Jan Kalyan Samiti – A Journey of Service, Empowerment, and Transformation
Since 1988 - Building Sustainable Communities in Western Uttar Pradesh
Introduction
India's rural landscape has always been a land of resilience, but also of challenges. For decades, millions of farmers, daily wage earners, and underprivileged families in villages across Uttar Pradesh lived without reliable irrigation, safe drinking water, or access to sustainable livelihoods. Poverty, illiteracy, health concerns, and gender inequality created a cycle of deprivation that prevented communities from achieving their full potential.
It was against this backdrop, in 1988, that a small group of seven socially conscious individuals—four women and three men—came together in Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh. Their shared dream was to bring dignity, opportunity, and empowerment to the lives of those living below the poverty line. They founded Jan Kalyan Samiti (JKS), literally meaning "Committee for Public Welfare."
What started as a modest initiative soon grew into a recognized grassroots organization. Over the last three and a half decades, Jan Kalyan Samiti has implemented a wide range of programs in agriculture, rural infrastructure, health, skill development, education, and environmental awareness. From installing tube wells for farmers to contributing to India's achievement of being declared polio-free, the organization has built a legacy of service and impact.
Vision, Mission, and Core Values
🏛️ Vision
To create an empowered, self-reliant, and inclusive society where every individual, regardless of gender or socio-economic background, has access to livelihood opportunities, education, health care, and dignity.
🎯 Mission
- Agriculture & Livelihood: Improve farmers' income through irrigation and livestock productivity.
- Public Health: Ensure safe drinking water, sanitation, and health awareness.
- Women & Youth Empowerment: Provide training and skill development opportunities.
- Education & Awareness: Promote environmental and scientific learning among students.
- Collaboration: Partner with government bodies, national agencies, and international organizations.
💫 Core Values
Leaving no one behind
Building sustainable livelihoods
Operating with honesty and accountability
Creating practical solutions to rural problems
Working with communities and partners
Our Journey Through the Years
Foundation Established
Jan Kalyan Samiti founded by seven dedicated social workers in Muzaffarnagar with a vision to uplift underprivileged communities living below the poverty line.
Early Infrastructure Development
First breakthrough through CAPART support. Focused on agriculture and rural water supply with installation of 12 group tube wells and 50 handpumps, transforming irrigation and water access for farming communities.
Environmental Awareness Begins
Initiated environmental education programmes with support from European Union and Development Alternatives, engaging students in pollution monitoring and awareness.
CLEAN-India Programme Success
Award-winning environmental camp at Navodaya Vidyalaya recognized by District Magistrate. Mobilized 40 students for environmental monitoring using Jal Tara and Pawan Tara kits.
Yamuna Action Plan Phase II
Implemented School Health & Hygiene Promotion Programme across all government schools in Muzaffarnagar City, funded by Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).
Polio Eradication Campaign
Partnered with CORE-PCI to implement polio eradication awareness programmes across 14 blocks in Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Sambhal, and Moradabad, contributing to India's polio-free status in 2014.
Social Empowerment Expansion
Rehabilitated 200 child labourers through Special Training Schools in Bijnor and implemented adult literacy programmes under National Literacy Mission across Muzaffarnagar & Bijnor districts.
Integrated Development
Expanded WASH programmes with Foundation Ensemble support, implemented CEASD project in urban slums, and scaled up skill development initiatives with FVTRS partnership.
Sustainable Growth
Continued focus on integrated community development, digital inclusion, and sustainable livelihood programmes while maintaining core health and environmental initiatives.
Foundation Story & Early Efforts (1988–1995)
The first breakthrough came through CAPART (Council for Advancement of People's Action and Rural Technology). With their support, the Samiti focused on agriculture and rural water supply - the most pressing needs of the communities we served.
Enabled irrigation for small farmers owning 2–3 acres, doubling yields
Provided safe water access, reducing waterborne diseases in villages
Agriculture and Livestock Development
Through the Green Revolution program, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and CAPART, Jan Kalyan Samiti trained 12 youths in artificial insemination with high-quality semen. This increased cattle milk yields from 2–3 liters to 6–8 liters per day, effectively doubling farmer income and transforming rural economies.
"Shri Uttambhai Patel, Minister of State for Rural Development, visited Bhikki village and praised this as a national model program that should be replicated across the country."
Skill Development & Vocational Training
Supported by FVTRS, the Samiti trained youth and women in market-relevant skills:
Technical training for self-employment
Empowering women with sustainable livelihoods
Training women to start businesses
Impact: Many trainees went on to earn ₹8,000–₹10,000 monthly, lifting their families out of poverty and becoming role models in their communities.
Environmental Conservation & Education (1998–2005)
🌱 CLEAN-India Programme (2002-2003)
A landmark moment in our history occurred when the District Magistrate of Muzaffarnagar organized a district-wide event at Navodaya Vidyalaya, Village Baghra. J.K.S., through its member school, Stepping Stone School, orchestrated an impactful environmental camp that set new standards for community engagement.
Key Achievements: Mobilized 40 students for environmental monitoring • Used Jal Tara and Pawan Tara kits for scientific assessment • Featured tree plantation, vermi-composting, and solid waste management • Received award and certificate from District Magistrate
💧 Integrated Community Environment Action for Sustainable Development (CEASD)
Supported by Foundation Ensemble (German Funded Project) & Development Alternative, New Delhi, this project focused on urban slum areas in Muzaffarnagar, specifically Radha Krishna Kusht Ashram Colony.
Engineered wastewater management solutions
Rainwater harvesting and mindful usage
Community-led greening initiatives
Jal Tara filters for safe drinking water
Public Health Initiatives (2006–2024)
🏫 School Health & Hygiene Promotion Programme - Yamuna Action Plan Phase II (2006-2009)
Funded by Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and implemented through National River Conservation Directorate and Jal Nigam, this programme reached all government schools in Muzaffarnagar City, creating a generation of health-conscious citizens.
Key Components: Curriculum-based interactive learning • Training "Hygiene Ambassadors" • Connecting hygiene with River Yamuna conservation • Infrastructure advocacy for WASH facilities
💉 Polio Eradication Campaign (2007–2024)
In 2007, CORE–Project Concern International (PCI) partnered with JKS to implement the Polio Eradication Awareness Program across 14 blocks in Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Sambhal, and Moradabad.
JKS mobilized communities, organized door-to-door campaigns, engaged mothers and local leaders, and helped achieve 100% immunization coverage. Our network of over 400 community workers reached more than 600,000 households.
Historic Achievement: In 2014, India was declared Polio-Free, and Jan Kalyan Samiti was recognized with certificates of appreciation for its significant contribution to this national milestone.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Our strength lies in collaboration. Over the years, we have built strong partnerships with:
Agriculture, Rural Development, Health, Labour
Agriculture and rural development
Vocational skill training
Environmental awareness
Polio eradication
Environmental conservation
Yamuna Action Plan
Public health initiatives
Key Achievements & Impact
🌾 Agriculture Transformation
Farmers' incomes doubled through irrigation and livestock programmes, creating sustainable rural economies
💧 Water Security
50 handpumps and 12 group tube wells ensuring water access for thousands of families
🏥 Health Milestone
Significant contribution to India's Polio-Free status and improved community health outcomes
🎓 Education Access
200 child labourers rehabilitated and mainstreamed into formal education system
💼 Women Empowerment
Hundreds trained in tailoring and beauty services became self-reliant entrepreneurs
👨💼 Youth Employment
Dozens of youth set up electronics repair and other sustainable businesses
🌳 Environmental Leadership
Award-winning environmental awareness programmes creating eco-conscious communities
📚 Adult Literacy
Hundreds of adults achieved functional literacy and skills for better livelihoods
Challenges & Lessons Learned
💰 Funding Limitations
Reliance on external funds limited scalability of programmes and long-term planning
🛑 Community Resistance
Initial hesitation in adopting new practices and
Social Empowerment & Education (2010–2015)
👧 Rehabilitation of Child Labourers through Special Training Schools
Under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India, JKS established Special Training Centres in Nahtaur, District Bijnor, providing a second chance at childhood and education for vulnerable children.
📚 Adult Literacy and Skill Development - Continuing Education Programme
Under the National Literacy Mission (Saksharta Mission), JKS empowered illiterate adults (15-35 years) in Muzaffarnagar & Bijnor Districts through our innovative dual-focus approach.
📖 Functional Literacy
Practical reading, writing, and numeracy skills for daily life - reading bus signs, understanding documents, managing money
🛠️ Vocational Skills
Training in tailoring, computer operations, mobile repair, beautician courses based on local market opportunities
💼 Post-Training Support
Guidance for employment and micro-enterprise development, connections with self-help groups