In 2023-2024, Navchetna Yuva Vikas Sanstha (NYVS) implemented a multifaceted approach to support marginalized communities through four key program activities. Partnering with Swathi Mahila Sangh and the Taras Coalition, NYVS enhanced access to social protection services for vulnerable groups, including sex workers and transgender individuals, reaching approximately 7,000 community members under C-19 RM grant. The organization’s Disaster Relief Task Force provided critical assistance to 1,200 flood-affected families in Gadchiroli, Arni, and Jalgaon (Jamode), while health initiatives facilitated screenings for high-burden conditions and organized health camps for over 86 individuals. Additionally, NYVS promoted self-help groups (SHGs) to empower marginalized individuals, offering training and financial support for micro-enterprises. Through these comprehensive efforts, NYVS remains committed to fostering social protection, health equity, disaster recovery, and economic empowerment for marginalized populations. Given below details each activity.

In 2023-2024, NYVS partnered with Swathi Mahila Sangh under the Taras Coalition to implement the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria’s (GFATM) C-19 RM grant. The project aimed to create access to social protection services for key population groups such as sex workers, transgender individuals, MSMs, and other marginalized communities.

The project was implemented across various states, including Maharashtra, where NYVS was chosen as a Sub-Sub Recipient (SSR) responsible for four CBOs: NYVS, Disha Manviye Bhavdishye Sanstha (DNBS) Nashik, Savitri Mahila Sanstha-Nandurbar, and Jeevan Dhara Mahila Samiti-Yavatmal.

This initiative stemmed from lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was observed that despite the government’s efforts to extend social protection coverage to marginalized communities, many individuals were excluded due to insufficient documentation. Additionally, smaller organizations faced significant challenges during the pandemic. To address these issues, the GFATM, through the Taras Coalition, partnered with CBOs to strengthen their efforts in providing social protection services.

As part of the project, a total of 2067 social protection services were provided to community members, including identity cards, access to government schemes, and financial services. Around 7,000 community members, including those from marginalized communities, participated in sessions focused on financial security.

On June 26, 2024, Navchetana Yuva Vikas Sanstha (NYVS) actively participated in a District-Level Advocacy Meeting at Hotel Midtown, Yavatmal, under the C19 RM – KP grant. This gathering, which included stakeholders from DLSA, law enforcement, health departments, and community leaders, centered on supporting the rights and dignity of marginalized groups, particularly sex workers and transgender individuals. Key discussions highlighted the importance of legal protection, healthcare access, and reducing stigma, with DLSA representatives emphasizing equal rights under Indian law. NYVS President Pramod Rathod shared insights on the role of community-based organizations (CBOs) in building resilience and providing vital health and legal services. Outcomes of the meeting included commitments from DLSA and local authorities to collaborate with NYVS on future advocacy initiatives and the establishment of a crisis committee to address pressing community issues.

Another critical aspect of the grant was building the capacity of community-led organizations on statutory compliances, helping them become more resilient. the grant supported capacity-building initiatives for community institutions, with a focus on streamlining statutory compliances. In the same regard, NVYS participated in a three-day Organizational Development training in May 2024 under the C-19 RM grant, aimed at enhancing the skills of CBO leaders in organizational management, statutory compliance, and financial management to improve strategic planning and resource mobilization.

In 2022, Navchetna Yuva Vikas Sanstha (NYVS) launched a Disaster Relief Task Force to offer immediate assistance to communities impacted by various types of disasters. The task force provides critical in-kind support, including dry rations, blankets, and shelter kits, ensuring that affected populations receive essential supplies during times of crisis.

Another critical aspect of the grant was building the capacity of community-led organizations on statutory compliances, helping them become more resilient. the grant supported capacity-building initiatives for community institutions, with a focus on streamlining statutory compliances. In the same regard, NVYS participated in a three-day Organizational Development training in May 2024 under the C-19 RM grant, aimed at enhancing the skills of CBO leaders in organizational management, statutory compliance, and financial management to improve strategic planning and resource mobilization.

In 2023-2024, the task force expanded its efforts by delivering relief to 1,200 flood-affected communities in Gadchiroli, Arni, and Jalgaon (Jamode). These areas, severely impacted by flooding, received timely support in the form of food supplies, shelter materials, and other essential resources to help them recover from the disaster.
The task force’s work is made possible through donations from individuals and corporate donors such as Amazon and Donate cart, whose contributions enable NYVS to respond swiftly and effectively to communities in need, enhancing their resilience during challenging times.

Health has been a core focus area for NYVS since its inception, with regular HIV and STI testing and referrals facilitated for the community. Over time, NYVS expanded its health screenings to address other high-burden conditions such as anemia, hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid issues, adopting a need-based approach through health camps.
In 2023-2024, nine health camps were organized in collaboration with primary health care centers and private doctors, consulting more than 86 community members on primary health issues. A total of 103 cases were referred to secondary hospitals for further evaluation, focusing on conditions such as HIV, STIs, anemia, diabetes, hypertension, and thyroid disorders. In addition to screenings, NYVS regularly organizes health awareness camps for its community. Furthermore, NYVS has facilitated health insurance coverage for 1334 community members.

Communities supported by NYVS, such as MSM and transgender individuals, often face severe discrimination and violence in employment, including hiring bias, harassment, wage disparities, and job insecurity. These challenges, along with exclusion from education, lack of legal protection, and barriers to formal work, push many into informal or high-risk jobs. Additionally, identity documentation issues limit their access to financial and social services.

Recognizing this need, NYVS has been actively promoting the formation of self-help groups (SHGs) to empower marginalized groups, including MSM, transgender individuals, women in sex work, and other marginalized women, to start their own micro-enterprises. The livelihood initiatives include (a) forming SHGs, (b) providing training in partnership with skill development providers, and (c) facilitating inter-loaning within groups and securing loans from banks and financial institutions to help them establish businesses.

In 2023-2024, NYVS facilitated inter-loaning for three SHGs and secured bank loans for four groups, each receiving Rs. 50,000/- to start their livelihoods. NYVS partnered with the Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI) to train 15 SHG members on various business ventures, including beauty parlors, papad and pickle making, and tailoring.

• Lack of Documentation:Many NYVS community members are estranged from their families, resulting in insufficient documentation, which hinders access to essential social services and government schemes requiring extensive paperwork.
• Reluctance to Share Personal Information:Members of marginalized communities may be unwilling to share personal information with outsiders, leading to isolation and an inability to address their struggles.
• Stigma and Discrimination:NYVS and its staff often face stigma and mockery from the general public, necessitating ongoing sensitization efforts that require significant time, financial resources, and commitment, which can demoralize community leaders and staff.
• Barriers to Government Schemes:The absence of proper identity cards and related documentation frequently acts as a barrier to accessing government schemes and social protection services meant for marginalized communities.
• Fundraising Challenges:NYVS faces difficulties in fundraising due to a lack of awareness regarding new grants, their timelines, and the skills necessary to write professional proposals.

In 2006, as part of their Mukta project, the GSMT team visited Arni town and reached out to key population members willing to come forward and discuss their challenges. During the early 2000s, one of the biggest hurdles for organizations working with vulnerable groups like sex workers, MSM, and transgender individuals was encouraging them to openly discuss social issues affecting their well-being. A major obstacle was the fear of revealing their identity due to societal stigma and discrimination. During one such meeting in Arni, the GSMT team met Pramod Rathod, a community member, and subsequently hired him to work on their Mukta project. His primary task was to identify and map the key population within Yavatmal district. According to Pramod, he mobilized 13 community members for the first interaction, but seven left midway due to fear of exposure. Later, Pramod was promoted to the role of SATHI, where he conducted extensive mapping of the key population in Arni, Umarkhed, Pusad, Digras, and Mahagaon. Through his work at GSMT, Pramod identified nearly 700 MSM and transgender individuals, facilitated HIV/STI testing, promoted condom use, and advanced from a peer educator to a regional officer. As part of the Mukta project, Pramod was also tasked with establishing community institutions in various blocks. Along with his close friends from the same community—Umesh Pawar, Dinesh Ahire, Sudam Pawar, Ashutosh Akhulwar, and Gajanand Burkule, all key figures in their respective localities—they decided to form their own community-based organization. Thus, Navchetna Yuva Vikas Sanstha was officially formed and registered in 2012, with full support from GSMT, including initial capacity building for NYVS leaders.