Dalit Social Development Centre (DSDC)

Kapilvastu | Province 5

History and Key Successes of the Organisation

A Brief History of the Organisation

Dalit Social Development Centre (DSDC) working in Kapilvastu is a non-Governmental, non-profit making social development organisation established in 2060 BS. Caste based discrimination was highly prevalent in the southern part of Kapilvastu. So-called untouchable people were dominated, discriminated and excluded socially, culturally and religiously by so-called high caste people. There was an urgent need to eliminate caste based discrimination from that community. An organisation was needed to take forward this cause so that all efforts and movements of Dalit rights could be streamlined and organised. A mass meeting was organised before establishing the organisation to which Dalit and non- Dalit people where invited. This mass meeting unanimously decided to establish a Dalit organisation that could work for the poor and discriminated people in the district. After its establishment, it started organising and mobilising people through locally formed community groups. DSDC did not face big challenges in the beginning but later when the organisation started advocating for Dalit rights, land rights and other awareness programmes, they had substantial opposition from certain groups.

Key Successes and Achievements of the Organisation:

Ensured the rights of Dalits and other marginalised people through issue based advocacy;
Organised policy level advocacy to influence Government organisations to change policies and rules;
Provided information to people when they demanded and promoted the right to information among common people;
Improved documentation and publications;
Women are highly encouraged and involved in social structures;
Contributed to a decrease in caste discrimination and untouchability which is no longer seen in public places and public affairs.

Organisational Strategic Information

DAO Reg. No. 371/2061

SWC Affiliation No. 20523/2063

PAN No. 301775221/2061

Vision

Creation of a self-dependent and dignified society.

Mission

To strengthen the economic, social, educational and health status of the poor, Dalits, vulnerable and socially excluded people in order to build an equal, just and peaceful society by positive discrimination in all the structures and mechanisms of society.

Purpose/Objectives

To raise the awareness among women and people of remote areas regarding education and empowerment;
To organise policy advocacy for women, children, Dalits and discriminated people;
To develop the infrastructure in backward villages of Dalit society;
To develop strong leadership within Dalit societies, to fight against caste discrimination, social exploitation and superstition;
To assist Dalit communities in developing skills useful for economic development;
To conduct regular programmes for the Social and Economic Development for the benefit of Dalit communities;
To raise awareness of the problems with child marriage, the dowry system and other social evils;
To increase awareness of HIV and AIDS;
Implementation of formal and non-formal education programmes in remote areas;
Disaster management training through programme activities on issues like climate change and global warning.

Geographic Areas Covered

Maharajgunj Municipality, Yashodhara and Mayadevi Rural Municipalities

Target Beneficiaries

The poor, Dalits, women, vulnerable and socially excluded people.

Thematic Focus

Gender Main-streaming; Education; Livelihoods; Health and Environment; Climate Change.

Networks and Affiliations

Member and Staff Diversity

Current Partnership/Donors (maximum of three)

Phased Out Projects (maximum of three)

Organisational Growth

Contact Details

Taulihawa, Kapilvastu Municipality – 16, Kapilvastu
076620172 dsdc2061@gmail.com www.umn.org.np/partners/dsdc

Ram Sharan Raidas, Chairperson
9857051158
ramsharan.dsdc@gmail.com