Institute Of Social Development(ISD)

The National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) is a government initiative within the "Digital India" vision, aiming to make one person in every family digitally literate. In Uttarakhand, the Institute of Social Development (ISD) was selected as a training partner, along with 25 others, to facilitate computer training under this scheme. It organised community meetings, distributed pamphlets, and trained 1,474 individuals on various digital skills, including computer usage, internet, email, mobile phones, and knowledge about Government online schemes, contributing to the mission's goal of enhancing digital literacy and empowering citizens.

The organisation runs three health-related projects in the area of healthcare. The first project focuses on improving reproductive and child health in underserved villages in Rudrapur, addressing issues such as antenatal care, institutional deliveries, and child immunisation. The second project, a Targeted Intervention Project, targets 300 injecting drug users in Sitarganj, emphasising the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS through services like counselling and referrals. The third project, known as the Hridaya Project, extends harm reduction services to 200 injecting drug users and their families in the same region, aiming to safeguard their rights and well-being through a comprehensive approach that includes counselling, testing, education, and support group meetings, with a strong focus on advocacy and knowledge management.

The Institute of Social Development (ISD) organised two programmes. The first was an Awareness Generation Camp for rural women in Chukti and Devariya villages in Rudrapur, focusing on education about women's rights, health, and Government initiatives. The second programme was a Leadership Development Training for minority women in five villages in Uttarakhand, aiming to empower them to interact with Government systems and institutions, with topics including leadership, health, and family planning. Both programmes sought to improve the lives of the participants and enhance their knowledge and skills.

The organisation is engaged in improving the quality of life in rural areas by promoting environmental sanitation and advocating for the construction of low-cost latrines to combat the health hazards associated with open defecation. Its efforts include school rallies, meetings with self-help groups and farmer clubs, and discouraging the use of poly bags while educating the community on personal, domestic, and environmental hygiene. Additionally, it is involved in the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP) in Bhagwanpur Jaisingh village, where it has conducted baseline surveys, formed water and sanitation subcommittees, and identified water sources with the community. It has also provided training on health, hygiene, and environmental sanitation, along with an emphasis on the importance of a healthy lifestyle, and has supported the construction and lifelong maintenance of an overhead tank for drinking water, fostering the sustainability of the project.

LIC of India provides micro-insurance to individuals in non-governmental employment, targeting those with limited savings. Simultaneously, ISD conducts environmental awareness campaigns in villages, emphasizing biodiversity and conservation. With support from NABARD, ISD also runs the Farmers Club Programme, educating farmers on soil testing, crop management, and animal health. The importance of understanding financial products, risk return, and responsible borrowing is highlighted, aligning with the National Strategy for Financial Education (NSFE) objectives. NABARD's Financial Inclusion and Literacy Programme further promotes financial inclusion and literacy in Udham Singh Nagar. Additionally, NABARD's Producers Organization Development Fund (PODF) provides assistance to various producer organisations.

Karvy Data Management Services oversaw data collection in Pilibhit and Lucknow districts for the Socio-Economic and Caste Census with ISD's support in human resource management and operations. It used tablet PCs and a team of Data Entry Operators to gather data in challenging areas successfully. Meanwhile, the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India, jointly managed by the Government and states, distributes subsidized goods but faces criticism for insufficient and lower-quality provisions, urban bias, corruption, and widespread undernourishment despite significant spending, operating through approximately 5 million Fair Price Shops nationwide. ISD is implementing the project in the Pilibhit district.