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. The primary mission of Samarthan was to promote participatory development processes by challenging the conventional top down model of development. It was believed that small and medium size voluntary organization and well meaning individuals willing to work as voluntary organizations at the grassroots will transform the development paradigm from the poor and disadvantaged sections. Samarthan started working on building a strong base of the value based voluntary sector in undivided Madhya Pradesh. Gradually, the mission was broadened to encompass participatory governance to strengthen emerging potential of the local governance organisations in rural and urban areas.

Vision

Every citizen contributes meaningfully in shaping democratic State and enjoys benefits based on the principles of equality and equity.

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.

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.

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.

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.