S. M. Sehgal Foundation

S. M. Sehgal Foundation (SMS Foundation) primarily works for comprehensive rural development in the remote, semi-arid regions. The NGO’s operating philosophy is based on the principle of “loose and tight,” which means flexible in operations and firm on core values. Sehgal Foundation embraces core values of integrity, excellence, professionalism, and optimism, along with the belief that, with appropriate support from civil society organizations and the government, rural communities will be mobilized to develop their own vision for development and transform their awareness into action.

Key Activities include:

The Water Management program works with communities to harvest and store rainwater for direct use, and/or replenish groundwater by building and restoring infrastructure in villages. It supports revival of traditional water bodies, construction of water storage infrastructure, and safe disposal of wastewater.  It promotes safe drinking water for all with innovative low-cost, sustainable technologies and WASH behaviour.

The Agriculture Development Program promotes sustainable livelihoods in India by building capacities of farmers, including women farmers, on improved agricultural practices and new technologies that increase crop yields, conserve water, and improve soil fertility. The NGO works with small-holder and marginal farmers in rain-fed and irrigated areas to facilitate adoption of advanced and sustainable agricultural practices.

The Local Participation and Sustainability Program creates awareness among the communities about the value of participation in making local institutions vibrant and improving the last-mile delivery of government programs thereby incorporating local knowledge and choices in village development plans to support inclusive and sustainable rural development.

The Transform Lives program provides schoolchildren access to drinking water, better sanitation facilities, a learning-conducive school environment, and digital and life skills awareness trainings.

Outreach for Development initiatives facilitate participation and positive social change in rural communities. It employs a well-balanced rural community media mix including a rural community radio station (Alfaz-e-Mewat), social media, and other print, visual and interactive formats to strengthen and promote opinions favourable to the attainment of rural development goals.

Rural Research and Development maximizes the impact of poverty alleviation initiatives for rural communities through using participatory research and impact evaluation as practical tools informing action, outcomes and learning.