The Highrange Development Society (HDS) undertakes a wide range of activities aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of communities in Idukki District. These activities include providing housing, supporting income generation, promoting education, and offering assistance for healthcare, while also focusing on women's empowerment and environmental sustainability. Here's a detailed overview of the various projects and schemes:
Housing Project
The Bethlehem Housing Scheme started in 2007 to address the housing needs of the homeless. The project, supported by various donors, focuses on house construction, house repairs, and the construction of sanitary latrines for marginalized families.
Liliane Fonds
This special program is a collaboration with the Liliane Fonds Organization, aimed at providing rehabilitation assistance to differently-abled individuals under the age of 25. It helps children with disabilities by offering medical, educational, and assistive services.
Relief Activities
The society collects funds annually from religious and community organizations to assist in emergency situations. This includes providing immediate support to the poor and vulnerable families in times of need.
Insurance Schemes
HDS operates several insurance schemes:
- Janasree Beema Yojna
- Health Insurance Scheme
- Micro Insurance Scheme
- General Insurance These schemes are aimed at providing financial security to low-income families and individuals.
Assistance for Nursing Studies
In partnership with Kandoth Foundation, HDS offers scholarships to financially disadvantaged girls to support their nursing education. This helps empower women and improves healthcare in the region.
Highrange Samrakshana Samithy
HDS collaborated with the Highrange Samrakshana Samithy for peaceful activism related to land title issues, advocating for the rights of the people of Idukki.
Akshaya E-Payment
HDS provides an Akshaya E-Center at Mariyapuram Central Office where people can pay their electricity and telephone bills. The center acts as a hub for digital services and is part of the government's e-district program.
Girijyothi Rabbit Meat Processing Centre
This center was established to support marginalized farmers in Idukki by offering an additional source of income through rabbit rearing. The center processes rabbits for meat and also sells them for rearing. It has expanded from supporting 25 families to 2,634 families. SHGs under HDS are encouraged to become shareholders in the center.
Swavalamban National Pension System (NPS)
The Swavalamban Pension System aims to provide retirement benefits to citizens of India, particularly those in lower-income groups. HDS has helped 220 people from its operational area join the NPS.
Tuberculosis (TB) Eradication Programmes
HDS is a key partner in the TB Eradication Programmes in Idukki, collaborating with the Catholic Health Association of India and the District TB Office to spread awareness and provide treatment.
Vocational Training
HDS organizes various training programs to promote alternative livelihoods and organic farming. Trainings include cow rearing, rabbit rearing, mushroom cultivation, and other skills that improve the economic status of local communities.
Jalanidhi (Kerala Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project)
This initiative focuses on promoting water conservation, health, and hygiene through water supply projects in collaboration with local Panchayats.
Eco Restoration Programme
HDS undertakes eco-restoration activities to improve aquatic and terrestrial habitats and support the conservation of local plant and animal species.
Watershed Program
In partnership with various Panchayats, HDS works on protecting natural resources and managing watersheds to help reduce poverty and improve local ecosystems.
Income Generation Programs
Several income-generating programs are available to support marginalized communities:
- NMDFC Cow Rearing Loan: Financial support for cow rearing.
- DRI Loan: Loans for goat rearing, piggery, and small businesses.
- JLG Loan: Loans for rabbit rearing with a 25% subsidy.
- PDS-SPFK Loan: Loans for various income-generating activities for SHG members.
Malinya Muktha Malayoram
An awareness project focused on waste management and disposal to reduce environmental impact and promote cleaner communities.
Green Mart and Rural Mart
These marketing outlets, supported by NABARD, encourage SHGs to engage in value addition and marketing of organic and quality products produced by local communities.
Women Empowerment Programme
HDS focuses on empowering women by providing skill development opportunities, promoting livelihood activities, and raising awareness on gender equality.
Other Programs and Support Initiatives:
- Sharjah Treatment Assistance: Financial support for medical treatment for 9 families.
- Water Tank Distribution: Distribution of 65 high-quality water tanks to ensure adequate drinking water.
- Rabbit Rearing: Training and support for over 1,860 families in rabbit rearing as a supplementary income.
- Chick Distribution: Distribution of 7,640 vaccinated chicks to families for poultry farming.
- Organic Certification: HDS collaborates with the Spices Board for the certification of organic farming practices.
- Poly House and Organic Input Centers: Promotion of organic farming through poly houses and organic input centers where organic manures and other products are prepared and distributed.
- Solar Lantern Distribution: Distribution of 407 solar lanterns and 242 home lighting systems to encourage renewable energy usage.
Relief and Rehabilitation
HDS collects donations for flood relief and medical treatments, including donations for Kashmir flood victims, medical support, and house construction.
Anamika-Theruvunatakam
In collaboration with NABARD, HDS conducted a financial literacy campaign through street plays ("Theruvunatakam") across various locations in Idukki to raise awareness about banking and financial inclusion.
Through these various programs, the Highrange Development Society continues to serve the community by addressing key challenges such as poverty, lack of housing, health issues, education, and empowerment, especially for marginalized and vulnerable groups.
