Samarthan-Centre for Development Support is a leading non-profit organisation working in the Indian states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh since 1995. We believe that good governance is foundation for sustained and equitable development and effective participation by all stakeholders, especially the marginalised, socially excluded and disadvantaged groups, is necessary for promoting good governance. Samarthan strives to address the challenges of poverty and underdevelopment through strengthening the grassroots civil society groups.
We consistently promote and strengthen civil society efforts and have a large network of grassroots groups (NGOs/CBOs/Panchayat representatives) to amplify voices of the poor, dalit, tribal and women in policy-making platforms. We also promote and encourage involvement of local population in planning, execution and monitoring of development projects thereby challenging the mainstream “top-down” development model. In order to enhance public participation in local governance in rural and urban areas, Samarthan has developed vibrant and replicable models through capacity building of elected representatives and empowering Gram Sabha members. Our Vision Every citizen contributes meaningfully in shaping democratic State and enjoys benefits based on the principles of equality and equity Our Mission Promote and support participatory governance for equity and inclusion in development processes by capacity building, generating evidences and advocating the perspective of the most marginalized for enriched democracy Samarthan was established in 1995 as a support organisation in undivided Madhya Pradesh to address the challenges of poverty and underdevelopment through strengthening the grassroots civil society