Gramin Samassya Mukti Trust

GSMT's interventions in community health focus on enhancing the capacities of community-based organisations to promote safe behaviour and a healthy lifestyle. A healthy community forms the foundation for overall development, but it is often overlooked, particularly in rural and tribal areas. GSMT's interventions encompass various areas, including promoting healthy lifestyles, reproductive health, community-based rehabilitation for persons with disabilities, water and sanitation, as well as disease treatment and prevention.

With a focus on disadvantaged and underprivileged children, GSMT has been dedicated to child rights protection and quality education for the past two decades. Many children in rural, tribal, and urban settlements in the Yavatmal district face numerous challenges, including child labour, sexual abuse, violence, early marriages, and child trafficking. GSMT actively works with these children, implementing programmes to safeguard their rights and address these issues, aiming to provide them with a brighter and more secure future.

The Covid-19 pandemic caused sudden disruptions and challenges in the community, including a lockdown in the Yavatmal district. With 16 cases reported, contact tracing and quarantining measures were implemented, impacting many areas. Around 36,000 people were home quarantined, facing shortages of food, essential supplies, and preventive equipment. GSMT identified vulnerable individuals and families, providing support through the distribution of food and hygiene kits. Coordination with the district administration enabled effective collaboration, with 15 staff members authorized to work closely with the community.

GSMT focuses on sustainable agriculture by training small, marginal, single-woman farmers in techniques like natural farming and better cotton standards. The organisation addresses the agrarian crisis by promoting ecological and viable farming practices, resulting in environmental protection, improved soil fertility, increased income, and access to nutritious food. Water conservation and management initiatives ensure sufficient and safe water access for drinking, hygiene, and irrigation, while sustainable forest management empowers tribal communities to manage and protect their forest resources through participatory approaches.

For Gramin Samassya Mukti Trust (GSMT), women's empowerment is a vital element for community growth. Gender and women empowerment are integrated themes across all interventions, emphasizing the active participation of women in holistic and sustainable development. GSMT focuses on strengthening women through group and federation involvement, mandating 50% women representation in committees, and enhancing their skills and capacities to integrate them into the mainstream.

The 73rd Amendment empowered Panchayats with responsibilities for implementing 29 subjects listed in the 11th schedule. However, due to limited knowledge and capacities, Panchayat members face challenges in effectively fulfilling their roles in Grampanchayat and Gramsabha activities. Women, despite having reservations, require support and training to work efficiently. The capacities of Gramsabha members are enhanced, improving their skills in planning, execution, monitoring, advocacy, and financial management. With the support of various departments, Gramsabhas have developed five-year conservation and management plans, benefiting the community through livelihood schemes.