Dalit Vikas Abhiyan Samiti (DVAS), founded on June 18, 1992, has been empowering marginalized communities—Dalits, women, children, and economically disadvantaged groups—in Bihar for over 30 years. The organization works to address exclusion, promote inclusive development, and advance the rights of vulnerable populations through programs in education, mental health, livelihood, gender equality, and disaster support.
DVAS envisions an inclusive society where disadvantaged groups can live with dignity, self-reliance, and equality. Its mission is to empower these groups, particularly children and women, by promoting access to education, livelihood, and a life of dignity. Over the years, DVAS has built a network of volunteers and community-based organizations, reaching 168,000 families and significantly impacting issues like gender inequality, malnutrition, and educational exclusion.
Through its work, DVAS has become a recognized resource agency in Bihar, known for its expertise in inclusive education and socio-economic development. The organization’s approach combines grassroots engagement, capacity building, and multi-stakeholder collaboration, aiming for sustainable socio-economic transformation.
Empowering Communities: The Vision for the Next Year by DVAS
As Dalit Vikas Abhiyan Samiti (DVAS) enters its 31st year of work, the organization is preparing for an ambitious set of tasks to further uplift Bihar’s marginalized communities. Building on three decades of advocacy, empowerment, and service, DVAS has outlined its vision for the next year—a year of expanding opportunities, education, and support for thousands of individuals across the state.
Youth Empowerment and Career Development
DVAS aims to develop 25,000 youth into social and educational leaders, helping them become entrepreneurs, career developers, and change-makers in their communities. This initiative is rooted in the belief that empowering the youth is key to sustainable social transformation. By providing mentorship, training, and resources, DVAS will help these young people unlock their potential, transforming them into catalysts for change.
Education and Nutrition for Marginalized Children
A core focus of DVAS’s next-year strategy is integrating 20,000 children, who have been deprived of early childhood education and nutrition, into the mainstream educational system. To achieve this, DVAS will establish nutrition-cum-education centers, ensuring that these children receive the foundational learning and health support they need to thrive.
Fighting Educational Exclusion
DVAS will also focus on enrolling 25,000 children who have been excluded from school or have dropped out. Through its Ambedkar Inspiration Study Centers, the organization will create educational environments that are supportive, inclusive, and conducive to learning, helping these children find their way back to education and academic success.
Empowering Women Through Rights Education
Another key initiative is the empowerment of 10,000 women by educating them about gender equality, their rights, and the laws that protect them. This will be a pivotal step toward ensuring that women can fully participate in society, free from discrimination, and equipped to claim their rightful place in both their families and communities.
Leadership Development for Marginalized Groups
DVAS plans to provide leadership training to 35,000 individuals from Dalit, Adivasi, and other marginalized communities, equipping them with the skills necessary to advocate for inclusive development. By building local leadership, the organization will foster greater participation in social and economic development, ensuring these communities have a voice in shaping their futures.
Mental Health Awareness and Support
Mental health remains a major area of focus. DVAS aims to raise awareness about mental health and behavioral changes in 25,000 families, helping them understand the importance of psychological well-being. Furthermore, the organization plans to provide counseling and support to 10,000 individuals, helping them overcome mental health challenges and live with dignity.
Maternal Health and Hygiene
To address maternal health, DVAS will introduce Pad ATMs in 50 Mahadalit localities. These sanitary pad dispensers will help prevent infections caused by the use of unhygienic materials during menstruation. By providing easy access to sanitary products, DVAS hopes to improve health outcomes and foster better hygiene practices among marginalized women and girls.
Ambedkar Inspiration Study Centers
In an effort to support Dalit children in their academic journeys, DVAS will establish Ambedkar Inspiration Study Centers in 10 blocks. These centers will prepare 1,000 Dalit children for academic success, competitive exams, and personal growth, enabling them to pursue their dreams and aspirations with confidence.
Economic Development for Women
DVAS aims to make 1,000 women self-reliant by connecting them with advanced agricultural farming and millet farming initiatives. By promoting these sustainable farming practices, the organization will empower women economically, enabling them to create livelihoods for themselves and their families.
Skill Development and Employment
In a bid to enhance employability, DVAS will offer skill development and MSME training to 5,000 youths. This program will equip them with the skills required for placement in various industries, thus improving their economic prospects and contributing to the local economy.
Strengthening CSOs and Advocacy
To strengthen the network of civil society organizations (CSOs) and community leaders, DVAS will advocate for the rights of marginalized communities through partnerships with organizations such as the Bihar Ambedkar Youth Forum and My City Alliance for Urban Poor. This collective advocacy will ensure that the voices of the marginalized are heard and that their rights are defended.
Social Security for the Homeless
DVAS will also reach out to 1,000 urban poor and homeless individuals, educating them about social security schemes, cleanliness, and their rights. By connecting them with government schemes and offering training, the organization hopes to empower these individuals and improve their living conditions.
Welfare for Unorganized Workers
Through social audit programs, DVAS plans to raise awareness among 10,000 unorganized workers, domestic female workers, and transgender individuals about their rights and welfare schemes. This initiative will help these vulnerable groups access the benefits they deserve, ensuring they are not left behind in the fight for justice and equality.
Community Development at the Grassroots Level
Finally, DVAS will establish Ambedkar Village Committees and Ambedkar Girls’ Clubs in 50,000 families, connecting them with social, economic justice, and equality-based programs. These grassroots initiatives will foster community development, enhance local leadership, and provide a platform for marginalized individuals to engage with larger societal issues.
With these ambitious goals, DVAS is poised to continue its legacy of empowerment, working toward a more inclusive and equitable Bihar. Through education, advocacy, and direct support, DVAS is committed to breaking the chains of exclusion and building a future where all individuals—regardless of caste, gender, or economic status—can live with dignity and freedom.
Happy New Year!
Dharmendra Kumar
Executive Director
Dalit Vikas Abhiyan Samiti (Bihar)
Email: editor@gramintimes.in