Program Portfolio

Program Portfolio

Dalit Bahujan Resource Centre (DBRC) has been working since 1992 to advance dignity, equality and social justice for Dalit, Bahujan, Adivasi and other marginalised communities across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The organisation combines rights-based advocacy with community-led development, reaching thousands of families every year through integrated programmes in livelihoods, education, gender equality, labour rights, climate resilience and governance. The following portfolio provides a concise overview of DBRC’s flagship programmes and areas for partnership with international donors.

Thematic Programs and Initiatives

1. Agriculture Development and Farmer Empowerment

DBRC strengthens climate-resilient agriculture through farmer training, exposure visits, government convergence, promotion of organic farming and market access. During 2024–25, over 2,900 farmers benefited from agricultural support, sustainable farming practices and access to government schemes. The initiatives are:

• Interface Meetings with Agriculture and Allied Departments
• Promotion of Sustainable and Organic Farming Practices
• Awareness Generation on Crop Cultivators Act, 2019
• Mandal-Level Orientation for SC/ST Farmers

2. Informal Workers’ Livelihoods and Labour Rights

Through the India Labour Line initiative, DBRC provides legal assistance, mediation and wage recovery for migrant and informal workers. The programme secured recovery of over ₹2.61 crore for 802 workers while promoting safer working conditions and access to labour rights. Further initiatives are as follows:

• Support for Strengthening Livelihoods
• India Labour Line
• External Trainings (Bonded Labour and Trafficking)

3. Waste Picker Rights and Livelihood Security under Green Workers’ Initiative

DBRC supports waste pickers and Denotified Tribes through cooperative development, livelihood assets, enterprise promotion, skill development and social protection. The programme improves incomes, dignity and occupational safety while strengthening circular economy initiatives. The ongoing activities are below:

• Building Capacities of the Cooperative’s governing body
• Facilitating General body meeting of the cooperative
• Skill Training to the Waste pickers & Denotified Tribes (DNT)
• Annual Conference of Waste Pickers

4. Initiatives for Inclusive Development

DBRC promotes inclusive development for Denotified, Nomadic, Semi-Nomadic and Tribal communities through platforms for dialogue, recognition, networking and advocacy. These initiatives strengthen community identity, leadership and access to rights and entitlements. The following special events take place annually:

• State level DNT Summit
• Tribal Festival

5. Women’s Leadership and Empowerment

Women’s leadership programmes develop grassroots women leaders through rights education, leadership development, legal awareness and entrepreneurship training. The initiative enables women to participate in governance, improve household incomes and advocate for gender justice. The major activities under this theme are below:

• State-Level Training for Women’s Leadership
• District-Level Training on Gender Equality and Justice
• District-Level Training for Women on Protective Laws
• Grassroot Women Community Leadership Summit
• Livelihood Support for Micro-enterprises

6. Child Development and Education

Outdoor Learning Centres provide after-school learning support for children from vulnerable communities, particularly children of waste pickers. DBRC also promotes school enrolment, reduces dropouts and supports life skills, hygiene and child protection awareness. The projects under this theme are as follows:

• Outdoor Learning Centres (OLCs): Support for school dropouts and marginalized children
• Motivation and Behavioral change communication

7. Youth Empowerment and Employability

DBRC prepares rural youth for employment and entrepreneurship through career guidance, skill development, digital literacy and linkages with government employment schemes and training institutions.  The relevant activities are:

• State-level Workshops on employment opportunities, challenges
• Interface Meetings with Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Institutions

8. Swachh Andhra and Environmental Sustainability: Swacchata Hi Seva Campaign

DBRC integrates environmental sustainability with sanitation campaigns promoting community participation and environmental responsibility.

9. Disaster Response and Climate Resilience

DBRC integrates environmental sustainability with humanitarian response through disaster preparedness and emergency relief. During major floods in Andhra Pradesh, the organisation assisted over 5,500 families through relief materials, cash assistance and recovery support.  The types are disaster responses were as follows:

• Response to Floods
• Flood Relief Programs
• Response to Vijayawada Floods (NTR District)
• Response to Guntur District’s Floods

10. Claim for Economic Justice

DBRC strengthens democratic participation through budget advocacy, voter awareness, social research and policy engagement. The organisation supports community access to government entitlements while generating evidence to influence inclusive public policies. The major activities are below:

• State level pre-budget consultation
• Representation of Needs to District-Level official and Peoples representatives
• District level budget watch team meetings
• Programs on Voter awareness

11. Undertaking of Studies by DBRC

DBRC undertakes evidence-based studies and consultations to assess implementation gaps, strengthen programme partnerships and influence inclusive public policy.  In indicative list of studies are below:

• Study on Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Communities
• Study to assess social welfare and Protection Schemes access to STs
• State-level consultation on Dalit Adivasi manifesto
• Study on Implementation of Housing Schemes
• Representation for Effective Programmatic Partnerships

12. Advancing Social Justice: Events honouring Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Legacy

DBRC organizes events commemorating Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s legacy to promote constitutional values, equality, social justice and democratic participation.