and affected their health and

milk-producing capacity.

Through interactions with

the ACF team, Sardar

Gurnam Singh understood

that a cattle feeding stall

would ease his troubles.

However, he wondered if

the investment would be too

high for a marginal farmer

like him. ACF was able to help

him prepare and estimate of

the investment required, and

convince him of the merits of

a cattle feeding stall. These

merits, he was convinced,

would be beneficial to him,

and his cattle.

Soon, a new feeding stall

was constructed, and the

animals veered towards it,

happily munching away at

the stocked fodder. With

fodder and water close at

hand, Gurnam Singh and

his wife no longer worried

about rushing back from the

fields just to feed the cattle.

Importantly, sustained

nutrition improved the health

of the animals, and the milk

yield increased from 9 to 11

litres. He is delighted with

the results of the stall so

far, and says, ‘My cattle are

enjoying the stalls so much

that now we cannot make

them drink any other way.’

The design of the stalls

needs to be adapted to

suit winter and summer

seasons. In winter, the cattle

require a stall with a shiny

surface, while they need the

reverse in summer. Gurnam

Singh has now decided to

renovate the stalls to suit

the climatic conditions of

Punjab. Building a cattle

feeding stall may have been

a small step, but it is one

that has reaped big benefits

for the farmer.

STRIDING TOWARDS CHANGE

54

Five AMK athletes were selected in the 12-member Punjab team,

led by AMK’s Shamsher Singh, at the National Championship of

Floor Hockey held at Shimla from 15-19 December, 2010. The

event was organised by Special Olympics Bharat, Himachal

Chapter, to select the Indian floor hockey team for the 2013

Special Olympics, World Winter Games. About 400 athletes

from 20 states participated in the event. The Punjab team won

the gold medal in their group. AMK athletes Pawandeep Singh

and Shamsher Singh did exceptionally well.

The Annual Sports’ Day held every year at AMK is a great

opportunity for the students to display their sporting talent to

their families, friends and well wishers. This year they also lifted

the overall championship trophy at Punjab’s first state level

cultural and skill competition for mentally challenged children.

A 10-day dance training programme by instructors from

Shiamak Davar’s Victory Art Foundation was a huge success.

The children as well the staff learned about dance, creativity and

physical and emotional coordination through body movements.

The positive feedback they received for their performance

during the Annual Day celebrations boosted their confidence.

The year 2010 marked the tenth year of AMK’s establishment.

A souvenir titled “10 years of AMK” was released on the

occasion of World Disability Day on 3 December, 2010, by the

DIG, Roopnagar.

Capacity building of our teachers and educators is an integral

part of our programme. AMK organised a two-day state level

coaches’ clinic where coaches were given theoretical and

practical training in coaching special children. Subjects like

selection of athletes, choice of events, training procedures,

grouping of athletes and other related topics formed part of the

training. AMK teachers were trained on modern rehabilitation

techniques and therapies during the year. Parents were updated

on the latest developments in medical science.

To enable these children to get a sense of acceptance by and

inclusion in society, 48 students & staff of Rayat International

School visited AMK to interact with them. The programme

commenced with an orientation session followed by classroom

visits in small groups. The visitors participated in activities like

painting diyas, making greeting cards and taking part in an early

intervention session with AMK students. The event inspired

AMK to start a new campaign called ‘The Making of Friends’,

through which our students form lasting bonds with students

from regular schools. To date, AMK has organised 11 workshops

with regular institutions and reached out to about 1000 students.

Parents of mentally challenged children often experience

negative reactions from society. To sensitise the community,

AMK has launched a series of campaigns called ‘Awareness

through Advocacy’ in the students’ neighbourhood. The

campaign included 11 events that reached out to 309 families

in the villages of 14 AMK students. These interactions have

brought about a better understanding of the challenges faced

by children and their parents, in the community.

A sponsorship scheme has been initiated for the adoption

of AMK students. So far, 35 students are fully supported by

donors. In 2010, AMK received special recognition from Rotary

International, Roopnagar, for outstanding service to society in

general and special children in particular.

Ramandeep Kaur is a star

athlete. At the 13th Punjab

State Special Olympics held

in November 2010, she won

the Best Female Athlete

Award. This multiple-gold

medal winner is now in

the team of sportspersons

representing India in

Special Olympics World

Summer Games in Athens

in 2011.

But there’s more to this

story. Ramandeep Kaur

is mentally challenged.

When she first came to

AMK, she had difficulties

in communicating, and

was dependent on others

for her day-to-day needs.

With training, and therapy,

she gained skills, and

confidence. But it was on

the sporting ground that she

really took off. And today she

is on the cusp of achieving

sporting glory in Athletics in

the international arena.

Harbindar Kumar,

Gurcharan Singh and

Ashish John are the

other stars of this special

AMK quartet. They are

each competing as part

of the Indian Badminton,

Cycling and Basketball

teams respectively for the

Special Olympics World

Summer Games, in 2011.

At the 13th Punjab State

Special Olympic Games

held in November 2010,

AMK students competed

in various categories with

400 other students from 33

special schools from all over

the state. AMK students

topped the charts, winning

13 gold and six silver

medals; AMK itself won the

‘Best Institution in Sports

in Punjab’ and the Overall

Punjab State Championship

Trophy for the fifth time in a

row!

At AMK, the team works

with special children by

providing them with therapy,

training and the opportunity

to get rehabilitated into

the mainstream. Under

their guidance, children

have discovered their

true potential. Many are

becoming economically

independent, supporting

their families and are

contributing to the society.

These successes have

not come overnight. The

journey from learning to

hold a spoon to winning

badminton tournaments or

being employed has not

been easy. Each day has

been a struggle, but it only

goes to demonstrate the

phenomenal courage of

these children to overcome

their limitations.

‘Disability’? At AMK, there

is only the ability to achieve.

THE FAB FOUR

Punjab

55

BathindaWater Resource ManagementVillage ponds are one of the key sources of water for people

and livestock. However, over time, with silt and garbage, ponds

lose their capacities to store water. ACF has been involved in

renovation of ponds in the villages of Sivian and Nahiyanwala

through community participation. The move has led to better

retention capacity of ponds; an increase in residual moisture;

and gradual rise of the groundwater level.

Agro-based LivelihoodExcessive use of chemical fertilizers has not only resulted in

depleted soil quality, but has also had an impact on the health

of the community. ACF organised 35 training programmes and

seven exposure visits and continued to build capacities of

farmers and sensitise them to the dangers of using chemical

fertilizers. Organic farming of wheat, paddy, cotton and vegetable

crops was also taken up in 300 acres of land this year.

We have been working with farmers on diversifying agricultural

practices. ACF supported farmers in four villages with 3450

saplings of horticulture and agro-farm forestry plants, thus

utilising waste land while enabling villagers to earn more income.

Biogas is a clean and environment friendly fuel option. At the

same time, its residue can be used as bio-manure, thus reaping

benefits for the farmer. ACF promoted the use of biogas by

providing the community with technical and economic support,

installing 50 biogas plants. A farmer constructs tunnel houses to protect plants at his farm in Bathinda

A flourishing organic farm at Bathinda

56

Farmers received support to grow vegetables during the off-

season through the use of low cost net houses. Five such

net houses were installed in the villages of Nahiyanwala and

Mehmma Suwai at a subsidised cost.

ACF also conducted cattle camps in collaboration with the

Animal Husbandry Department. More than 300 livestock

were treated at the camps held at Sivian, Behman Diwana,

Nahiyanwala and Buladewala villages.

EducationThe Ambuja Gyandeep Kendras are educational centres that

provide quality education to children with little or no access to

schooling. This year, we have been able to reach out to 190

under-privileged children from Oriya Basti, Hardev Nagar,

Lal Quarter and Jogi Nagar. The kendras are supervised by

the Basti Education Committee (BEC). This year 14 students

from the kendras appeared for the Class V Punjab Board

Examinations and seven students appeared for the Jawahar

Navodaya Vidyalaya.

ACF also supports anganwadis for children between the ages

of two and six. Apart from providing children with a safe learning

environment, anganwadis closely monitor them on various

health and development indicators. Regular health camps are

organised to monitor their height and weight, and issues of

personal hygiene are followed up with their families.

This year, ten school health camps reaching out to 180 children

were held at the Ambuja Gyandeep Kendras. Skin diseases,

cough, cold, water borne diseases and anaemia were commonly

found ailments. Children were provided with micronutrients

like calcium, vitamins and other medicines and their families

sensitised on aspects of child nutrition and hygiene.

Integrated Health ProgrammeOur programmes under health and sanitation are taken forward

at the village level by our sakhis. As part of their engagement

with children, sakhis organised 103 khelwadis for 6-14 year

olds and actively took part in immunisation drives at the village

level. The sakhis also organised 65 meetings with community

members to disseminate information about preventive and

curative measures. Sakhis helped create awareness on the

need for toilets and soak pits through regular sessions with

community groups. Villagers came together to construct low-cost

toilets and soak pits; 20 such units were constructed at Sivian

and Lal Quarter, initiating a shift towards cleanliness in these

villages. Members of village health and sanitation committees

participated in a training programme with sakhis, where topics

like micro planning, the expectations of the Health Department

and the role of the VHSCs were explored. It helped forge better

connections between the two groups to work towards better

health of the villages.

ACF has also established linkages with the Subsidiary Health

Centre and Community Health Centre at the village and district

level. We also organised general health camps and participated

in pulse polio drives to reach out to those with little access to

health care. This year ten camps were organised at Oriya Basti,

Jogi Nagar, Lal Quarter and Hardev Nagar in collaboration

with the District Health Department, Bathinda. More than 700

people attended these camps for diagnoses, treatment and

information on family planning.

Studies by the Punjab Health Department have revealed that

there are a high number of drug abusers in the state. Drugs like

opium and ganja are commonly used, and are either injected

or taken orally. During 2010-11 ACF carried out detoxification

Children during a Republic Day celebration at the school run by ACF at Oriya Basti in Bathinda

Punjab

57

of 205 drug abusers in the age group 18-45. We conducted

face-to-face meetings and followed them up with visits and

awareness programmes. Twenty one awareness programmes

including plays and skits on the prevention of illicit trafficking

and the harmful effects of drug use were held in different villages

with support from community based organisations.

International Day Against Illicit Trafficking was observed on 26

June at the Red Cross De-Addiction Centre in collaboration with

the District Health Department. Cultural programmes including

plays on the issue of drug addiction were presented to an

audience comprising youth club members and SHGs.

This year, ACF started a campaign through the use of games

like hockey, volleyball, kabaddi and cricket in collaboration

with the Punjab Police, to eradicate addiction from Bathinda

district. The process is firmly backed by the IG and DIG of the

district. Awareness programmes in colleges, senior secondary

schools and villages, treatment and counselling form part of the

campaign. Wall paintings on drug de-addiction and female

foeticide are helping to convey the message in almost all the

villages. In addition, ACF carries out campaigns against drug

addiction and female foeticide with school children. Sakhis

utilise various IEC material to spread the message about the

dangers drug abuse.

Women’s EmpowermentLack of access to funds to initiate small businesses prevents

many women from taking the leap. The role played by SHGs

to fill this gap is exemplary. This year, ACF helped establish

than 8 years. His addiction to certain drug

tablets drained his meager earnings. His wife

struggled alone, working hard to manage the

farm, the household and the education of

their two children. His own personality had

changed, with drugs taking a toll on his health

and outlook. Despite the extreme stress, the

family hoped and prayed that Sukhraj could be

cured of his addiction.

During a de-addiction campaign in Bathinda,

ACF came in contact with Sukhraj’s family and

learnt about his addiction. He agreed to give

the process of de-addiction a shot and began

participating in counselling sessions. The

entire programme consisted on motivational

counselling, detoxification treatment. The

withdrawal symptoms were hard to cope, but

his family lent a strong support. The physical aftereffects

were also medically taken care of. The addiction was

weaned away and regular counselling and follow-ups by

the ACF team ensured that he would not relapse into his

earlier pattern. Today, Sukhraj is free from the habit, and

leads a healthy life with his family. He is a role model for

many of his peer, inspiring others to take a step towards a

healthy and positive life.

THE I CAN WAY OF LIFE

35 SHGs with a total membership strength of 446. The groups

carry out inter-loaning for consumption as well as for productive

activities like agriculture and animal husbandry. Women are now

able to access loans from banks, sidestepping private money

lenders and their hefty interest rates. We are now focussing

on training SHG members on management, record keeping,

and developing linkages with banks. Training programmes on

livelihood generation have been organised in collaboration

with Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bathinda and Punjab Agriculture

University, Ludhiana.

Protecting the Girl Child: Programme against Female FoeticideACF has launched a concentrated effort against female foeticide

through campaigns, seminars and rallies to create awareness

about the declining sex ratio and its impact on society. ACF is

networking with government schools, village panchayats and

likeminded community based organizations to implement the

programme.

All our seminars have been organised at Panchayat Bhawan and

in government schools in different villages. Students have been

recognised as the most effective channel of communication

and are an integral part of our strategy to reach out to a wider

audience.

ACF has been using the traditonal artforms like giddha to reach

out to more and more people. The ‘Jaggo’ campaign has been

an effective tool, with women and other community members

coming out to raise awareness on the issue in full force.

Families face severe social, economical and psychological

trauma when a member of the family falls victim to substance

abuse. Poor families, women and young children are the

worst hit. Take the case of Sukhraj Singh, a thirty-year old

from Daansinghwala village in Bathinda. A farmer with a

small land holding, he had been addicted to drugs for more

Sukhraj at his family run flour-mill, today

58

Rajasthan

OverviewThe year 2010 marks the tenth year of our development

activities in Rajasthan. We work mainly with communities in and

around Rabriyawas (District Pali), Chirawa (District Jhunjhunu)

and Marwar-Mundwa (District Nagure).

Rajasthan continues to be one of the water-scarce states of

India with erratic rainfall, droughts and limited water resources

like perennial river basins. This has led to a high dependence

on ground water. It is further aggravated by the over-exploitation

of ground water resources which can be as high as 165% in

Jhunjhunu district impacting agriculture, allied livelihoods and

industry.

This has influenced the way ACF designs and implements

projects with various communities. Our key area of focus

in Rajasthan remains water resource management and its

adaptation in agro-based livelihood programmes. Traditional

forms of water conservation like khadins and bunds are

encouraged; ponds are de-silted and revived; and percolation

wells and dykes constructed to enrich the water table. Farmers

are now adopting better irrigation methods, low-water intensive

crops and drought-tolerant plants. These activities have spread

to more farm lands, and are steadily rejuvenating land and

water resources in the region.

Women’s empowerment is the key to battling poverty and

promoting health, education and holistic development. We

have been working closely with women’s SHGs to build their

capacities and skills; sensitising them on health and sanitation

issues; and encouraging them to undertake activities that make

them economically independent.

In Chirawa, ACF’s skill and entrepreneurship development

institute is creating avenues for employment among youth from

the region through its intensive, short term courses in various

technical trades. In Marwar-Mundwa, Ambuja Cements is in the

process of setting up a plant, impacting the lives of communities

in the region. Our engagement with the local people began

much before the actual process of land acquisition and

establishment of the plant. Children from project affected

families have undergone a two-month computer training

programme, while women have participated in advanced cutting

& tailoring programmes. Our other projects for PAPs include

integrated interventions in agriculture, horticulture and skill &

entrepreneurship development.

RabriyawasNatural Resources ManagementACF addresses the problem of scarcity of potable water in

villages around Rabriyawas by deepening ponds and wells. It is

a cost-effective solution, as it does not involve any construction.

This year, 22 ponds were deepened in 18 villages, increasing

their storage capacity by 7.31 mcft. In most cases, villagers have

contributed more than 60% of the costs.

Rajasthan

Underground and subsurface dykes are constructed in rivers to

increase the ground water level. With the construction of four such

dykes on the river Lilari, 80 wells in the villages of Kesherpura,

Patan, Rampura and Dayalpura are being recharged, benefitting

1850 farmers. ACF has also been constructing check dams

to retain monsoon water in the catchment areas. This year, a

check dam was constructed in village Ras, thus extending the

availability of water for at least 4-6 months.

One of the important water conservation methods of the region

is the khadin. A khadin or a dhora is a traditional structure built

to preserve surface runoff. It is constructed according to the

slope of the land, and allows for the sediments in the runoff to

settle on it, making the soil rich and fertile. Khadins are useful

for the cultivation of moisture-intensive crops. In addition, the

water stored in khadins can also be used for irrigation. In 2010,

ACF constructed four khadins in Rabriyawas, Amarpura and

Ballupura villages.

Bunds are also built according to the slope of the land, allowing

rain water to flow into the farms. Bunds increase water retention

within the soil, enhance its health and augment the water

table. This year close to 48000 cubic metres of bunds were

built around farms for 94 farmers in Balada, Rabriyawas and

Amarpura villages, with 75% contribution from the community.

A farm pond is a deep pit meant to store water. It has an inlet

to let water enter, and an outlet to lead the excess water out. It

helps recharge the groundwater and prevents soil erosion. It is

also an accessible source of water for irrigation for farmers and

facilitates drip irrigation systems. This year, ACF constructed

four farm ponds in 20 bighas of land belonging to farmers at

Amarpura, Ras, Balada and Rabriyawas villages. ACF also

continues to collect and test water samples from ponds, wells,

tube wells and dykes from villages to assess its suitability for

different purposes.

ACF addresses the problem of scarcity of potable water

in villages around Rabriyawas

59

As the region is prone to drought, ACF supplied 700 tankers of

water to the villages of Balada, Rabriyawas and Amarpura this

year.

Agro-based LivelihoodWater scarcity is one of the prime reasons for farmers’ poverty

in the region. Wadis or small orchards are being promoted

as means of sustainable income generation. Plants with low

drought-tolerance and low water requirements are used for

plantations. ACF supports farmers through supply of plants,

technical guidance and regular monitoring, while farmers

contribute their labour and part of the costs. This year ACF

promoted wadis across 50 acres in 14 villages, planting 5,600

saplings of indigenous trees like ber, amla, lemon, gunda, anar

and karonda, reaching out to small and marginal farmers.

Water conservation in agriculture is promoted through the use

of drip and sprinkler methods of irrigation. ACF installed drip

irrigation systems in 12 successful wadis supported by a 70%

subsidy under the National Horticulture Mission Scheme. ACF

also installed sprinkler irrigation systems in 15 villages, covering an

area of 67 hectares for seasonal crops. The project has received a

subsidy under the Government Micro Irrigation Scheme.

Vegetables, being short-duration crops, are suitable for mixed

farming and intercropping. These measures lead to higher

intensity of cropping and more profit per unit area. ACF

promoted vegetable cultivation on 115 acres belonging to 120

farmers from 15 villages around Rabriyawas through provision

of good quality seeds of low water-intensive crops, and regular

monitoring.

Farming in the region is also affected by the high fluoride content

in the soil. This year, ACF collected 156 soil samples and sent

them for chemical analysis to understand ways of rejuvenating

the soil for farming. Under the Department of Agriculture’s

Soil Reclamation Scheme, farmers were provided with 5,480

bags containing 50 kg of gypsum each. Regular application

of gypsum reduces the fertilizer requirement of the fields and

improves the quality of the soil.

ACF’s seed production programme was carried out with 89

farmers from 12 villages. Under the programme, the farmers

are linked with agencies like National Seeds Corporation,

Rajasthan State Seed Certifying Agency and Rajasthan State

Seeds Corporation. Under this linkage, farmers were provided

with seeds and expert inputs through field visits organised

by ACF. Seeds are then grown in a controlled environment,

checked and certified by the state agency. Farmers are thus

able to command premium prices for certified seeds.

ACF also conducted crop trials in 1,050 acres of land in

collaboration with state agencies and other private suppliers.

The objective was to compare different crops on the same

field and choose the most preferred variety based on the

farmer’s judgement. Participatory trials were taken up using

moong, bajra¸ guar and til during the kharif season and wheat,

mustard, cumin and fenugreek during the rabi season. The

good monsoons helped, with the yield being better than that in

normal years. Based on the trials, farmers have recommended

Farmers are now adopting better irrigation methods, along with low-water intensive crops to rejuvenate their land.

A farmer inspects his crops at a village near Rabriyawas

ACF is currently developing an organic demonstration farm for farmers

60

certain seeds for each crop. ACF plans to develop seed banks

containing the recommended seeds so that the farmers can use

their own seeds for the crops they have chosen.

The farmers in the project area were taken on several

exposure visits and given training on advanced agricultural and

horticultural practices. Trainings on topics like biogas plants

and azola production were conducted at the ACF Community

Training and Development Centre at Balada as well as on-field,

facilitated by progressive farmers and scientists.

ACF is currently developing an organic demonstration farm

to promote organic farming with improved technology and

upgraded techniques. Programmes held on the farm in 2010

included:

Demonstration of different varieties of fodder, medicinal and

herbal plants.

Demonstration of fruit and vegetable varieties suitable for

semi-arid areas.

Use of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems.

Trainings on production of vermi-compost and use of bio-

pesticides.

Dairy farming with improved cattle feeding technology.

Development of nurseries.

Roof rain water harvesting systems on the ACF building.

Animal health camps were conducted in 16 villages in

collaboration with the Government Veterinary Department,

carrying out treatment and vaccinations on more than 10,500

animals.

Artificial Insemination (AI) being a very cost-effective technique

for breed improvement, was made available to the farmers

through collaboration with India Gen, a unit of NDDB and the

Government of Rajasthan Animal Husbandry Department. This

year, 220 artificial inseminations were conducted. The animals

are also closely monitored with regular follow up checks for

better results.

ACF has developed improved varieties of various fodder crops

like rizka, bazri and kashmira jowar chari with 280 farmers in an

area of 450 acres. The farmers now get a good yield of green

fodder throughout the year. ACF also supported dairy farmers

in four villages through supply of 105 tonnes of green fodder for

their cattle.

At the request of the community, ACF has taken on the

responsibility of developing pasture lands. The land provided

by Balada and Rabriyawas gram panchayat is used to construct

loose stone check dams and contour trenches before planting

good quality fodder seeds. Our interventions prevent soil

erosion, increase moisture retention and fertility and recharge

the ground water table. This year, ACF developed 250 bighas of

pasture land at Balada and 50 bighas at Rabriyawas.

Six dairy farms have been started, while 155 units of cattle feed

cum drinking water systems have been promoted in 18 villages.

Dairy farmers have participated in a number of trainings, on

various aspects of dairy production to enhance quality milk

production. ACF has also promoted non-conventional sources

of energy through biogas plants in the region. The easy access

to fuel and use of smokeless chulhas has had a positive impact

on the lives of women.

Integrated Health ProgrammeACF’s sakhis are at the forefront of our integrated health

programme, reaching out to 27 villages in the region. This year,

our 27 sakhis supported 212 mobile dispensary visits and

conducted 418 khelwadis. Their routines include conducting

vaccination sessions; supporting institutional deliveries; and

registering pregnancies and child births. They also actively

participated in gram sabhas and community meetings to

advocate health and sanitation issues.

A mobile dispensary with qualified doctors and trained nurses

regularly visits villages to provide medical services. In 2010,

10589 patients from 17 villages were treated at the mobile

dispensary. ACF also conducted health camps including ANC/

PNC 13 villages, reaching out to more than 1200 patients,

overseen by government medical officers.

Twenty health awareness programmes dealing with issues

like safe drinking water, primary health care, sanitation, child

vaccinations and social subjects like child marriage, dowry and

female foeticide were conducted in different villages. VHSCs

were formed to increase community participation in health and

sanitation issues. ACF is the district nodal agency to conduct

trainings to all village health sanitation commitees in the district.

We organised 74 training sessions and trained 3188 individuals,

including members of PRIs, ANM’s, ASHAs and AWWs.

The mobile dispensary service at Rabriyawas

Rajasthan

61

HIV / AIDS Prevention ProgrammePeer educators are at the frontline of our HIV and AIDS

Prevention Programme in Rabriyawas. A 50-member team,

including 15 women, conducts face-to-face, group and

community meetings; counselling sessions and sensitization

programmes with migrant workers, truckers, cleaners, dhaba

owners and community members in areas around Ambuja

Cements’ plant. ACF also carries out a workplace intervention

programme, for employees at Transport Nagar, the mining area

and factory premises of the company. The programme includes

reaching out to employees and their families with relevant

information and programmes on HIV and AIDS on a regular

basis. Condom vending machines have also been installed

at various strategic locations to promote concept of safe-sex

among the staff and workers.

The HIV / AIDS Prevention Programme includes counselling

and screening for HIV, and supports positive people in their

treatment and rehabilitation. ACF runs the NACO authorized

ICTC centre at Rabriyawas through the Rajasthan State AIDS

Control Society. It’s the only centre in the region providing

counselling, testing and referral services. Positive people are

referred for ART and linked with the Pali Marwar Network of

Positive People (PNP+). ACF supports members of PNP+ with

regular trainings, and with experience sharing sessions with the

community.

Our efforts in creating awareness on HIV and AIDS issues

include reaching out to senior secondary school students

through Red Ribbon clubs. World AIDS Day is also observed

through theatre, songs, video screenings, and through an

information booth equipped with counsellors and various IEC

materials.

EducationVillage Knowledge Centres have been set up at Government

Senior Secondary School, Balada and Government Secondary

School, Rabriyawas, to provide all relevant information, including

career counselling to community groups under one roof.

Fifteen bal sansads have been formed in 13 schools to make

children grow into knowledgeable, aware and alert members of

the community. ACF also runs six balwadis in various villages

to provide primary education facilities to 245 children. ACF

collaborated with the ICDS department to ensure supply of

hot meals to the children. Following ACF’s proposal, ICDS also

sanctioned four balwadis to serve as mini area welfare centres.

Field trips enable teachers to expand students’ learning beyond the walls of the classroom. Students gain experiences that cannot be duplicated in class.

Ambuja School students during a visit to the Dayalpura Dam to understand water conservation

62

Rajaram Jat is a proud man

these days. Farmers around

Rabriyawas are queuing up

to check out his flourishing

field. Rajaram grows and

sells good quality seeds,

and the fact that his produce

gets more than 30% over

the normal market price

is a hotly discussed topic

here. As Rajaram puts it,

“In 2008, I received more

than a 1000 rupees per

quintal than what I’d get for

a normal crop. Since then,

profits have only risen.”

This prosperity has not

come about overnight. ACF

worked closely with farmers

beginning with participatory

trials in both kharif and rabi

seasons where farmers

assessed the seeds to

be used. By focusing on

profitable productivity,

ACF’s Seed Production

programme has been able

to bring in much needed

prosperity in the area.

ACF provides farmers with

Breeder and Foundation

seeds, while the Rajasthan

State Seed Corporation

(RSSC) provides the

technical inputs on raising

genetically pure seeds.

The state agency also

checks, certifies and buys

them back from farmers for

marketing and distribution,

eliminating middlemen or

unscrupulous buyers.

This is invaluable to farmers

like Dharmarakm Dhaka, of

village Balada, Jaitaran. As

a registered seed producer

under ACF’s programme,

Dharmarakm Dhaka has

dedicated 16 acres of his

land for this process. With

ACF’s support, the farmer

today has a flourishing

crop of green gram and

sesame, with profits

steadily flowing in. In the

last three years, the number

of farmers taking up seed

production has increased,

gradually changing the

economic situation of

the villages. Eventually,

farmers like Rajaram Jat

and Dharmarakm Dhaka

would be independent seed

producers – prosperous and

self-reliant.

SEED PRODUCTION: A GROWTH STORY

ACF conducted educational tours for school children to

help them understand concepts in history, conservation and

development. During the year, two educational tours were

organised for students to various historical places in the state.

ACF also supported building of school infrastructure through

provision of furniture, toilets, books and school uniforms.

Women’s EmpowermentACF supports 71 SHGs in the region, with 800 members and a

corpus of more than R 29 lakhs. This year, 50 SHGs availed of

bank loans close to R 31 lakhs to invest in the purchase of goats

and cows, sewing machines and agricultural requirements.

Training and exposure visits were conducted to motivate women

to take up income generating activities. ACF also facilitates

regular meetings between bank representatives, NABARD

officials and SHG members.

Training programmes conducted for women this year included:

NABARD supported training programme on detergent and

incense manufacture at Roopnagar and Garniya for SHG

members.

Training on issues like health, sanitation, agriculture, safe

drinking water, SHG formation and management, bank linkage

processes and grading of SHGs and credit rotation plans.

A training programme for 50 women organised in collaboration

with NABARD and MGB Gramin Bank, Jaitaran, on bank

linkages and income generation activities.

Infrastructure DevelopmentThe “Harit Rajasthan” project of the district administration is

keenly supported by ACF. This year, we have planted 636 plants

along 6 km of State Highway 31 from Balupura to Jaitaran. We

have also been involved in creating community assets like hand

pumps and bore wells to address issues of water storage in

villages. Roads have also been laid to improve connectivity.

ChirawaWater Resource ManagementGround water, the main source of irrigation and drinking water in

Chirawa, is tremendously exploited by people who have access

and control over it. The agricultural area in our project villages is

around 600 hectares, but more than 85 tube wells are in operation

for almost five hours every day, resulting in a drastic decline of

the ground water level every year. Each year, the tube wells

are deepened further to draw out even more water. The ground

water in some areas of Chirawa block is also contaminated

with fluoride. (Survey 2003, Department of Drinking Water

Supply, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India).

These circumstances make water conservation one of the most

pertinent issues in the region.

ACF’s interventions in Chirawa include judicious management

of the available irrigation and drinking water, de-silting and

deepening of ponds and conservation of rain water. We conduct

awareness campaigns to involve the community in planning and

management of resources. Attention is also given to developing

appropriate infrastructure to help the community conserve

water. Roof rain water harvesting structures are a sensible way

to harvest rain water in Rajasthan. They provide almost 8,000

litres of drinking water to under-served and un-served regions,

Rajasthan

63

sufficient for the year-round needs of a family of five. RRWHS

water is free from contamination of fluoride and dissolved solids.

This year, 25 structures were constructed with contributions

from the people. De-silting of ponds was carried out with the

help of the community. The dredged silt was used as land fill,

for making bricks or as part of tube well recharge structures. In

2010-11, about 34090 cubic metres of silt were excavated in the

project villages. The initiative helped to collect maximum rain

water in the ponds and increase their holding capacity.

In the hot and dry regions of Jhunjhunu district, the ground water

level lies below 250 feet. Since 2006-07, ACF has constructed 11

percolation wells in the project area, and it has been observed

that the water level has remained satisfactory up to a distance of

500 metres from the percolation well. This year, four wells have

been constructed in three villages. We also constructed 10000

cubic metres of farm bunds on farm land in seven villages to

help retain moisture of the soil and prevent soil erosion.

This year, ACF has initiated a programme to recharge ground

water with roof rain water. The rain water, collected in a silting

chamber, gradually percolates downwards through wells and

bore wells. ACF plans to construct five recharge demonstration

structures in the initial phase with participation from the

community. Water samples were collected from different

locations like ponds, tube wells and RRWHSs constructed

by ACF. The samples were sent for analysis to the district

laboratory of the Public Health Engineering Department. The

test results were discussed with the farmers at meetings and

training programmes. As a result, they are now more conscious

about the quality of the drinking water they use.

Agro-based LivelihoodDevelopment of wadis or small orchards is a project that helps

farmers increase their yield. Farmers have planted fruit trees

such as ber, belpatra, amla, anar and lemon, bringing them

additional income. Existing wadis were expanded and farmers

were supported with installation of drip irrigation systems with

help from the state Agriculture Department. These measures

have helped raise the crop survival rate to 58%. New seeds of

wheat and guar were planted in more than 45 acres. Vegetable

cultivation was also undertaken on 60 acres of land, with crops

like tomato, brinjal, cucumber and peas planted by farmers.

ACF conducted trainings with support from Krishi Vigyan

Kendra (KVK), Jhunjhunu, the State Agriculture Department

and Agriculture University, Bikaner. Three hundred and twenty

one farmers were given training on different technologies for

producing organic manure and bio-pesticides.

ACF has developed a two-acre demonstration plot where

farmers can observe the management of mixed orchards as

well as the use of drip irrigation and mini-sprinkler systems.

Animal husbandry is one of the core livelihood activities in

rural areas. ACF’s trainings help build capacities of people

in dairy farming, nutrition, primary care and treatment of

animals. We conducted 20 animal health camps in 13 villages

in collaboration with the Government Veterinary Department.

More than 2536 animals received treatment and 300 cattle were

artificially inseminated at the camps. The camps also included

training for farmers on preventive measures and methods for

improving milk production. ACF provided 18 livestock keepers

with seeds of bajari and rijka for green fodder. One hundred

Hanumanprasad’s lemon wadi at village Narhad

64

Babulal finished his 12th

standard exams, and was

soon lining up as a daily

wage labourer – same

as his father. Despite

dreams of doing something

different, poverty and

circumstances had left him

without the option to opt

for higher studies. But his

situation changed when

he heard about the short-

term vocational courses

provided at SEDI, Chirawa.

He enrolled in a course in

mobile phone repairing.

At the same time, he also

interned at a local phone

shop without any pay. The

experience was valuable.

Babulal passed the

course with flying colours.

Importantly, he recognized

the scope for a mobile-

repairing shop, and decided

to set one up. He teamed

with classmate Sandeep

Kumar, pooled in some

capital, and started a shop

in Chandgothi, in district

Churu. Today, the partners,

both ex-students of SEDI,

are running a successful

shop, earning close to

R 6000 per month. Their

families are proud that their

boys are running their own

business with handsome

earnings.

As for Babulal – he is very

much the role model and

mentor for other boys in his

village, demonstrating the

change is possible if one

believed in the spirit of “I

CAN”.

Enabling Employment

farmers were trained at KVK, Abusar, to make balanced cattle

feed comprising binola khal and mineral mixture, in their homes.

We also constructed 75 continuous cattle feed cum drinking

water systems.

Integrated Health ProgrammeACF’s Safe Motherhood Services programme involves building

awareness on issues related to maternal and child health.

National days like Safe Motherhood Day and Nutrition Week

were observed to draw attention to these issues. Health camps

and meetings with pregnant and lactating mothers, and training

programmes on anaemia, vaccinations, and ante-, post-

and neo-natal care were held to provide scientific inputs to

communities. As a result, people have begun demanding better

health care from the public health system. There is an increase

in the number of vaccinations administered and ANC checkups

conducted. Communities are also able to take informed

decisions, unfettered by myth and superstition.

Women’s Empowerment

Women’s SHGs are instrumental in battling poverty and

promoting health, education and holistic development among

communities. ACF has been working closely with SHG members

sensitising them to carry out preventive measures against

malnutrition among women and children; and encouraging

them to undertake activities that make them economically

independent. Nine SHGs have started inter-loaning and

linkages with banks and are now able to finance their day-to-

day requirements and start income generating activities. ACF

has been promoting the use of biogas in its project villages

to minimise dependence on wood. ACF promotes the use of

smokeless chulhas in the villages with 72 smokeless chulhas

constructed this year. It is a development that saves time,

and improves the quality of life for women through reduced

incidences of eye ailments.

Skill and Entrepreneurship Development InstituteACF carried out a baseline and a need assessment study

among 600 people in 26 villages around Chirawa to understand

the scope for a skill and entrepreneurship development

A training of SHG members at Chirawa

Rajasthan

65

institute. The study revealed the need to provide a platform for

unemployed youth to learn new technical skills. Interviews and

group discussions with entrepreneurs, faculty from technical

institutes, government officials and members of local industries,

and other key stake holders also helped ACF to evolve a list

of trades in demand in the industries around Chirawa. The

demand for short duration vocational courses in trades like

mobile phone repairing, AC/Fridge repairing, computers,

tailoring, spoken-English, masonry, electrical and beauty-skills

were in found to be in high demand. Accordingly, these courses

were started at SEDI in the year 2010-11. Three batches with

41 students including ten girls have been trained in various

courses. We have a placement of close to 60%, with students

being employed in their own business, or in various industrial

units in Chirawa and Jaipur.

Marwar MundwaWater Resource ManagementLike the rest of Rajasthan, the Marwar-Mundwa region reels

under the combined impact of scanty rainfall, declining ground

water level and recurrent drought, affecting lives and livelihoods.

The ground water has high fluoride content, giving rise to a high

incidence of skeletal and dental fluorosis in the population.

Traditional ponds and wells have accumulated silt over the

years, reducing their storage capacity and adversely affecting

the availability of drinking water.

This year, ACF continued enhancing water conservation

through de-silting of ponds in 15 rural communities, increasing

their water holding capacity. De-silting also enhances the

productivity of the land as the farmers use the dredged silt in

their farms. Two khadins are in the process of being completed

at Naradhana and Mundwa villages; while two new sites have

been identified at Mundwa and Inana.

ACF has also built eight farm ponds

in the villages of Pithhlav, Kharda,

Inana, Didiyakala and Mundwa.

Farmers visited Rabriyawas to

observe khadins, farm ponds and

bunds. Interactions with farmers

clarified their doubts on many

aspects of water conservation. More

than 3000 cubic metres of farm

bunds have been built around fields,

according to the slope of the land,

allowing rain water to flow through the

farms. Bunds are extremely effective

in harvesting rain water. A waste weir

at Mundwa is also being constructed

according to the slope of the land.

This year ACF constructed 46 water

storage tanks and 16 RRWHSs at

different locations in Marwar Mundwa.

ACF also took water samples from

ponds, tube wells and RRWHSs and

got them tested regularly for chemical

and bacteriological contamination.

This helped people make informed

choices about the suitability of water

from different sources, minimising

problems like fluorosis.

Agro-based LivelihoodACF’s seed production programme

supports farmers to grow quality

seeds in a controlled environment.

Farmers are linked with the RSSC,

Jodhpur, which then buys their seeds.

With a confirmed buyer in RSSC, seed growers have increased

their production of seeds like hybrid millet, kidney bean, guar

and sesame to over 402 acres of land.

This year, ACF promoted the establishment of wadis and

organised exposure visits to convince the farmers about their

usefulness. Twenty five wadis have been developed and are

being monitored regularly. The farmers were provided with

saplings of ber, pomegranate, lemon, papaya and sapodilla

to plant in their wadis. Irrigation systems like drip and micro

sprinklers have been installed, thus saving water and electricity.

In order to prevent unsold perishable produce from rotting, ACF

approached the Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur,

and introduced the concept of the ‘grameen fridge’. This low cost

A field visit by scientists from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra.

66

technology preserves farm vegetables for 3-4 days without any

loss in quality. During the year 14 grameen fridges were set up

in the region. This has reduced the pressure on farmers to sell

off perishable stock rapidly.

Cultivation of new varieties of crop with higher yields, better

quality, with resistance to pests and diseases has increased the

productivity of the farmers. In 2010, new crop varieties of guar,

wheat and isabgol along with medicinal plants were cultivated.

Vegetables like gourds, melons and beans were also cultivated.

These vegetables have fetched the farmers good earnings

through sale in the local markets.

The soil in the Marwar Mundwa region has high pH and salinity

levels affecting plant growth. To combat this problem, ACF has

promoted the application of gypsum in 600 acres of land. It

leads to a balanced soil structure, increases the water filtration

and storage capacity of the soil, and diminishes the extent of

water logging during the monsoons. It also reduces the need for

fertilizers and improves drought-tolerance among plants.

Farming in the region is often hampered by the imbalance in

the soil composition and excess fluoride in water. ACF sent 553

soil samples for analysis for micro nutrients and pH. Based on

the results, farmers were encouraged to use suitable irrigation

methods and increase the amount of micro nutrients, fertilizers

and gypsum in their fields. Farmers also participated in trainings

and exposure visits to learn more on issues like integrated pest

management, orchard management, seed production and crop

management.

Right: Training of formulation of homemade, balanced nutrient mixture at

Marwar Mundwa

Below: Health camp for the differently-abled, organised at Marwar Mundwa

Rajasthan

67

ACF has been conducting regular animal health camps in

collaboration with the District Veterinary Department as good

veterinary facilities are hard to come by in this region. This

year, eight animal health camps were organised, where almost

5000 animals were checked and treated. Artificial insemination

was also conducted by veterinary surgeons. Milk output of

livestock is affected by the kind of fodder provided to animals.

ACF has introduced innovative cattle feeding systems and

homemade balanced cattle feed. The cattle feeding system

allows animals to eat and drink at will, without having to depend

on the farmer’s presence. The balanced cattle feed ensures

better milk output. This year, 78 innovative cattle feeding

systems were constructed and 13 farmers were supported with

150 kg of homemade balanced cattle feed.

ACF also introduced silage technology to the farmers. Silage is

fodder that is stored without drying, and used to feed animals

during lean periods. It usually has a shelf life of two years. It

is produced through the controlled fermentation of a crop with

high moisture content. With its introduction, farmers can now

feed their animals even during drought years.

Several trainings and exposure visits were organised on

domestic treatment of animals, artificial insemination, silage

technology and homemade balanced cattle feed for 120 farmers.

Fodder demonstration plots of barley, sorghum and oats have

also been set up on 200 acres of farmers’ land.

Integrated Health ProgrammePoor hygiene and absence of a proper drainage system had led

to illnesses like malaria and chikungunya in the community. ACF

has helped install 75 soak pits in Soliyana and Inana villages to

eradicate these diseases and promote sanitation.

This year, five health camps were organised with the help of the

District Health Department, focussing on the elderly, children

and pregnant women. In addition, 11 HIV/AIDS awareness

camps and eight health awareness camps were organised

across villages. A health camp held for the physically challenged

reached out to more than 530 individuals from 40 villages.

Based on their need for immediate assistance, 237 people were

supported with tri-cycles, wheel chairs, callipers, walkers, sticks

and canes.

The smokeless chulhas introduced by ACF have been able to

bring in qualitative change in the women’s lives. These chulhas

have reduced the effort required for cooking; they consume less

fuel, and being smokeless, lower the chances of respiratory and

eye illnesses.

EducationACF views education as one of the main drivers of social and

economic growth. Ten bal sansads were set up this year. The

children attending these bal sansads are assigned individual

duties to help them mature into responsible citizens. A school

development and monitoring committee works in coordination

with the Village Education Committee and conducts regular

meetings with the villagers and teachers for development of

A health camp at Marwar Mundwa

Computer training for children from project affected families at Marwar Mundwa

68

Driven by a desire to earn

their own livelihood, women

from project affected

families approached ACF

for training support to

enhance their crafting

skills. ACF did feasibility

study to understand

the market potential for

handicrafts, and it was

clear that these women

had a viable business idea.

The women enthusiastically

teamed up as a self-help

group, named it as “Maa

Durga SHG”, and prepared

themselves for an intensive

60-day training programme.

Facilitated by a trainer from

Nagaur, the workshop

included daily sessions on

life-skills and basic literacy,

with inputs on leadership,

communication, and

decision making through

interactive sessions.

Women learnt skills of

weaving purses, wall

hangings, and other artistic

works, and soon had

enough items to display

and sell. With support from

NABARD, these artisans put

up a stall and display their

wares at the Handicrafts

Fair in Nagaur. But the

opportunity was a huge

challenge. These women

had never stepped out of

their villages before. And to

think they had to sell their

work in a fair – interacting,

talking, convincing and

selling! Not only did they

sell their products and

make a decent profit, but

they also received an

appreciation certificate and

a memento from the District

Industrial Centre, Nagaur,

for their efforts.

Today, this group of

artisans have been linked

to a marketing agency that

reaches the local markets

of Hyderabad, Pushkar,

Salasar, and Khatushyamji

Area. The group receives

a fixed labour cost for each

product, allowing each

woman to earn an average

of R 100 per day. They are

looking to meet the market

demand, and grow in their

business - and making a

difference in the process.

CRAFTING THEIR FUTURE

school related activities. A village knowledge centre has also

been established at Inana village to facilitate learning and give

students and community members access to the internet.

Women’s EmpowermentACF has made efforts to support SHGs in collaboration with

NABARD. ACF facilitated the setting up of stalls at a handicraft

fair organised by the District Industrial Centre, Nagaur, where

SHG members displayed handicrafts woven by them. The

Maa Durga SHG was awarded a memento and appreciation

certificate for displaying the best selling product at the fair.

ACF also established a marketing outlet at Mundwa to help the

SHGs sell the goods that they produced.

Infrastructure DevelopmentACF constructed two paver block roads in Mundwa to facilitate

transportation as well as prevent water-logging during the

rains. We also supported the ‘Harit Rajasthan’ programme by

providing cemented tree guards to protect the saplings planted

under the programme. The tree-guards were constructed by

mason trainees from PAP families, trained by ACF. The process

boosted their confidence and also helped them kick-start their

livelihood.

Rehabilitation of Project Affected People (PAP)PAP are those who have sold their land to Ambuja Cements for

the establishment of a plant. ACF works closely with this group

through various agro-based, and skill based livelihood projects,

and interventions in health and education.

Various skill-based training programmes and capacity building

activities are conducted for them throughout the year.

Rajasthan

Women trainees during the advanced cutting and tailoring training

programme

69

Capacity building measures have helped people access better employment opportunities and improve their standard of living.

This year, children from the project affected community

underwent a 2-month computer training programme in three

batches, while the mason training programme reached out to

young men. They received a stipend during the training, and a

tool kit at the end of it. Many of them have now been absorbed

in the booming construction industry.

Women from project affected families also participated in a

2-month advanced cutting and tailoring training programme.

These women are now receiving steady orders of work, like

stitching school uniforms or jewellery pouches for shops.

Women also participated in a 45-day training programme on

woven handicrafts. These capacity building measures have

helped people access better employment opportunities and

improve their standard of living. Exposure visits for farmers

to institutions like CAAZARI and fairs like the International

Agriculture Fair at Ganganagar have helped them learn about

organic farming and animal husbandry.

Left: The mason training programme held at Marwar Mundwa.

Below: SHG members from project affected families during an income

generation through handicrafts workshop

70

Skill and Entrepreneurship Development InstituteThe importance of small and micro enterprises in creation of

employment opportunities cannot be underestimated. It has

potential to change rural economies, and lives of individuals

and families.

With this objective in view, ACF, in collaboration with the

State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur established a Skill and

Entrepreneurship Development Institute in Jaitaran in 2006.

The SEDI trains and builds capacities of youth for self and

wage employment, through intensive, skill-based courses

involving 17 different trades. These include tailoring, beauty

parlour, computer assembling and maintenance, mobile phone

repairing, videography & editing, security guard, receptionist,

housekeeping among others.

Most of the students are school dropouts, or unemployed youth.

But by training them in trades, and equipping them with life

skills, SEDI has been able to bring in qualitative difference to

their lives.

The curriculum also includes life skills education, personality

development, basic computers and spoken English, adding

value to each course. Women and students from economically

and socially weaker sections of the society are given preference

for all courses.

To date, the institute has trained 1674, including 364 students

this year. It has been able to successfully place 81% of the

trainees with various organizations or has supported them for

self-employment.

Community mobilization has remained a vital part of SEDI’s

operation throughout the years. The involvement of panchayats,

village level institutions, Tehsil and District Officials apart

from general public has been instrumental in making SEDI’s

initiatives a success. The institute is also strongly supported by

government agencies like the Rajasthan Mission on Skill and

Livelihood and NABARD.

BEST FOOT FORWARD

For Usha Dewra, from Jaitaran, life after her 12th

standard exams had come to a standstill. Here

she was - young, outgoing, and ready to take up

challenges – but stumped by lack of skills and

employment options. When she heard about the

Receptionist / Front Desk Assistant training course

at the ACF run SEDI, she knew that this was a

never-to-be-missed opportunity. Brimming with

excitement, she applied for and got an admission

into the course. The course was intensive, provided

hands-on experience, and covered a range of

topics and skills including computers; verbal and

telephonic communication; and interacting with

people with professionalism and poise. The course

helped build her confidence, and she was able to

secure a job with a firm as soon as she finished her

training. Today she earns R 4500 per month, and a

key earning member of her family. Backed by the

skills training she received at SEDI, Usha now has

the self-belief to grow more in her chosen field.

Basti Ram sits in his bustling tailoring shop, head bent over

his machine, stitching pieces of fabric. Until a year ago, this

physically challenged man was struggling to earn a decent

livelihood. With no skills, and a 10th standard qualification,

employment was hard to come by. When he heard of

SEDI’s training programmes in Cutting and Tailoring, he

approached the institute for admission. The two-month

intensive course honed his skills, and inspired him to start

his own enterprise. He was supported by ACF and NABARD

to set up his shop at the main market in Jaitaran. Today he

earns an average income of R 6000 per month, and has

improved his standard of living considerably.

Independent, confident, and his own boss. Basti Ram

believes that nothing is impossible, and with his skills and

attitude he has proved his abilities beyond a doubt.

Usha Dewra in her new office at Jaitaran

STITCH BY STITCH

Rajasthan

71

RoorkeeOverviewTackling health and sanitation issues in communities around

the Ambuja Cements’ plant in Roorkee, have been a priority for

ACF. Combined with poor access to quality health, low literacy

and a high population density, an integrated health programme

was the need of the hour. Our work over the past few years

has been a response to this need. It has been strengthened

through partnerships and collaborations with the government of

Uttarakhand, and other institutions. ACF currently functions as

Mother NGO (MNGO), and the District ASHA Resource Centre

(DARC), for Haridwar.

We have also extended our work in Roorkee to the industrial

zone in Bhagwanpur block, reaching out to the large migrant

population of workers on issues of STI and HIV/AIDS. ACF runs

a Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Institute (SEDI) to

provide opportunities for wage employment or self employment

to rural youths from villages surrounding the Ambuja Cements’

plant. There have been placement opportunities for these youths

in the various industries in the Bhagwanpur Industrial Area. New

courses in computer hardware and networking, electronics and

conversational English have the potential to enhance livelihood

options for trained youth from the region.

Integrated Health ProgrammeACF’s activities in Roorkee extend to 16 villages of Bhagwanpur

block of Haridwar district, with focus on health and sanitation.

We work in close partnership with the Health and Family Welfare

Department of the Government of Uttarakhand.

As the MNGO, ACF supports four field level NGOs with regular

training and monitors their projects in 30 villages of Bhagwanpur

block. ACF is also responsible for training members of village

health and sanitation committees (VHSCs) across Haridwar

district. This year more than 1600 VHSCs and community

members underwent training for two days. Their training focused

on the roles and responsibilities of the committee, maintenance

of records and fund management.

As DARC, we provide training to all ASHAs to sensitise them on

issues of health and sanitation. These training programmes are

designed to build their capacities, bring in an attitudinal shift in

their approach, and address issues faced by them in the field.

More than 1185 ASHAs participated in training programmes

through the year, learning about issues like adolescent

reproductive and sexual health, HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, and

disabilities. Feedback from the communities have been positive

revealing that post-training, ASHAs are able to work in a more

participatory, effective and efficient manner.

Hedgewar Arogya Rath is a Government of Uttarakhand-funded

project, under which a mobile health clinic, instituted under the

National Rural Health Mission, delivers health care to 38 villages

in four blocks of the district. The project is implemented by ACF,

and aims to support the existing public health delivery system.

Uttarakhand

The mobile clinic is equipped with X-ray machines and other

equipment, and is managed by a six-person team including a

medical officer and ANM. To date, the clinic has reached out to

more than 20000 people.

ACF also works in partnership with the Uttarakhand Health &

Family Welfare Society on reproductive and child health issues

to improve the delivery of reproductive health care in the region.

Our work complements the government’s efforts in reaching out

to women and children with timely and quality health care.

The Composite Targeted Intervention Project (CTIP) is

implemented in partnership with the Uttarakhand State AIDS

Control Society, reaching out to more than 5000 male migrant

workers of Bhagwanpur Industrial Area. ACF interacts with

workers and disseminates information on safe-sex practices

and prevention of STIs, HIV and AIDS. Close collaboration

with ICTC-Roorkee has resulted in health camps that inform

and screen workers for HIV through blood tests. The project is

supported by 50 voluntary peer leaders who share and motivate

workers from nearby industries. With the support of the CTIP

team, they have been able to ensure that the majority of the

workers have undergone a blood test at an ICTC-run camp.

In its own areas of operation, ACF organises health camps

every fortnight. Special health camps were organised on

reproductive health for women, bringing in much-needed

services to them. Dental health camps, with focus on girls, were

also held in schools. ACF also conducted blood donation camps

in collaboration with the Indian Medical Association, through

which 38 units of blood were collected. The camp saw active

A low cost toilet constructed at Roorkee, under the sanitation programme

72

participation of staff from ACF and Ambuja Cements as well.

ACF’s integrated health programme in the villages is led by our

trained sakhis. Armed with a medical kit for basic diagnoses,

each sakhi reaches out to 200 families, and supports our

health efforts through participation in health camps, pulse

polio rounds, institutional deliveries, sanitation drives and in

running khelwadis. ACF also helped build 139 low-cost toilets

for families, to support the process of making villages open-

defecation free.

The National Polio Surveillance Project is a collaborative effort

of the Government of India and the World Health Organisation,

aiming to eradicate polio from India. ACF coordinated and

monitored the initiative at 90 polio booths in 27 high-risk

villages of Bhagwanpur block during the pulse polio rounds,

reaching out to more than 10000 children. ACF also supported

the Community Health Centre - Bhagwanpur, during Population

Week. Areas with little or no access to health services, with

minimal routine immunisations, were identified and vaccination

camps were organised for these communities.

Heavy rains lashed Uttarakhand during the month of August

and September 2010. Haridwar was among the badly affected

districts of the state due to flooding of the Ganga, and

overflowing of the Tehri Dam. With the state on high-alert,

ACF took immediate steps to provide relief in flood affected

areas. In Haridwar, the most affected area was Laksar and

Khanpur blocks where flood situation was grim. More than

65 villages suffered the effects of flooding, and thousands of

families were shifted to rescue camps. ACF helped source

food and other essentials to be distributed in the camps, and

ACF’s mobile dispensary was deployed to provide emergency

health services. The mobile dispensary with a team of doctors

and assistants, reached out to more than 650 families in the

villages of Mandawala, Joggawali, Dallawala and Chandrakali

Khurd in Khanpur. It also reached out to 5 villages of Laksar

with emergency medical relief.

Agro-based LivelihoodsThe soil in Haridwar district is light with a relatively high proportion

of sand. ACF promotes the use of vermi-compost in agriculture

as it helps improve the moisture-retaining capacity of the soil.

This year 52 vermi-compost pits were set up and farmers have

begun regularly utilising vermi-compost and decomposed cow

dung as fertilisers. The impact is felt as improved soil health is

leading to greater soil fertility and quality yields.

Regular training programmes were held on various topics like

good practices for kharif and rabi crops; vegetable production;

horticulture; and sugarcane cultivation. This year, our training

programmes focused on topics like integrated pest management;

nutrient management for different crops; organic farming; cattle

nutrition management; and the uses of bee-keeping.

The on-farm training sessions were followed up with classroom

training in the villages, with resource persons from Krishi Vigyan

Kendra, G. B. Pant Agriculture and Technology University,

State Agriculture Department, development professionals and

progressive farmers. The farmers got the opportunity to discuss

their problems with the experts. These farmers are now being

trained to be resource persons and motivate others in following

improved methods of agriculture.

Exposure visits to the Indian Agricultural Research Institute,

Pusa, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal and farms

provided opportunities to learn more about organic production

of crops and vegetables, horticulture, bee-keeping and animal

husbandry programmes. The visits have motivated farmers

to take up organic farming and animal husbandry suitable to

Haridwar district. Organic farming now covers 49 acres of land,

managed by 52 farmers. ACF is in the process of registering

these organic farms and has held meetings with the Organic

Commodity Board, the Uttarakhand State Certification Agency,

Dehradoon and the Control Union, Mumbai for certification.

SRI training for farmers included demonstrations on five acres

of land, set up in their fields. The yield of Basmati rice was found

to be 40% higher than that with the use of traditional farming

methods. ACF has now initiated a pilot study on ‘Sustainable

Sugarcane Initiative’ on a half acre plot of land.

Farmers’ clubs, SHGs and community members have been

involved in the kitchen garden programme promoted by ACF.

Close to 200 packets of high quality seeds of varieties of

tomatoes, cabbage, radish and other vegetables were sourced

from NAFED to be grown in these kitchen gardens.

After several meetings with the farmers, 15 kisan clubs have

been formed, out of which 12 have been registered with

NABARD. Members have attended workshops organised by

NABARD at the district level and five members were selected to

be trained as master trainers.

Cattle health camps were organised with the help of the Animal

Husbandry Department (AHD), Government of Uttarakhand. A

cattle insurance programme was initiated with the help of the

AHD. The programme helped provide farmers with a cushion

against the risks they faced due to livestock mortality during

the year. A field level training of farmers on organic paddy

Uttarakhand

73

With little or no access

to quality health care,

women and children from

communities around

Roorkee have been the

worst affected. ANC

checkups for pregnant

women would be erratic.

Because of the distance

to the PHC, women were

unable to access emergency

medical care for themselves

or their newborns. This gap

is actively sought to be

filled by ACF’s strong and

committed team of sakhis.

When Aamna, from

Sikendarpur, was pregnant,

sakhis Hasnuda and

Rukhsana Rao constantly

monitored her diet, ensured

timely ante-natal checkups,

and provided advice and

support. They also spoke

to Aamna’s family to

consider the hospital for

delivery. Unfortunately, the

family chose to ignore the

advice. On December 31,

Aamna went into labour,

and gradually her situation

worsened. The medical

centre was too far away, and

the village ASHA worker,

out of town.

Hasnuda and Rukhsana

took charge of the situation.

They quickly made the

requisite preparations for

a delivery, and followed

instructions received during

their training to the last

word. The two sakhis were

able to successfully deliver

a healthy baby boy, saving

the lives of both the mother

and the child.

Today Aamna is a happy

woman and her son Sakib

brings her immense joy.

Her husband Furkan and

the rest of the family are

delighted with the child, and

grateful to the two sakhis for

their timely help.

For Hasnuda and Rukhsana

the process of being a sakhi

has not been easy. They

have had to convince their

families, and respond to

questions from community

members. Learning basic

preventive and curative

medical care has been a

challenge. But today they

are confident of their skills,

and proud to have made

a difference. And they are

not alone! Sakhi Suman of

Sirchandi village has set an

example for other women

by deciding to stand for

village elections.

For these women, the first

step over the threshold has

been tough, but out in the

world, they have proved

their mettle.

BEYOND THE THRESHOLD

ACF has been encouraging artificial insemination of cattle to

improve breeds, in collaboration with the state government,

through various awareness programmes with cattle owners.

ACF also disseminates information about government schemes

and animal husbandry programmes to the community through

IEC materials during camps and exhibitions. The Honey Bee

Keeping Farmers’ Group has recently been registered under the

Cooperative Act. Fifty farmers, including 16 new members are

now part of this group.

Education ACF runs non-formal education and skill building centres in

seven villages, wherein 150 adolescent girls aged 12-18 are

enrolled. These centres help make the girls literate and hone

their skills in art and craft, embroidery, mehndi application,

cutting and tailoring. This year, ACF helped renovate a school to

prevent a reoccurrence of flooding, and also created a boundary

wall to minimise the risk. ACF also supported students with

school uniforms and playing equipment.

Women’s DevelopmentACF helped start 44 SHGs in Bhagwanpur, with a membership

of 524 women. The SHGs have a total corpus saving of more

than R 16 lakhs. Exposure visits were arranged to motivate

the women to take up income-generating activities and to

encourage them to interact with other SHGs. Some SHGs

have begun income-generation activities related to cosmetics,

jewellery, groceries, spices, agriculture and similar occupations.

The process is enhanced through close coordination between

the community, government agencies, NABARD and ACF.

A training programme on tailoring for SHG members of village Sayeedpur

74

Uttar Pradesh

OverviewDadri, in Uttar Pradesh is situated close to the National Capital

Region. The proximity to the capital and the presence of a large

number of industries has led to a demand for skilled workers.

ACF focuses on building capacities of unemployed youth in

Dadri, to open up employment opportunities for them through

its Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Institute. Our other

areas of focus in the region include health and sanitation, and

education interventions.

DadriIntegrated Health ProgrammeACF implements the integrated health programme in six villages

around Dadri. The programme includes a mobile dispensary

service, bringing medical care to villages through its weekly

service. In 2010, the mobile dispensary reached out to 3,367

patients through 260 visits.

Gynaecological camps were held at Khatana, Piyawali,

Bisahara and Dhoom-Manikpur villages, where patients

underwent examinations and treatment. ACF also conducted

21 health awareness camps and a blood donation camp, held

in collaboration with the Bharat Vikas Parishad, in which 402

units of blood were collected. ACF supported the pulse polio

campaign by mobilising the community, and organising a rally

with school children to promote polio immunisation.

As part of the sanitation programme, ACF promoted the

construction of 68 low-cost toilets to address the issue of open-

defecation. ACF has now begun the process of strengthening

existing village health systems like the ANM, ASHA, the health

centres, and the village health and sanitation committee through

trainings and capacity building.

EducationDadri has been a recent addition to ACF’s education

interventions. As part of our facilities-related interventions,

we customised the design of student furniture to align with

interactive learning methodologies in five schools. The mid-

day meal scheme is supported through provision of plates and

cutlery for students. Following an MoU signed with the District

Education Officer, Gautam Budh Nagar, infrastructure was

developed in four government schools in Badpura, Shahpur,

Bisahara and Piyawali. Renovation was also carried out in the

school at Kakret village.

Our Reading-for-Literacy programme has led to training and

provision of book-corners and libraries in 19 schools in order

to provide quality education. Provision of math kits in primary

schools is underway and will be complemented with trainings

on the use of the kits.

Uttar Pradesh

ACF believes in the inclusion of pre-schoolers in the process

of formal education. To this end, a drive towards capacity-

building and development of materials in anganwadis was

undertaken. Training programmes were held for government

school teachers, balmitras, anganwadi workers and block

resource coordinators in the areas of reading, pre-primary

learning, multi-level grading, language and library development.

The balmitras now document their practices and processes for

regular monitoring and review. They were sent on an exposure

visit to Sewa Mandir, Udaipur.

As part of an initiative to increase co-curricular activities to

add value to quality education, ACF provided equipment and

training for sports and music. This has resulted in an increase in

sports and cultural activities in schools. An innovative concept

called ‘building-as-learning-aid’ was introduced in 10 schools to

create a conducive teaching-learning environment. The walls of

10 schools were painted with educational murals.

ACF runs three village knowledge centres in Bisahara, Khatana

and Dhoom-Manikpur villages. Eighty eight students are enrolled

at these VKCs, and are getting trained in spoken English,

computer literacy and personality development. The centres are

well stocked with books, newspapers and magazines and boast

of internet connectivity, through which students are further able

to enhance their knowledge. During the year, 2650 saplings

were planted in eight acres of land. Of these, 650 plants were

part of a social forestry programme in village schools. A lecture

and drawing competition were organised in Khatana village

as part of World Environment Day. The entire community got

together to celebrate events like Teacher’s Day, International

Women’s Day, Republic Day and Independence Day.

Pulse-Polio programme at Dadri

75

and the Isha Safai group has now taken up embroidery as an

income generating activity.

Agro-based LivelihoodACF-Dadri conducted eight training programmes for 269

farmers in six villages around the ACL plant. The programmes

were organised in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)

and the Animal Husbandry Department. Emphasis was laid on

care of the land, particularly during the post-harvest season.

Farmers were encouraged to cultivate nurseries; adopt organic

farming; and focus on cost effectiveness and better productivity.

ACF promoted 98 kitchen gardens among SHG members and

provided them with seeds; they were also given training with the

help of KVK. Exposure visits were also conducted to village Tigri

in Hapur, Ghaziabad, to understand the benefits of floriculture.

Animal husbandry training camps were organised in six villages

in collaboration with the Animal Husbandry Department.

Training programmes on cattle health care were conducted in

collaboration with the Brooke Hospital for Animals, a Noida-

based NGO and the Animal Husbandry Department, Dadri.

Farmers were trained to handle cattle effectively, provide first

aid to distressed animals and educate the community about

animal care.

Rural Infrastructure Support ProgrammeACF supported the renovation of the baraat ghar and anganwadi

in Khatana, while a new baraat ghar was constructed at Deri

Skinner in Dhoom-Manikpur. At Bisahara village, ACF laid 200

metres of concrete road. Fifteen community hand pumps were

installed in six villages.

Skill and Entrepreneurship Development InstituteThe Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Institute at Dairy

Machha village in Dadri was established

in 2010. Seventy four students have so

far enrolled in courses like beautician

training, tailoring, customer care and

sales and mobile phone repair and

maintenance. The institute is located in

close proximity to Ghaziabad, Noida,

Greater Noida and Delhi, where the

trained students can access easy

employment opportunities.

Thirty trainees enrolled in the beautician

training course got an opportunity to

interact with customers, showcase

their skills and earn some money on

the occasion of karva chauth this year.

ACF organised a two-day programme

and divided the students into teams

to manage sales, reception, service-

provision and accounts. More than

80 customers availed of the students’

beauty parlour services, helping them to

generate an income of over R 5000.

Women’s EmpowermentACF supports 19 SHGs in six villages

involving around 200 women with a

corpus fund of more than R 6 lakhs.

Women were trained in embroidery,

Income generation through embroidery work conducted by SHG members

at village Shahpur, Dadri

Work-place Intervention Programme on HIV/AIDS at the Ambuja Cements plant at Dadri

76

West Bengal

OverviewMost rural communities in Sankrail, West Bengal, have been

employing traditional methods of farming for generations. There

was a need to increase access to new technologies, to improve

yields, conserve the ecosystem and offer substantial economic

returns. One of our key interventions has been the introduction

of the systematic rice intensification (SRI) programme. This type

of rice cultivation is ideally suited to the small land holdings

that characterise the region. Introduced in the villages of West

Bengal in 2008, the programme has found widespread favour

with the farmers due to lowered input costs and higher yields

and profits.

In West Bengal, we also work with rural communities of Farakka.

Our work with farming communities blends interventions like

mixed and multi-cropping, vegetable cultivation, aquaculture,

and integrated pest management. Our involvement has a strong

element of training for farmers in concepts like vermi-composting

and nutrient management. We have a strong integrated health

programme in West Bengal, with focus on HIV & AIDS, which

reaches out to the large workers’ population.

West Bengal

continues to build capacities of rural youth through courses

in computers, AC repair and mobile phone repair, with girls

comprising more than 33% of the students.

ACF continued its support of strengthening rural infrastructure

through projects in school-building, community centres,

Ashralaya (a home for destitutes), village pathways, community

toilets and sports grounds. One of our achievements this year was

the construction of an adibasi rural haat (market) in collaboration

with the Sihili village gram panchayat, to promote local

business.

FarakkaAgro-based LivelihoodOur outreach this year expanded from 14 to 20 villages, reaching

out to more than 24000 beneficiaries.

Training of farmers on best field practices has been a key area

of focus this year. Forty four training programmes were held for

about 1125 farmers, on topics like new and innovative farming

practices for kharif and rabi crops, vegetable production, soil

management, organic farming, integrated pest management

and SRI.

The number of farmers taking up SRI has increased; the

programme now covers 147.4 acres of land and is implemented

by 423 farmers from 20 villages. SRI yields 8-9 quintals in

contrast to 5-6 quintals per bigha produced by farmers

using traditional methods. This project is supported by

NABARD through its “Demonstration of

SRI Technology in Murshidabad District”

programme.

Farmers were trained on aspects of onion

cultivation prior to the rabi season. ACF

supported them with quality seeds and

technical support, and promoted the use

of organic fertilisers and vermi-compost.

This has reduced their reliance on

chemical fertilizers and stemmed soil

degradation. Currently 20 acres of land

are under onion cultivation, with plans to

expand in the next year.

Farmers had opportunities to interact with

scientists and learn new techniques during

the four exposure visits organised to the

Pulses and Oil Seed Research Station,

and farms under the Comprehensive Area

Development Cooperative, Government of

West Bengal.

Animal husbandry and aquaculture

programmes were emphasised in order

to promote integrated farming. Seven

vaccination camps were held with

the support of the Animal Husbandry

Department, where over 1700 cattle were

vaccinated.

ACF also conducted training for farmers in aquaculture and

its principles. They were trained in fish-rearing, netting, and

post-stocking management. Farmers contributed their labour

in clearing the ponds, and have begun implementing the

programme in nine ponds with satisfactory results.

We also conduct regular health camps for the community in

Farakka. This year we reached out to 5500 households. At the

same time, an ongoing campaign promotes building of low-

cost toilet blocks to eliminate the practice of open-defecation.

The ACF-run Skill & Entrepreneurship Development Institute

Health awareness programme at Farakka

77

Under the Horticulture Development Programme, 3,105 mango

trees were planted with 40% contribution from community

members. The survival rate has been 90%, and has benefitted

177 households.

Integrated Health ProgrammeVillages around Farakka suffer from inadequate health services,

with difficult access to the primary health centre. To address this

issue, ACF organises regular health camps and provides first

aid training with support from the Block Medical Health Officer,

Farakka and the Health Department. People’s participation in the

sanitation programme is bringing tangible changes in the health

scenario in villages. Through active participation of villagers, 150

low-cost toilet blocks were constructed across villages. Families

constructed the toilets at their own cost with technical support

from ACF personnel and are now motivating their neighbours to

follow their example. Families who constructed the toilets also

received a cash prize of R 2000 as an incentive. IEC tools like

wall-paintings on health and sanitation are created to motivate

people to create open-defecation free villages. Access to safe

drinking water is integral to good health, and ACF supported

the installation and repairs of 61 hand pumps in various villages.

This initiative has resulted in 600 families having better access

to safe drinking water.

Health Camps at Farakka, 2010-11 About 5500 households benefitted from the health

camps this year.

Twenty five community members including trained

birth attendants, SHG leaders and students received

first-aid training with technical support from St. John’s

Ambulance, Malda.

Awareness camps on maternal and child health, hygiene

and sanitation, HIV/AIDS and government health

schemes for women were held at regular intervals.

ACF was also actively involved in the government’s

pulse polio programme.

Sixteen eye-screening camps and three eye surgery

camps were organised in collaboration with Lion’s Club,

Farakka, at which 1718 patients from 42 villages were

checked. Two hundred and five patients also underwent

cataract surgery.

ACF collaborated with the Association of Voluntary Blood

Donors for a 3-day training programme. Blood donation

camps were also organised with local clubs and the Health

Department.

A great emphasis was placed on HIV/AIDS prevention

and awareness during the reporting year. Twelve

awareness camps were held in different locations like

the plant truck yard, villages and schools.

Farmers Field Day on SRI technology at Farakka

78

Education ACF’s Education Support Programme in Farakka focused on

non-formal education for drop-outs and non-school going

students in three villages of Bahadurpur gram panchayat. The

objective is to enhance their learning skills and enable them to

study in formal schools in the future. We introduced interactive

teaching and learning methods in the NFE, while engaging

village education committees and local schools. An important

strategy has been the strengthening of village education

committees. An empowered VEC is now ensuring the enrolment

and regular attendance of children in local schools.

ACF supported the renovation and maintenance of the

Ramnagar Primary School and the science laboratory at

Nayansukh LNSM High School in Beniagram gram panchayat.

Desks were also provided to students at Tildanga High School,

and the primary school at Kendua village.

Women’s EmpowermentSHGs are an important tool to mobilise and motivate women.

This year we strengthened our existing 17 SHGs through

training on entrepreneurship development. Nine of them were

linked with the SGSY Scheme and received a revolving fund.

ACF helped them to create a detailed livelihood plan involving

ways to start various agro- and non-farm activities for income.

This year, ACF helped start 13 new SHGs in the area. SHG

members were given basic training, and taken on exposure visits

to learn about different livelihood options. Some SHG members

underwent training in tailoring provided by ACF-SEDI, and were

subsequently supported to start their own businesses. SHG

women also expressed their interest in undertaking agriculture-

related activities and received support for gram cultivation.

Skill and Entrepreneurship Development InstituteACF had established a Skill and Entrepreneurship Development

Institute in Farakka in 2009 to train rural youth in technical skills

for good employment opportunities. This year, the number of

students has increased to 324 from 165. Courses include

computer hardware and maintenance, mason training, tailoring,

basic electrical & indoor wiring, AC repair and mobile phone

repair. Two courses i.e. computer hardware & electronics and

AC repair are recognised and financed by the West Bengal

Minorities Development and Finance Corporation Limited. The

selected candidates will receive a stipend to complete their

vocational courses.

Infrastructure Development Supporting rural infrastructure is integral to ACF’s work. Three

community centres with open-air stages were completed

at Raghunath, Chandipur and Battala villages. Local gram

panchayats collaborated in building a 1.5 km black top road

from Indira Bhavan to Nishindra village; a football ground for

tribal sports at Dhulipahari; and an adibasi rural haat (market)

at village Sihili. Eleven solar system units allotted by the West

Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency were installed

at important transit points in the villages of Sahebnagar, Kendua

& Chandipur along with two Primary Health Centres in Farakka

block.

The weekly haat, a

bazaar stocked with local

agricultural produce,

handicrafts and homemade

items, are an integral part

of the rural market system.

Haats support individual

entrepreneurship and yet is

collective in nature. But for

the 22 villages of Bahadurpur

gram panchayat, a visit

to the haat was a difficult

matter. Travelling to distant

haats were a drain on

people’s meagre resources.

Our interactions with

farmers revealed a high

demand for a rural haat. ACF

initiated discussions with

Block representatives, gram

panchayat members, and

local entrepreneurs. Issues

related to appropriate land

for the haat, maintenance,

list of producers, and

fees were discussed. In a

collaborative move, ACF

committed to construct the

haat, while the panchayat set

up a committee to monitor,

maintain and develop it. ACF

supported the construction

of borewell for safe drinking

water, built common sit-

outs and designed 64 stalls

taking into account the

nature of businesses. The

haat began to be held twice

a week and flowered into a

bustling market. The haat

now provides opportunity

for youth to initiate small

ventures. Take the case

of Intajul Haque of village

Ranipur. As an SRI farmer

associated with ACF, he had

demonstrated his willingness

for innovation and risk. He

used to vend cosmetics

in different villages to

supplement his income. But

the rural haat was just the

window of opportunity he

was looking for. On ACF’s

recommendation, Intajul

applied for a shop at the

haat. Over the past one year,

his small cosmetic shop has

diversified into household

utility items. He does a brisk

business at the haat, and

has a loyal customer base,

charmed by his amicable

and humorous nature. Intajul

now has a steady source

of income, apart from his

agricultural earnings.

The haat has been

instrumental in changing

the face of the economy in

the region. But youths like

Intajul are able to create

lasting changes to their

lives and their enterprises

are rejuvenating local

economies.

ENERGISING VILLAGE ECONOMIES

West Bengal

79

SankrailOur outreach this year expanded to reach out to 32 villages in

Sankrail, benefitting 27000 people. Our focus is on agro based

livelihood; non-farm skill based livelihood; and infrastructure

for community and health initiatives especially on HIV/AIDS

prevention, polio and curative health.

Agro-based LivelihoodAgriculture forms the backbone of the livelihood of about half

the population living in villages around Sankrail. The average

household sustains itself with the produce from a mere half

acre of land, with the yield enough to last for a maximum of

six months. Our programmes have taken cognisance of food

security and have tried to address all components of sustainable

farming.

SRI is a boon for small and marginal farmers as it reduces input

costs drastically. The cost of seeds is reduced by more than

70%; that of fertilizers by 30%. The process is also less water-

intensive. Moreover, the yield is enhanced by more than 40%

over the traditional method of transplanting rice. The positive

outcome of SRI cultivation is motivating more farmers to take

up this method of rice farming.

This year 405 farmers implemented SRI on 137 acres of land

during the kharif season, with part of the programme being

supported by NABARD. During the summer, known locally

as the boro season, 286 acres came under SRI cultivation

through the efforts of 700 farmers. Poor quality seeds result in

low germination, affecting the overall output. Under a new ACF

initiative, farmers are being trained to control the availability,

distribution and cost of good quality seeds. We hope to see

germination rates of over 90% with this approach.

Yields can also be increased by integrating soil

management techniques. Vermi-composting can

minimise the acidity of the soil and maximise

its productivity. By converting rural and urban

wastes into good quality manure, the process not

only reduces waste, but also improves the quality

of the soil, enhancing overall crop productivity.

Seventeen vermi-compost pits were set up, with

farmers contributing up to 50% of the costs.

Farmers also received training on kit installation

and management of pits. Farmers have also

taken up vermi-composting as an enterprise, and

are getting an income from their efforts.

ACF collaborated with Krishi Vigyan Kendra and

the Soil Science Department of BCKV Agricultural

University to conduct tests on the soil and its

nutrient content from farms using the SRI method

of cultivation. ACF also supported the training of

six farmers and provided them with soil testing

kits. We plan to extend the tests to include micro-

nutrients next year.

Integrated pest management and training on

organic farming was also introduced with technical

assistance from BCKV Agricultural University. The

process included live field demonstrations as well

as video presentations on pest management. The farmers have

benefitted in huge numbers and it is now being observed that

the incidence of pests and diseases has reduced considerably.

Four farmers’ clubs have been formed in our project areas and

are in the process of being registered. They have bank accounts

with regular savings, and discussions are on with NABARD to

strengthen them to take on the role of facilitators for production,

grading, costing, packaging and transport. Once the clubs

become a sustainable and strong institution, they will enable

their members to enhance their financial margins.

ACF has introduced mechanised weeding and sowing in some

areas of SRI cultivation. By using low cost agricultural tools

like Cono-Weeder, Grubber and Marker, farmers have been

able to overcome the usual shortage of labour seen during the

peak season. Additionally, the weeders can aerate the field,

promoting proper root growth. This process saves time as well

as labour and is seen to increase yield efficiency.

Capacity building of farmers has always been integral to our

projects. Training programmes, IEC material, exposure visits

to premier institutions like Comprehensive Area Development

Cooperative (CADC) in Nadia and Matigara and interactive

workshops, all proved effective in creating awareness about the

new developments in agriculture. The farmers were trained in

their own fields, in classrooms and on government farms.

Under our animal husbandry programme, five veterinary camps

were held with technical support from the Livestock Department,

Government of West Bengal. Close to 800 livestock, belonging

to 211 farmers received vaccinations and treatment for various

diseases.

Aquaculture projects were implemented in 41 ponds across

the location. Farmers were given training on fish rearing

techniques, with focus on varieties like rohu, catla and mrigal.

With increased yields, many farmers are now taking up fish

Farmers are now taking up vermi-composting as an enterprise,

bringing in an additional income

80

rearing as the main or an alternative source of livelihood. The

process has been participatory, with contributions from farmers

towards fingerlings, treatment of water and feed management.

Vegetable cultivation in the rabi and kharif seasons was carried

out on 36 acres of land, involving 146 farmers. The farmers

were trained on use of improved and hybrid seeds, IPM, seed

management and treatment; and good agricultural practices

like conservation of soil moisture through mulching.

Integrated Health ProgrammeOur health intervention in Sankrail focuses on creating access to

health information and services for the large trucker population.

We work in collaboration with Apollo Tyres Foundation and the

West Bengal State AIDS Prevention & Control Society to inform

and educate high-risk groups on issues related to HIV and AIDS.

We run a Health Care centre, and its activities counselling,

diagnosis and treatment of STI and condom promotion. The

programme is enhanced through our regular STI clinics held in

various locations that help screen, diagnose and treat patients

of STIs; close to 300 clinics were held in 2010-11. This year

we reached out to 2642 patients, among whom close to 800

patients were diagnosed with STI, HIV or TB. Condoms are also

distributed on a wide scale to various high-risk groups.

ACF also has a strong workplace intervention programme

in place at Sankrail for employees of Ambuja Cements Ltd.

with regular awareness and sensitization programmes for

employees and their families. Events held during the World

AIDS Week enable us to reach out to a larger audience through

sustained campaigns, street theatre, magic shows, puppet

shows, quiz competitions and video screenings. The kiosk put

up at the Dhulagori and Alampur crossing helped disseminate

information on HIV and AIDS through posters, leaflets and

booklets. Mashal rallies from Alampur to Dhulagori and Sankrail

railway station saw participation from more than 600 people

from all walks of life.

Health and gynaecological camps were held through the year,

reaching out to communities around the Ambuja Cements plant.

ACF also conducted 22 paediatric health camps reaching out

to over 600 children below the age of 12. Five eye check-up

and cataract screening camps were organised over the year in

collaboration with M. P. Birla Eye Clinic, Kolkata. After the initial

screening at the camp, patients identified with cataract were

taken for operation to the facility at Kolkata. The camps reached

out to over 350 patients, and included 83 cataract operations.

ACF continued to partner with the government in its pulse

polio campaign in the adjoining villages and at Howrah

Station. Nine campaigns were held through the year to reach

out to over 7500 children. Our polio-eradication initiatives

have been acknowledged by the district authority both at the

block and district level. ACF also supported six blood donation

camps organised by various youth clubs, and helped promote

information on blood donation and its role for patients with

thalassemia and other blood-related diseases.

EducationNaba Diganta, the non-formal school set up by ACF three years

ago, continues to provide pre-school education to children from

the slums adjacent to Sankrail Railway Station. Out of the 121

children enrolled, 83 have been mainstreamed into the formal

education system. Encouraged by community participation

and need, a new informal education centre has been set up at

Maheshgote with 28 students.

Two education centres were established by ACF this year,

taking the total to 10. The centres cater mainly to ACF’s SHG

members. Over 180 women attend literacy classes and learn

book keeping skills. The resource persons are SHG members

who have been trained by the State Resource Centre for Adult

Education, West Bengal.

Book banks are a pilot project introduced this year. SHGs stock

books for students from standards VI to IX and issue them to

needy students for a year. SHG members have been trained in

ways to maintain accurate records by the ACF team.

ACF supported a few students from lower socio-economic

backgrounds to continue their higher studies. Local schools and

the panchayat helped shortlist the students, who were provided

books and other educational material.

ACF also helped 20 schools to carry out renovations, white

wash their premises, set up new classrooms, improve seating

arrangements, install drinking water facilities and develop

playgrounds for students.

Capacity Building of Rural YouthACF’s training centre runs courses on computer basics,

computer hardware and mobile phone maintenance and repair

with ‘Personality Development and Spoken English’ introduced

this year at the students’ request. To meet the demand, we have

increased the number of batches and student intake. Currently

we have 262 students enrolled in various courses with girls

comprising more than 33% of the total student strength. Seventy

percent of the trained candidates are gainfully employed. In the

coming year we propose to start a SEDI with courses on retail

and housekeeping.

ACF provides infrastucture support to local schools to facilitate learning

West Bengal

81

The Red Ribbon Express is part of the national campaign to address the issue of HIV and AIDS in the country. Launched in

2007, the Red Ribbon Express is a train that travels across the nation, reaching out to villages and cities with information on

HIV and AIDS and safe sex practices. The train stops are various stations, providing counselling and treatment services, while

disseminating information through street plays, interactive sessions and exhibitions.

In 2010, the Red Ribbon Express was scheduled to be in West Bengal for close to three weeks. As partners of the West Bengal

State AIDS Control Society, ACF was

invited to be part of the team organizing

various events around the visit. ACF

had the responsibility of planning

and implementing various activities

in Howrah district. In the run-up to the

big day, a mobile bus moved around

the district informing people of the Red

Ribbon Express. Community members

were invited to be at Howrah station to

access information and services related

to STIs, HIV and AIDS.

The Red Ribbon Express was greeted

by a huge crowd at the Howrah station

who viewed the exhibits and interacted

with peer educators and counsellors

at various kiosks. ACF had set up an

information kiosk, and its large team

included volunteers, doctors, lab

technicians and counsellors to support

the programme. The Red Ribbon

Express and allied events were able

to make a huge splash and reach out

to a large population with relevant

information and services.

RED RIBBON EXPRESS

Women’s EmpowermentThis year, 29 new SHGs were formed, bringing the total to 64,

with 686 members and a corpus of over R 10 lakhs. Exposure

visits were organised to SHGs at Kolaghat and Shantiniketan.

Members also visited fairs organised by other SHGs, to

gain exposure on entrepreneurial opportunities and learn

organisational management and marketing strategies. Regular

trainings have been conducted on financial management, and

networking with other institutions.

Three SHG groups were trained on different skills in mushroom

production including marketing skills to increase their local

sales, as well as to reach out to markets in Kolkata.

Aquaculture is being promoted among SHGs as well. Six

SHGs were trained in scientific methods and on ornamental

fish farming. Three SHG groups are doing aquaculture in four

ponds and one group is planning to take up ornamental fishing

on a large scale with support from the government. The three

SHGs are now harvesting fish in their ponds and generating

profit. Skills in pickle-making have been converted into a viable

enterprise by a number of SHGs. The demand for vegetable

pickles is high in their own localities, local fairs and also within

the Ambuja Cements plant.

Infrastructure DevelopmentCommunities in the villages of Maheshgote, Kendua and

Dhulagarh-East lack access to safe drinking water. In addition,

the women have to travel long distances to fetch drinking water.

This situation has eased with the installation of six tube wells

by ACF. In Kamdevpur village there was no access to roads;

with our help 300 metres of village pathway ware constructed,

bringing relief to more than 70 households.

Scarcity of land had led communities to continue the practice

of open-defecation. ACF introduced the concept of community

toilets and held awareness drives. A voluntary team has been

formed to manage the community toilets and the villagers pay

a fixed monthly charge for their maintenance. This initiative has

made a difference, especially for women and young girls.

With the introduction of community toilets, the practice of open defecation has been stemmed, making a difference to women and girls.

Funds and Resources

Energise

Involve

and Enable

Communities

to Realise

their Potential

84

Funds and ResourcesACF’s extensive work with communities across the country is

possible because of the strong support provided by Ambuja

Cements Ltd., and our numerous donors and partners. ACF

has a well defined budget process, and we follow a ‘bottoms-

up’ approach. At all locations, teams conduct participatory

appraisals of existing projects, and plan for forthcoming

programmes through in-depth discussions with community and

other stakeholders, including government and non-government

organizations in the region.

Once compiled and moderated, the budget is approved by the

Members of the Board of both ACF and Ambuja Cements Ltd.,

since they are our principal funders. We account for a growth of

20-25% in the budget every year.

ACF receives funds from Ambuja Cements Ltd., as well as from

government and non-government partnerships and through

direct funding from communities for all its development activities.

Participatory processes also bring in non-financial contributions

from the communities we work with. All our accounts are audited

by external auditors. We also have a written policy and specific

guidelines governing our accounting systems.

Funds and Resources

Sources of Funds for ACF Activities Total R 4825.32 Lakhs

Donor Agencies, R 171.19 Lakhs4%

Direct Funding to CommunitiesR 409.52 Lakhs8%

ACLR 3039.72 Lakhs 63%

People’s ContributionR 708.58 Lakhs15%

Govt. FundsR 496.30 Lakhs 10%

Activity wise Expenditure Total R 4825.32 Lakhs

Capital Expenditure, R 108.44 Lakhs 2.25%

Rural Infrastructure, R 724 Lakhs15%

Natural Resource Management, R 1146.86 Lakhs 23.77%

Agro-based Livelihood, R 1013.56 Lakhs 21.01%

Human Development,R 118.22 Lakhs24.62%

Co-ordination & Administration, R 644.24 Lakhs 13.35%

85

AUDITORS’ REPORT

TO THE MEMBERS OF

AMBUJA CEMENT FOUNDATION

1. We have audited the Balance Sheet of M/s. Ambuja Cement Foundation as at 31st March, 2011 and the Income and

Expenditure Account for the year ended on the same date annexed thereto. These financial statements are the responsibility

of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

2. We have conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in India. These standards require

that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material

misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis evidence supporting the amounts and disclosure in the financial

statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management,

as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for

our opinion.

3. Since the Company is licenced under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956, Paragraphs 4 and 5 of the Companies

(Auditor’s Report) Order, 2003, as amended by the Companies (Auditors Report) (Amendment) Order, 2004 issued by the

Central Government in terms of Section 227 (4A) of the Companies Act, 1956 are not applicable to the Company.

4. We have obtained all the information and explanations which to the best of our knowledge and belief were necessary for the

purpose of our audit.

5. In our opinion, proper books of accounts as required by law have been kept by the Company so far as appears from our

examination of the books.

6. The Balance Sheet and the Income and Expenditure Account referred to in this report are in agreement with the books of

account.

7. In our opinion, the Company has complied with accounting standards as referred to in Section 211 (3C) of the Companies Act,

1956.

8. In our opinion and to the best of our information and according to the explanations given to us, the said Balance Sheet and

the Income and Expenditure Account read together with the Notes in Schedule – G particularly note no. 3 relating to unspent

amounts of grants been taken as income for the year, given the information as required by the Companies Act, 1956 in the

manner so required and gives a true and fair view :-

i) in the case of the Balance Sheet, of the state of the affairs of the Company as at 31st March, 2011 and

ii) in the case of Income and Expenditure Account of the deficit of the Company for the year ended 31st March, 2011.

For Chaturvedi & Company

Chartered Accountants

Firm Registration No. 302137E

NILIMA JOSHI

Place : Kolkata Partner

Date : 25th day of May 2011 Membership No. 52122

86

Audited Financial Statements (Abstract)

Balance Sheet As At 31 March, 2011As at

1.03.2011

As at

31.03.2010

R R

SOURCES OF FUNDS

CORPUS FUND - -

Opening Balance 74,865,901 104,329,128

Add: Donation Received from Ambuja Cements Ltd. 271,000,000 200,000,000

345,865,901 304,329,128

Less: Deficit transferred from

Income & Expenditure Account 261,505,510 229,463,227

Corpus Fund 84,360,391 74,865,901

Project Funds 12,578,085 6,294,831

96,938,476 81,160,732

APPLICATION OF FUNDS

Fixed Assets

Gross Block 39,645,514 29,597,403

Less: Depreciation 8,742,922 6,305,574

Net Block 30,902,592 23,291,829

Capital Work-in-Progress - 665,370

Current Assets, Loans & Advances

a) General Stores (at Cost) 3,998,634 8,637,562

b) Cash & Bank Balances 58,048,172 51,117,546

c) Advances 21,419,213 20,761,461

83,466,019 80,516,569

Less: Current Liabilities & Provisions 17,430,135 23,313,036

Net Current Assets 66,035,884 57,203,533

96,938,476 81,160,732

FOR CHATURVEDI & COMPANY

Chartered Accountants Sd/-

Firm Registration No. : 302137E V. K. JAIN

Committee Member

Sd/-

NILIMA JOSHI

Partner Sd/-

Membership No. 52122 PEARL TIWARI

KOLKATA, the 25th day of May 2011. Committee Member

Funds and Resources

87

Income & Expenditure Account For

The Year Ended 31 March, 2011 For the year

ended For the year

ended

31.03.2011 31.03.2010

R R

INCOME

Funds from Govt. Agencies 22,921,606 36,379,433

(TDS R 5,26,225/- Previous year R 6,63,748/-)

Grants Received 787,229 151,020

Interest Received 2,562,479 2,207,184

(Gross, TDS R 60,065/- Previous year R 42,948/-)

Subscription Received 1,200 1,320

Sundry balances w/off - 1,573,587

Miscellaneous Income 337,120 1,137,259

Candle & Cards 77,034 61,060

Profit on sale of Assets (Net) - 43,629

Donation Received 4,935,260 13,614,281

31,621,928 55,168,773

EXPENDITURE

Community Welfare Expenses 66,231,139 68,674,824

Water Resource Development 68,224,434 93,136,367

Educational Expenses 29,852,910 18,116,082

Administrative & Other Expenses 64,557,934 55,334,649

Charities & Donations 209,700 251,100

Integrated Rural Development Expenses 21,811,758 17,793,292

Medical Aid & Other Medical Expenses 14,027,172 11,796,209

Vocational Training Expenses 18,621,779 9,123,684

Cattle Camp / Animal Husbandry Expenses 4,727,281 3,257,270

Krishi Vikas Kendra Expenses 1,494,590 1,512,393

Kharas Vistarotan Yojana 165,763 3,442,533

Depreciation 2,919,003 2,193,597

Sundry balances w/off 142,813 -

Loss on sale of Assets (Net) 141,162 -

293,127,438 284,632,000

Deficit Carried to Corpus Fund (261,505,510) (229,463,227)

FOR CHATURVEDI & COMPANY

Chartered Accountants Sd/-

Firm Registration No.: 302137E V. K. JAIN

Committee Member

Sd/-

NILIMA JOSHI

Partner Sd/-

Membership No. 52122 PEARL TIWARI

KOLKATA, the 25th day of May 2011. Committee Member

88

Expenditure Data by States and Main Activities 2010–11Sr. No.

Programme Funds from ACF Resources

*Funds received through

Government

** Funds from other Donors

/ Donor Agencies

***People’s Contribution

****Direct Funding to

Communities

Total

ANDHRA PRADESH - NADIKUDI

1 Water Resource Management & Drinking Water Projects

1198344 769000 1967344

2 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)

1041139 3000 1044139

a. Wadi Project – 2035282 33000 2068282

3 Animal Husbandry Programme 76523 19000 95523

4 Health & Sanitation Programme 221093 221093

5 Education Development 31091 31091

6 Women / Youth Development 38595 2000 40595

7 Integrated Community Development Programme 137969 137969

8 Donation Paid 135000 135000

9 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 1071673 1071673

10 Capital Expenditure 1488 1488

TOTAL 3952915 2035282 – 826000 – 6814197

CHHATTISGARH - BHATAPARA

1 Water Resource Management & Drinking Water Projects

6855842 314894 25000 41711 7237447

2 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)

773607 2027220 2800827

a. Wadi Project 764000 764000

3 Animal Husbandry Programme 240471 10200 10976 261647

4 Non-Conventional Energy 128802 99000 40500 268302

5 Health & Sanitation Programme 1362161 47700 80400 137114 1627375

6 Education Development 1386357 62905 1449262

7 Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Programme 808969 34350 843319

8 Women / Youth Development 97536 97536

9 Integrated Community Development Programme 2578083 175000 2753083

10 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 2976372 2976372

11 Capital Expenditure 1534135 1534135

TOTAL 19506335 471794 280400 2354776 – 22613305

GUJARAT - AMBUJA NAGAR –

1 Water Resource Mangement & Drinking Water Projects

30450370 2383050 354000 3405200 12232719 48825339

a. Watershed Development & Management (Hariyali)

b. Construction of Checkdam

c. Drinking Water Programme / Salinity Prevention

d. Kharas Vistarotan Yogna

2 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)

5187400 15740255 6127133 10003425 12632930 49691143

3 Animal Husbandry Programme 431687 245000 676687

4 Education Development 59625 59625

5 Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Programme 211817 26400 238217

6 Health & Sanitation Programme 1461125 209245 1670370

7 Capacity Building & Training Programmes –

8 Women / Youth Development 298344 23000 321344

9 Integrated Community Development Programme 7796918 7796918

10 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 5313192 5313192

11 Capital Expenditure 1371696 1371696

TOTAL 52582174 18123305 6481133 13912270 24865649 115964531

Funds and Resources

89

Expenditure Data by States and Main Activities 2010–11Sr. No.

Programme Funds from ACF Resources

*Funds received through

Government

** Funds from other Donors

/ Donor Agencies

***People’s Contribution

****Direct Funding to

Communities

Total

GUJARAT - SURAT

1 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)

91167 55475 146642

2 Animal Husbandry Programme 45346 45346

3 Health & Sanitation Programme 777605 1125325 1902930

4 HIV / AIDS Awareness Programme 325800 325800

5 Education / Sports Development 274300 40445 314745

6 Women & Youth Development 118654 7425 126079

7 Integrated Community Development Programme 297984 25000 322984

8 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 1517807 1517807

9 Capital Expenditure 385986 385986

TOTAL 3834649 – – 1253670 – 5088319

GUJARAT - SANAND

1 Water Resource Mangement & Drinking Water Projects

1863817 92875 186000 2142692

2 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)

337206 226000 244000 807206

3 Animal Husbandry Programme 105013 105013

4 Health & Sanitation Programme 209020 120000 256000 585020

5 Integrated Community Development Programme 364526 364526

6 Women & Youth Development 198044 1000 199044

7 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 1485618 1485618

8 Capital Expenditure 99677 99677

TOTAL 4662921 438875 – 687000 – 5788796

GUJARAT - DAHOD

1 Training & Certification of Construction Workers 6583696 6583696

2 Capital Expenditure 183434 183434

TOTAL 6767130 – – – – 6767130

HIMACHAL PRADESH - DARLAGHAT –

1 Water Resource Management & Drinking Water Projects

2466259 1046532 373519 3886310

2 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)

317765 143665 461430

3 Animal Husbandry Programme 412891 471228 884119

4 Non-Conventional Energy 22000 110000 132000

5 Health & Sanitation Programme 1470454 24555 1495009

6 HIV / AIDS Awareness Programme 99741 99741

7 Education Development 2748972 42600 40000 2831572

8 Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Programme –

a. SEDI 935931 3068161 4004092

b. Non-Farm Sector Development 166520 150000 64000 380520

9 Women and Youth Development 172049 3000 175049

10 Integrated Community Development Programme 4683570 35000 4718570

11 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 4250960 4250960

12 Capital Expenditure 220565 220565

TOTAL 17967677 42600 4114693 1350967 64000 23539937

HIMACHAL PRADESH - NALAGARH

1 Water Resource Management & Drinking Water Projects

365353 26590 391943

2 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)

269234 30000 39820 339054

90

Expenditure Data by States and Main Activities 2010–11Sr. No.

Programme Funds from ACF Resources

*Funds received through

Government

** Funds from other Donors

/ Donor Agencies

***People’s Contribution

****Direct Funding to

Communities

Total

3 Animal Husbandry Programme 85259 4000 7500 96759

4 Non-Conventional Energy 10080 10200 20280

5 Health & Sanitation Programme 2089743 235429 81000 2406172

6 Women Development 5665 5665

7 Integrated Community Development Programme 19716956 19716956

8 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 1497176 1497176

9 Capital Expenditure 80145 80145

TOTAL 24119611 34000 235429 165110 – 24554150

MAHARASHTRA - CHANDRAPUR

1 Water Resource Management & Drinking Water Projects

2850016 84000 2934016

2 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)

294864 294864

a. Wadi Development 222384 686000 32000 940384

3 Animal Husbandry Programme 194708 3000 197708

4 Non-Conventional Energy 67432 67432

5 Health & Sanitation Programme 4177679 22000 339000 4538679

6 Education Development 1585701 42000 1627701

7 Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Programme 1032824 95000 527000 1654824

8 Women & Youth Development 90627 30270 4000 124897

9 Capacity Building and Training Programme 234457 234457

10 Integrated Community Development Programme 5678922 5678922

11 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 3483099 3483099

12 Capital Expenditure 520148 520148

TOTAL 20432861 811270 – 714000 339000 22297131

MAHARASHTRA - PANVEL

1 Health & Sanitation Programme 569651 138200 707851

2 HIV / AIDS Awareness Programme 168402 90 168492

3 Education Development 28087 28087

4 Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Programme 729388 78340 807728

5 Women / Youth Develoipment 185032 16310 201342

6 Integrated Community Development Programme 3811030 3811030

7 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 813516 813516

8 Capital Expenditure 757205 757205

TOTAL 7062311 – – 232940 – 7295251

PUNJAB - ROPAR –

1 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)

843949 4610300 5454249

2 Animal Husbandry Programme 122101 122101

3 Health & Sanitation Programme 295978 333200 629178

4 HIV / AIDS Programme 30063 3223784 3253847

5 Education Development –

6 a. Support Education of Mentally Challanged Child

2803082 – – 2803082

7 b. Non Formal Educational Programme 5000 5000

8 Women & Youth Development 108507 108507

9 Integrated Community Development Programme 3052134 3052134

10 Village Development Plan 800 800

11 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 2940014 2940014

12 Capital Expenditure 744810 744810

TOTAL 10946438 3223784 – 4943500 – 19113722

Funds and Resources

91

Expenditure Data by States and Main Activities 2010–11Sr. No.

Programme Funds from ACF Resources

*Funds received through

Government

** Funds from other Donors

/ Donor Agencies

***People’s Contribution

****Direct Funding to

Communities

Total

PUNJAB - BATHINDA –

1 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)

2416945 4402070 638000 7457015

2 Animal Husbandry 96363 10600 2600 109563

3 Non-Conventional Energy 110222 553277 663499

4 Health & Sanitation Programme –

a. Health Development 240796 49600 37250 327646

b. Drug De-addiction Programme 589609 23600 12045 625254

5 HIV / AIDS Awareness Programme 1450556 1450556

6 Education Development 925699 55900 37000 1018599

7 Women and Youth Development –

a. SHG Training Programme 2630 2630

b. Campaign against Female Foeticide 60587 60587

8 Integrated Community Development Programme 538021 21250 559271

9 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 1533654 1533654

10 Capital Expenditure 26250 26250

TOTAL 6540776 1450556 – 5095047 748145 13834524

RAJASTHAN - RABRIYAWAS

1 Water Resource Management & Drinking Water Projects

13778474 800000 16566452 31144926

2 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)

2127551 2045000 333000 2167000 6672551

3 Animal Husbandry 1294198 995000 2289198

4 Health & Sanitation Programme 1563318 1970000 – 2251069 5784387

5 Education Development –

6 Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Programme 1957430 1639000 1365000 4961430

7 Women / Youth Develoipment 818872 338000 – 75880 1232752

8 Capacity Building and Training Programme 2185550 900000 4100000 7185550

9 Integrated Community Development Programme 6035269 100000 – 154352 6289621

10 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 3331691 3331691

11 Capital Expenditure 235566 235566

TOTAL 33327919 7792000 5798000 22209753 – 69127672

RAJASTHAN - MARWAR MUNDWA –

1 Water Resource Management & Drinking Water Projects

4269006 – – 4404000 0 8673006

2 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)

838462 1141636 – 1189164 0 3169262

a.Wadi Development 343461 458419 801880

3 Animal Husbandry Programme 915996 – – 795067 0 1711063

4 Non-Conventional Energy 31305 11125 42430

5 Health & Sanitation Programme 133695 54000 1250000 12687695

6 Education Development 148430 148430

7 Women / Youth Development 31791 – – – 0 31791

8 Capacity Building and Training Programme 13098 13098

9 Integrated Community Development Programme 6240564 283000 – – 0 6523564

10 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 2124430 2124430

11 Capital Expenditure 391888 391888

TOTAL 15482126 1424636 – 6911775 1250000 36318537

RAJASTHAN - CHIRAWA

1 Water Resource Management & Drinking Water Projects

2270245 2305000 4575245

92

Expenditure Data by States and Main Activities 2010–11Sr. No.

Programme Funds from ACF Resources

*Funds received through

Government

** Funds from other Donors

/ Donor Agencies

***People’s Contribution

****Direct Funding to

Communities

Total

2 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)

499657 453763 953420

3 Animal Husbandry Programme 565457 524595 1090052

4 Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Programme 741056 50415 791471

5 Health & Sanitation Programme 199745 193600 393345

6 Women / Youth Develoipment 44443 44443

7 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 1920212 1920212

8 Capital Expenditure 871674 871674

TOTAL 7112489 – 3527373 – 10639862

UTTARAKHAND - ROORKEE

1 Water Resource Management & Drinking Water Projects

107257 117743 225000

2 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)

1354847 45000 1211500 2611347

3 Animal Husbandry Programme 329563 75000 404563

4 Health & Sanitation Programme 1322195 11499285 778400 6000 13605880

5 HIV / AIDS Awareness Programme 658504 658504

6 Education Development –

a. School Support Programme 382243 382243

b. Non Formal Centers 184405 84000 268405

7 Women and Youth Development 63634 39785 103419

8 Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Programme 1505256 1505256

9 Integrated Community Development Programme 1829957 1829957

10 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 2945718 2945718

11 Capital Expenditure 820031 820031

TOTAL 10845106 12157789 84785 2191643 81000 25360323

UTTAR PRADESH - DADRI

1 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)

147656 11259 158915

2 Health & Sanitation Programme 591992 360987 952979

3 Education / Sports Development 1926028 1926028

4 Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Programme 850514 90270 83720 1024504

5 Women / Youth Development 61093 200 61293

6 Integrated Community Development Programme 1878687 1878687

7 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 1504855 1504855

8 Capital Expenditure 780000 780000

TOTAL 7740825 – 90270 456166 – 8287261

WEST BENGAL - SANKRAIL

1 Water Resource Management & Drinking Water Projects

460843 100000 560843

2 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)

822082 753749 1575831

a. SRI Cultivation of Paddy 457166 497133 1660084 2614383

Animal Husbandry Programme 50468 50468

3 Health & Sanitation Programme 1066213 85000 84000 1235213

4 HIV / AIDS Awareness Programme 2302491 820787 34267 106536 3264081

5 Education Development 1494742 810000 2304742

6 Women & Youth Development 407647 4800 – 412447

7 Capacity Building and Training Programme 1629048 54880 1683928

8 Integrated Community Development Programme –

a. Infrastructure Development 1640550 250000 1890550

Funds and Resources

93

Expenditure Data by States and Main Activities 2010–11Sr. No.

Programme Funds from ACF Resources

*Funds received through

Government

** Funds from other Donors

/ Donor Agencies

***People’s Contribution

****Direct Funding to

Communities

Total

b. Model Village Development 175350 175350

9 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 1871275 1871275

10 Capital Expenditure 768214 768214

TOTAL 13146089 1317920 34267 2665049 1244000 18407325

WEST BENGAL - FARAKKA

1 Water Resource Management & Drinking Water Projects

927641 927641

2 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)

441501 319614 761115

a. SRI Cultivation of Paddy 669914 146127 250380 1066421

3 Animal Husbandry Programme 61849 61849

4 Health and Sanitation Programme 1275565 714000 100000 2089565

5 Education Development 1968822 1968822

6 Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Programme 1881869 160400 68850 2111119

7 Women & Youth Development 636923 8100 645023

8 Integrated Community Development Programme 3752971 1011200 4764171

9 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 1617313 1617313

10 Capital Expenditure 242563 242563

TOTAL 13476931 306527 – 1360944 1111200 16255602

MADHYA PRADESH - CHHINDWARA

1 Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Programme 932789 – – – – 932789

2 Capital Expenditure 723064 723064

TOTAL 1655853 – – – – 1655853

MUMBAI –

1 Consultancy / Resource Fee / Research 1080231 1080231

2 Communications 598808 598808

3 Capacity Building and Training Programme 172594 172594

4 Documents / Research / Asessment Study Expenses 831590 831590

5 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 17598515 17598515

6 Capital Expenditure 27469

TOTAL 20309207 – – – – 20309207

DELHI

1 Consultancy / Resource Fee / Research –

2 Support NGO –

3 Community Initiatives 324965 324965

4 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 2114650 2114650

5 Capital Expenditure 59896 59896

TOTAL 2499511 – – – – 2499511

GRAND TOTAL 303971854 49630338 17118977 70857983 40952994 470032146

Assets purchase during the year 2010-11 10844416

Net Expenses during the year 2010-11 293127438

Consolidated Expenses by / through ACF 370721169

People’s Contribution 70857983

Direct Funding to Communities 40952994

TOTAL 482532146

* Funds received through Government agencies for implementing specific developmental projects

** Funds received from donors / donor agencies for implementing specific developmental projects

***People’s contribution is based on estimates for labour / otherheads contributed by Village Communities

**** Funds released to communities for developmental projects based on recommendation from / partnership with ACF

KeyPerformance Indicators

Energise

Involve

and Enable

Communities

to Realise

their Potential

96

Activity-wise Key Performance Indicators 2010-11Sr. No.

Locations Unit Andhra Pradesh Chhattisgarh Gujarat Himachal Pradesh

Activities During the year

TillDate

During the year

Till Date

During the year

TillDate

During the year

TillDate

1A Water Resources Management and Drinking Water Projects

a. Checkdam construction / Renovation No 0 11 10 172 1 2

b. Dykes construction / Renovation No 0 0

c. Well Recharging / Percolation well No 0/15 1053

d. Ponds construction / Deepening No 5 28 0/10 119 2 2

e. Link Channels / Canals construction Km 0 1 0 68.94 1.09 1.09

f. Water Storage Tank / Farm Ponds No 0 1 0 732 6 69

g. Khadin Bund No 0 0

B Drinking Water Projects

a. RRWHS Construction No 0 2 103 2408 16 45

b. Drinking water wells / Bore wells / Renovation of Saline Wells / Bouris

No 0 1 3 88 4 13

c. Installation of Hand / Submersible pumps No 6 12 4 91 3 13

d. Installation / Repairing of pipelines Mtrs 880 880 58467 58467 1147.5 5153.5

e. Overhead / Cistern Tank construction/underground sump / cattle through

No 6 34 2 2 10 11

f. Villages benefitted under Jalswarajya, Swajal Dhara scheme

No 0 27

g. DDFU Distribution (Flouride Project) No

h. Water Filter Kits to BPL Families No

i. Community Based Safe Driniking Water Project

No 3 6 1 1

Families benefitted No 872 2233 61 61

C Soil and Water Conservation

a. Area Treated ( Gully Control / Gabion / loose boulder structure / weir crates / Khadin

Ha 58 213 8 11876 197.4 8281

2A Agriculture Development

a. Agricultural Demonstration Acre 8 9 74 328 514 5763

b. Horticulture Plantation Acre - 2 0 11 475.20 5807.95 25 237.4

c. Micro Irrigation system, Drip and Sprinklers Acre 1845 3375 1.033 1.033

d. Kitchen Gardening No 0 1120 410 410 602 4268 350 993

e. Bee Keeping No

f. Organic Farming Acre 0 54

g. Training & Exposure visits No 80 197 20 60 58 368 24 122

Farmers trained No 180 2678 511 1351 1642 18868 315 2323

h. Nurseries:Vegetable- Promotion Acre 40 49 25 84 20 114 6.5 11.5

i. Integrated Crop Management (IPM/ INM/IDM promotion)

Acre 0 728 400 650

j. Vermi / NADEP Composting No 1 30 0 115 9 172 14 195

k. Plant Protection Measures Acre 8 8

l. Mushroom Cultivation Farmers 20 80

m. Aquaculture No

n. Area under SRI cultivation Acre 254 254

o. Seed Production programme Acre

p. Agricultural awareness sessions No 8 8 5 5

q. Better Cotton Initiative - Area covered Acre 1526.6 1526.6 1744 1744

- Farmers covered No 738 738 810 810

B Wadi Development Programme

a. Wadi Developed Acre 151.80 195.32 183 183

Key Performance Indicators

97

Activity-wise Key Performance Indicators 2010-11Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra Punjab Rajasthan Uttarakhand Uttar Pradesh West Bengal Total

Duringthe year

Till Date Duringthe year

Till Date Duringthe year

Till Date Duringthe year

Till Date Duringthe year

Till Date Duringthe year

Till Date Duringthe year

Till Date As on 31 Mar., 2011

5 81 3 223 489

4 8 8

17 41 0 2 1096

0 17 0 1 43 449 0 1 0 7 624

0 8 79.03

0 808 64 416 2026

6 14 14

54 0 49 645 3154

11 39 3 5 61 101 247

11 38 1 4 10 54 14 27 6 31 270

221 98 98 121 121 0 1 64941.5

12 1 3 62

10 6 6 43

0 380 380

0 7790 7790

36 54 61

2500 5000 7294

65 252 20622.4

1 2 4 7.3 1030 1539 0 10 5 8 30.33 325.63 7992

0 235 4 48.5 58 350 0 35 4 8 86 249 6984

0 180 0 210.83 466.83 3 3 5058

0 924 100 436 0 216 199 361 100 128 450 573 9429

0 20 0 0 294 798 818

104 606 0 21.13 49 77 0 2.5 0 3.3 764

4 68 94 272 41 257 57 136 11 49 134 320 1849

350 196 1656 3085 1062 10709 834 2419 294 1378 3976 7700 50707

0 15 10 10 45 152 61 328 764

2 2 13 231 0 185 135 135 1931

40 339 92 135 0 544 115 374 0 20 42 136 2060

1 1 0 45 54

5 5 0 4 27 87 176

0 0 51 109 109

0 0 5 5 577.7 1157.7 1417

7 7 734.5 1660 1667

14 14 3 159 16 16 0 26 24 24 252

2273 2273 2474.3 2474.3 0 0 8018

304 304 700 700 0 0 2552

52 52 0 45 96 475 950.32

98

Activity-wise Key Performance Indicators 2010-11Sr. No.

Locations Unit Andhra Pradesh Chhattisgarh Gujarat Himachal Pradesh

Activities During the year

TillDate

During the year

Till Date

During the year

TillDate

During the year

TillDate

C Farm Forestry and Afforestation

a. Agro-Farm Forestry Acre 246 4469.20 49 609

b. Afforestation Acre 92 102

c. Pasture Land Development / Gram Vatika No 0 1054

d. Avenue plantation / Roadside plantation Km

3 Animal Husbandry Programme

a. Cattle Health Camps No 14 82 28 68 20 195 18 102

Cattles Treated No 9607 22963 2191 34720 6515 124181 1102 11888

b. Cattle Immunised No 7685 183704 2866 2866

c. Fodder Demonstrations Acre 62 0 21 75 2127 25 35

d. Artificial Insemination No 6 400 1009 17264 20837 65 65

e. Balance cattle feed to AI beneficiaries No 0 0

f. Farmers benefitted under AH No 698 698 1234 3486 1345 11624 1613 10686

g. Milch cattle to BPL families No 0 68 0 1

h. Dairy Development / Innovative cattle feeding system

No 8/1 9

i. Dairy co-operatives formed No

Members of co-operatives No

j. Travis No 1 8 8 15 15

k. Cattle drinking water tank No 0 1

l. Pashu Swastha Sevika (PSS) / paravets No 25 25 23 23

Cattles Treated by PSS No 3028 9705

4 Non-Conventional Energy

a. Biogas Plants No 5 18 115 0 530 1 22

b. Smokeless Chullahs / Solar Cookers No 100 1109 0 1167 20 203

c. Solar Water Heater System No 0 5 0 2

5 Education Development

a. Non Formal Education Centre / Balsanskar Centres

No 1 1

Children enrolled / mainstreamed No 20/7 100

b. School / Anganwadi (Balwadi) Support Programme

No 1 6 30 30 4 14 8 57

Children benefitted No 294 1243 8000 8000 100 1755 2190 4120

c. Community strenghening (VECs / SMC supported / trainings / exposure visits, PTA, MTA Strengthening)

No 12 12 2 3 23 41

d. Balmitras trained No 25 25

e. No of trainings for Balmitras No 4 17

f. Government Teachers Training & Workshops

No 2 4

No of participants No 63 73

g. Construction and Repairing of School Building

No 1 1 3 10 7 9

h. Teaching Learning Resource support / Children Benefitted

No 200 664 13/315 59/2440

i. Scholarship for Higher Studies / Support to Needy Students

No 0 2 0 40 37 91 0 3

j. Village / School Library No 2 3 0 1 0 1

k. Village Knowledge Centre / Computer education

No 1 1 1/5 1/5 5 5 1 1

l. Exposure / vocational guidance No 0 17 374 376

m. Adolescent Education Programme / Adult Education Centres

No

Key Performance Indicators

99

Activity-wise Key Performance Indicators 2010-11Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra Punjab Rajasthan Uttarakhand Uttar Pradesh West Bengal Total

Duringthe year

Till Date Duringthe year

Till Date Duringthe year

Till Date Duringthe year

Till Date Duringthe year

Till Date Duringthe year

Till Date Duringthe year

Till Date As on 31 Mar., 2011

3314 6316 0 4 11398.2

14 29 4 16 147

2 3 1057

0 31 31

45 178 25 74 44 114 16 37 6 25 12 39 914

13320 53508 939 6317 10363 114079 711 5777 301 21391 2657 9824 404648

8850 8850 561 561 2421 2421 3351 7255 4296 10252 215909

0 31300 4 4 759 1268 34817

15 25 0 1 497 1789 0 70 7 69 23871

281 426 426

228 1804 1328 19793 119 4394 0 2319 54804

0 12 0 0 81

0 41 0/9 11 0/335 524 41 91 676

0 2 2 6 8

0 74 41 150 224

7 7 0 4 8 16 51

0 30 31

48

9705

0 29 51 140 48 246 7 30 1117

79 606 150 647 0 180 3912

1 1 8

2 32 4 4 0 1 7 7 4 5 50

2 28 180 180 0 27 150 409 167 371 1115

29/36 65 0/6 6 0 18 0 20 19/27 46 14 55 316

2037 2037 180 180 0 2355 1435/1350 2785 2660 9570 32045

91 131 4 4 0 89 4 34 314

2 32 0 78 10 16 151

48 160 4 10 187

2 14 0 13 2 2 33

43 271 0 248 14 14 606

0 32 0 2 0 19 1 1 5 21 3 31 126

99/2597 99/2597 300 855 2/59 9/1480 150 400 19/1435 40/4285 115/115 115/590 322/13311

25 25 2 6 0 659 86 356 1182

2 8 1 1 0 4 0 8 19 22 48

1/8 1/8 2 4 2 3 0/164 0/254 13/267

1 221 1 4 2 2 0 13 1 7 0 4 644

0 2 0 5 0/5 0/10 22

100

Activity-wise Key Performance Indicators 2010-11Sr. No.

Locations Unit Andhra Pradesh Chhattisgarh Gujarat Himachal Pradesh

Activities During the year

TillDate

During the year

Till Date

During the year

TillDate

During the year

TillDate

n. Students training / exposure visits No 37 143

Students benefitted No 1660 6741

o. Co-curricular activities (Balmela, summer camps, sports events)

No 6 17

Children benefitted No 2178 3818

6 Special Education- Ambuja Mano Vikas Kendra

No

7 Health and sanitation Programme

a. No of camps organised (include all general and speciality health camps)

No 4 68 0 254 44 289 43 260

Patients benefitted (include general, speciality, daignostic centre beneficiaries)

No 717 4917 17265 8702 37579 5603 10826

b. Villages benefitted under mobile & weekly dispensary

No 12 12 22 22 45 45

Patients treated No 3487 3487 10442 299531 4370 13519

c. Sakhis (Village Health Functionaries) No 11 14 19 19 0 38

d. Villages covered by Sakhis / Patients treated by Sakhis

No 6/3640 13/4240 12/2531 12/14839 45/3920 45/10392

e. Khelwadi sessions conducted by Sakhis No 426 693 339 1713 888 2772

f. Health intervention trainings done (include trainings of Sakhis / public health/community level)

No 4 4 18 62 7 20

Participants in trainings No 58 58 1457 6611 382 1091

g. Construction of Toilet Blocks / Sulabh Sauchalaya / Soak Pits

No 103 792 703 2035 41 69

h. Solid Waste Management Programme No

i. Villages where Total Sanitation Campaign initiated

No 2 2 5 5 27 27

j. No of Village Health Sanitation Committees activated

No 8 8

k. No of drug addicts treated / referred No

l. People benefitted from IEC ctivities on drug deaddiction

No

m. No of IEC activities done to save girl child No 1 1

Population reached out to No 410 410

8A HIV/AIDS Awareness Programme (Community)

a. Awareness session for CSWs / MSMs/ IDUs / Migrant workers

No 0 15 64 170 2620 2620

b. Condom Distribution No 1000 4500 0 32000 49670 50951

c. Peer Educators No 0 20 0 26 22 22

d. Cases treated under STI clinics No 0 2 50 468 212 212

e. Identification / Formation of Network ofHIV +ve People

No 0 4 0 0 6 6

f. One to One sessions No 1654 1654

g. No of health centres No 1 1 0 1

B Workplace Programme

a. Awareness session for Staff / Families / contract staff / laboures / Truckers / Students / Rural community

No 1 1 124 351 9 146

b. Master Trainers / peer educators 0 25 8 38 32 32

c. Peer Educators Training Programme No 0 2 6 11

d. Street Kit /Play/One to one sessions No 0 0 4 16 0 20 6 55

e. Doctors CME ( Continous Medical Education) W/for Doctors

No 0 0

f. People benefitted from HIV Testing No 111 186 27 27

Key Performance Indicators

101

Activity-wise Key Performance Indicators 2010-11Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra Punjab Rajasthan Uttarakhand Uttar Pradesh West Bengal Total

Duringthe year

Till Date Duringthe year

Till Date Duringthe year

Till Date Duringthe year

Till Date Duringthe year

Till Date Duringthe year

Till Date Duringthe year

Till Date As on 31 Mar., 2011

3 3 146

172 172 6913

4 13 1 5 1 2 37

738 2042 400 1150 70 93 7103

0 1 1

125 329 36 113 20 152 210 365 8 8 184 738 2576

4499 10328 2077 4966 2506 81114 8020 16072 344 344 13024 27394 210805

34 34 15 15 9 9 6 6 10 24 167

9063 149280 15706 25125 8020 24732 3367 5088 811 8446 529208

0 180 11 13 28 28 14 14 306

160/4763 160/38824 9/1888 11/8855 2/3712 23/16092 08/5760 8/9429 272/102671

916 2146 292 763 560 1470 345 703 10260

10 37 145 806 17 17 9 9 955

209 450 1572 9049 216 216 220 220 17695

111 1054 55 272 132 1011 139 431 68 229 154 731 6624

3 3 2 4 7

3 3 8 9 0 0 3 3 49

52 52 5 5 21 21 86

229 667 667

6450 6450 0 2 6452

44 120 4 5 126

23870 23870 1000 1850 26130

6 126 329 2844 29 369 201 464 61 413 7021

30 30 850807 3066675 18500 37860 109990 192026 0 1500 60440 106220 3491762

16 132 40 43 22 73 50 50 5 20 0 5 391

94 12076 3226 6644 4 160 806 1550 5786 8940 30052

0 2 58 201 2 26 2 3 2 2 244

9343 19932 21586

1 1 3

364 511 2633 7896 10 137 196 289 6 28 15 140 9499

0 1 8/8 17 40 78 2 2 0 20 0 5 218

3 9 1 3 3 4 0 1 2 6 36

602 2280 300 326 6 2559 17452 36973 300 382 135 135 42746

12 36 2 3 39

347 1347 125 125 117 194 273 1454 98 245 1474 1576 5154

102

Activity-wise Key Performance Indicators 2010-11Sr. No.

Locations Unit Andhra Pradesh Chhattisgarh Gujarat Himachal Pradesh

Activities During the year

TillDate

During the year

Till Date

During the year

TillDate

During the year

TillDate

9 Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Programme

a. No of batches / courses No 3/3 3/3 2/2 2/2 16/10 49/23

b. Entrepreneurs trained under SEDI / ITI No 44 44 276 707

c. No of trainees placed No 21 21 127 345

d. Entrepreneurs trained under REDP No 0 1013 0 0

10 Women and Youth Development

a. Training / Exposure / women trained No 1/22 31/296 9/294 56/1203 73/1748 269/10897 8/209 139/2466

b. Training- Exposure / Youth trained No 0 2/32 0 13/1434

c. Micro Business / small enterprise support No 0 15 14 122 2 2

d. Revolving fund support to SHGs No 1 40

e. Income Generation for Women's SHGs No 109 0 12 6 16 54 112

11 Rural Infrastructure Development Programme

a. Construction of Common Pathways / Village Roads

Mtrs 751 5551 816 11358 2605 30427

b. Street Light installation No 12 87 168 348 0 1 20 135

c. Drainage construction Mtrs 32.5 3195 200 1160 0 2 617.1 882.1

d. Crematorium / Ghats construction/ Drinking water facilities

No 2 16 4 11 1 6

e. Community Centre construction / School classroom

No 1 16 8 82 11 19

f. Temple Renovation No 2 9

g. Development of Play Grounds/Retaining wall

No / Mts 1/0 0 2/0 6/0 9 2/120.08 4/448

h. Construction of Panchayat Bhawan/Ayurvedic Hospital

No 0 183 0 2

i. Support for Social and Cultural Events No 2 2 0 18 101 129 4 19

j. Bus Shelters / compound walls No 2 6 3 58 3 6

k. House repairing No 50 98 2 2

l. Construction of culverts / bridge No 1 2 2 2 2 2

m. Low cost housing project No

n. Construction of School building No 0 1

12 Gir Forest Conservation project

a. Construction of Parapet wall around wells to protect wild animals

No 212 988

13 Krishi Vigyan Kendra - Kodinar

a. Off campus / On Campus / Sponsored trainings

No 104 343

No of Participants No 2282 8599

b. Field Days / exposure visit No 7 21

No of participants No 460 1380

c. Front line demonstration / no of technology demonstrated

No 208 901.1

d. On farm testing No 1 3

No of participants No 3 11

e. Training of extension functionaries No 4 16

No of participants No 142 465

f. Technology week celebration No 1

No of Participants No 1795

g. Krishi Mela No 1 1

No of Participants No 1375 1375

h. Soil / Water sample analysis No 220 292

Key Performance Indicators

103

Activity-wise Key Performance Indicators 2010-11Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra Punjab Rajasthan Uttarakhand Uttar Pradesh West Bengal Total

Duringthe year

Till Date Duringthe year

Till Date Duringthe year

Till Date Duringthe year

Till Date Duringthe year

Till Date Duringthe year

Till Date Duringthe year

Till Date As on 31 Mar., 2011

2/2 2/2 10/10 24/11 1/8 1/8 22/17 81/15 1/1 1/1 4/4 4/4 16/12 43/12 207/27

41 41 108 312 194 194 346 1656 12 12 74 74 336 607 3647

20 74 276 1298 53 53 156 231 2022

25 461 60 60 0 23 1557

29/2519 172/9917 8/61 38/1086 22/251 172/2805 21/375 94/800 5/130 20/562 38/777 117/2791 1108/ 32823

31 391 0 0 17/307 0 826 0 1/20 33/3010

0 10 0 0 0 0 42 368 517

0 10 0 12 0 3 9 59 124

0 66 24 169 63 546 80 121 2 5 11 12 1168

1515 4685 402 929.75 320 667 0 1629 200 2495 1800 3307 61049

39 52 12 15 0 1 23 32 671

0 1705 260 918 126 126 200 465 8453

0 0 1 1 0 1 0 7 42

1 12 1 5 2 2 4 10 146

0 10 5 5 0 3 27

0 11/450 1/0 2/0 1/1288 4/1288 1 6 40/2186

0 14 1 2 201

2 15 5 7 5 5 25 188 383

2 14 1 4 3 5 0 1 94

0 3 1/102

0 2 1 1 9

0 129 1 1 130

1

988

343

8599

21

1380

901

3

11

16

465

1

1795

1

1375

292

104

Consolidated SHG Details for 2010-11SAVINGS BANK

LOAN

INTEREST

EARNED

State Locations Total

SHGs

Total

members

Savings

during

2010-11

Cumulative

Savings

Total

bank loan

availed so

far

Cumulative

interest

earned

Total

Corpus as

on 31 Mar.,

2011

Andhra

Pradesh

Nadikudi 24 247 75100 522560 1975000 59351 1470374

Chhattisgarh Bhatapara 61 778 360285 1079726 780000 212254 1944380

Gujarat Ambujanagar 87 1192 689239 2958576 745000 629516 4144792

Surat 29 470 416600 901350 – 109200 1010550

Sanand 16 202 123640 207140 – 7464 214604

Himachal

Pradesh

Darlaghat 108 1420 1247174 4473838 4698900 2485731 8733569

Nalagarh 5 65 58600 79200 – 304 79504

Maharashtra Chandrapur 86 1029 706930 2632823 14593000 2242556 6953379

Panvel 14 189 346383 506378 – 75367 582745

Punjab Ropar 69 812 729060 2732038 2196000 387862 3766900

Bathinda 35 446 418420 1355820 2056000 167034 2643768

Rajasthan Rabriyawas 71 799 666510 1514370 3158000 32288 2941149

Mundwa 17 216 213000 590860 283000 81383 703743

Chirawa 12 147 76490 140430 400500 7094 321384

Uttarakhand Roorkee 44 524 545250 1307670 150000 146381 1604051

Uttar Pradesh Dadri 19 200 157250 335250 850000 27378 625428

West Bengal Sankrail 64 686 213930 833038 213150 46791 1092979

Farakka 30 373 122509 440979 394000 102860 937839

TOTAL 791 9795 7166370 22612046 32492550 6820815 39771138

105

Stakeholders’ Speak

Our Team

Energise

Involve

and Enable

Communities

to Realise

their Potential

108

Ambuja Cement Foundation Team

PROJECT TEAMS

PROGRAMME

MANAGERS

COORDINATOR

COMMUNICATIONS

COORDINATOR

HR

TEAM LEADERS/

PROJECT

COORDINATORS

IMPLEMENTATION

TEAMS

PRINCIPALS

SEDIs

IMPLEMENTATION

TEAMS

AREA

PROGRAMME

MANAGERS

MANAGER

VERTICAL

HEADS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Our Team

MANAGER (Resource

Mobilization)

MANAGER (Accounts &

Admin)

MANAGER

(Liasion)

COORDINATING OFFICE

(Delhi & Mumbai)

DEPUTY GENERAL

MANAGER

(Vocational Training)

DEPUTY GENERAL

MANAGERS

(Community Development)

109

Details of ACF Team

Slab of Gross Annual Salary plus benefits paid to staff including retainers

00

20

60

80

100

120

40

140

160

0-50000 50001-150000 150001-300000 300001-500000 500001-750000 750000 and above

Male Staff Female Staff Total Staff

Male-Female ratio

Female Male

00

50

150

200

250

300

100

On Rolls On Contract Total

Our approach and commitment hashelped us grow as a team, improvise and contribute effectivelywith each passing day27217795 714724

110

Coordination Centres Mumbai

Pearl Tiwari,

Director, ACF

Elegant Business Park, M.I.D.C., Off Andheri – Kurla Road

Andheri (East), Mumbai – 400 059

Ph: 022 4066 7500 / 6616 7000, Fax: 022 30827794

Email: admin.acf@ambujacement.com

DelhiV. K. Jain,

Director, ACF

248, Okhla Industrial Estate Phase - III, New Delhi – 110 020

Ph: 011 41613001 / 41615040, Fax: 011 41613929

Email: v.jain@ambujacement.com

Deputy General Managers Nagpur

Ravi Nayse

Email: ravi.nayse@ambujacement.com

MumbaiAnagha Mahajani

Email: anagha.mahajani@ambujacement.com

AhmedabadChandrakant Kumbhani

Email: chandrakant.kumbhani@ambujacement.com

Area Program Managers Himachal Pradesh

Anup Das

Email: anup.das@ambujacement.com

RajasthanManoj Agarwal

Email: manoj.agarwal@ambujacement.com

West Bengal Prabhat Kumar Mishra

Email: prabhat.mishra@ambujacement.com

Implementing Offices Andhra Pradesh

NADIKUDI

V. Rama Raju, Team Leader

10 – 651, Near Railway Station, Narayanapuram, Nadikudi,

Dachepalli, District Guntur. Andhra Pradesh - 522 414

Ph: 08649 246222 Email: acfnadikudi@yahoo.co.in

Contact Information

ChhattisgarhBHATAPARA

Sanjay Kumar Choudhary, Programme Manager

P.O: Rawan, Teh: Baloda Bazaar,

Dist: Raipur, Chhattisgarh – 493 331

Ph: 07727 220010-15, Fax: 07727 220004

Email: sanjaykumar.choudhary@ambujacement.com

GujaratAMBUJA NAGAR

Dalsukh Vaghasia, Programme Manager

P.O – Ambujanagar, Tal. – Kodinar,

Dist. – Junagadh, Gujarat – 362 715.

Ph: 02795 232163 / 237490 / 237491 / 237497

Fax: 02795 220 328

Email: dalsukh.vaghasia@ambujacement.com

DAHOD

Kirit Jasani, Team Leader

Nilkanth Apartment, Third Floor, Godi Road, Dahod – 389 151

Ph: 099251 84813 Email: acf.dahod@ambujacement.com

SANAND

Ramsibhai Chouhan, Team Leader

5, Nandanvan Society,

Nal Sarovar Road, Sanand,

Dist: Ahmedabad - 382110

Ph: 02717 222800 Email: ramsi.chouhan@ambujacement.com

Our Team

111

SURAT

Chhagganbhai Patel, Team Leader

Survey No. 39/40, Magdalla Port Road,

Vill- Gavier, Tal- Choryashi, Dist: Surat, Gujarat

Ph: 0261 2720531/0530/0780

Email: chhagan.patel@ambujacement.com

Himachal Pradesh

DARLAGHAT

Kunwar Viqar Naseem, Programme Manager

Vill. – Suli, P.O – Darlaghat, Teh. - Arki,

Dist. – Solan, Himachal Pradesh – 171 102.

Ph:01796 246238, 246243, Fax: 01796 248335

E-mail: kunwar.naseem@ambujacement.com

NALAGARH

Anil Gupta, Team Leader

Village- Nawagaon, PO- Jhajhra,

Tehsil- Nalagarh, Dist: Solan (H.P.)

Ph: 01881 672247 Email: acf.nalagarh@ambujacement.com

Madhya PradeshCHINDWARA

Mithun Paliwal, SEDI Coordinator

Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Institute

Jail Road, Amarwara

Dist. Chhindwara (M.P) - 480221

Ph: 07167 297834 Email: mithunkpaliwal@gmail.com

Maharashtra CHANDRAPUR

Pramod Khadse, Programme Manager

Vill. Upparwahi, PO: Gadchandur,

Dist: Chandrapur, Maharashtra – 442 908

Ph: 07173 246644, Fax: 07173 246261

Email: pramod.khadse@ambujacement.com

PANVEL

Manoj Sakte, Project Executive

Vill. – Moha, P.O. – Ulwa, Tal. – Panvel,

Near Reti Bunder, Raigad – 410 306

Ph: 022 27574300 – 05 , Fax: 022 27574360

E-mail – manoj.sakte@ambujacement.com

PunjabBATHINDA

Tanu Agrawal, Team Leader

Near GNDTP, Malout Road, Dist: Bathinda, Punjab – 151 002

Ph: 0164 329971, Fax: 0164 2273484

Email: tanu.agrawal@ambujacement.com

ROPAR

Sanjay Sharma, Programme Manager

Village- Daburji, P.O.-Lodhimajra, Dist: Ropar, Punjab-140113

Tel- 01881- 672247,672568 Fax- 01881- 274152

Email: sanjayk.sharma@ambujacement.com

RajasthanCHIRAWA

Hansraj Gupta, Team Leader

Opp. Sekhsaria Haveli, Station Road,

Dist: Jhunjhunu, Chirawa – 333 026

Ph: 01596 - 514705 Email: acfchirawa@yahoo.co.in

MARWAR MUNDWA

Brajesh Tomar, Programme Manager

Opp. Railway Station, Marwar Mundwa,

Dist. – Nagaur, Rajasthan – 341 026

Ph: 01584 283655 Email: acf-mundwa@ambujacement.com

RABRIYAWAS

Kulin Deshmukh, Team Leader

Village Rabriyawas , Tehsil Jaitaran,

District Pali (Rajasthan) - 306709

Ph/ Fax: (Direct): 02939 288277, 288161

Ph: (By Ext.) 02939 288011-18 Ext. 464, Fax: 02939-288030

Email: acf_rabriyawas@ambujacement.com

UttarakhandROORKEE

Rajan Kapoor, Programme Manager

Vill -Lakeshwari, Block- Bhagwanpur

Teh-Roorkee, Dist: Hardiwar, Uttarakhand – 247 661

Ph: 01332 282228, Fax: 01332 282214

Email: rajan.kapoor@ambujacement.com

Uttar PradeshDADRI

Chandra Prakash, Project Executive

Village & Post-Dhoom Manikpur & Badpura, N.T.P.C.Road

Dadri, District-Gautam budh Nagar,Uttar Pradesh-203207

PH.0120 2809958

Email: chandra.prakash@ambujacment.com

West BengalFARAKKA

Debapriya Ghosh, Team Leader

Vill- Kendua, PO – Srimantapur

PS: Farakka, Dist. Murshidabad, West Bengal – 742 212

Ph: 03485 252281, Fax: 03485 252281

Email: debapriya.ghosh@ambujacement.com

SANKRAIL

Rajeev Lochan, Project Executive

Jaladhulagori, Vill. & PO – Dhulagori, P.S Sankrail,

Dist: Howrah, West Bengal – 711 302

Ph: 033 2679 8870, Fax: 033 2679 8423

Email: rajeev.lochan@ambujacement.com

Registered Office216, A.J.C. Bose Road, Kolkata, West Bengal – 700 017

Ph: 033 224 70818; Fax: (033) 22473564

112

Coastal Salinity Ingress Prevention and Mitigation:

Experiences and Challenges

10 years of Ambuja Manovikas Kendra: World Disability Day

Souvenir, 2010

Reversing the Tide: The Story of Water Management in

Kodinar

The story of an NGO Network, Kutch Nav Nirman Abhiyan

Sealing Salinity, An Innovative Drinking Water Project in

Salinity Affected Coastal Areas

A Year of People Centred Development

A Unique Case Study of Ground Water Recharge through

Check Dam

Enriching Experience – A step forward by women farmers to

sustain traditional agriculture wisdom

Impact of Watershed Development Project in Jafrabad

Taluka, Dist. Amreli

Impact of Water Resource Development Programme in

Kodinar and surrounding areas, Dist. Junagadh

Impact of ACF’s drinking water programme in Kodinar

Interlinking Water Harvesting Structures through Link Water

Channels – A viable alternative at micro level

Sandhanidhar Women’s Dairy Co-operative Society –

Women Empowerment & Socio – Economic Development

through Collective Action

Salinity Prevention and Mitigation Initiative – agriculture and

water resource development in salinity ingress affected coastal

areas

Integrated Development of the village Valadar

through Wasteland Development Initiative – Managing

CPRs (Common Property Resources) Through

Community Participation

Health Services at Rural Doorsteps – Creating a cadre of

village health functionaries

Village Education Committees: Recharging School

Education Systems

Water Resource Management in Junagadh:

Transforming Lives

Ocha Pani ane Vadhu Utpadan (Gujarati)

Krishima Bio Technology (Gujarati)

Krishi Adharit Udyog ane Mulyavruddhi (Gujarati)

Jal Sanchay ane Teno Karyasham Upyog (Gujarati)

Sajeev Kheti Uttam Kheti (Gujarati)

Mishra Kheti Kariye, Jokham Ghatadiye (Gujarati)

Our Publications

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Health

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Training

Women’s

Empowerment

Water

Resource

Management

Farm Forestry

Capacity

Building and

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Community

Development

Skill Training

As Ambuja Cement Foundation, we are committed to Ambuja Cement’s Philosophy of

HEAD OFFICE :

Elegant Business Park, M.I.D.C. Cross Road ‘B’, Off Andheri-Kurla Road, Andheri (East), Mumbai 400 059

Ph - (022) 4066 7000 / 6616 7000 | Fax - (022) 3082 7794 | Email - admin.acf@ambujacement.com

www.acf.org.in