Indus Action has evolved into new ways of working. In these times of crisis, we have committed ourselves towards irreversibly ending poverty by 2050. While the task seems daunting, we are optimistic going forward. We went about asking actioners on what they think about the new goal.
1. Neha Jagani: We are entering into a new phase and the idea seems sustainable and exciting. It is a great chance to create new experiences by using the learnings from the past. It is an organic pivot that we are taking and I am hopeful. Given the current external situation, I am not sure how this is going to play out in action but looking forward to testing new areas.
2. Madhuri Dhariwal: I think the shift captures what we have been talking about for the past year or so very well. It is a sensible step in terms of ensuring that we (not just as an organization, but also as a nation through SDGs) are able to meet the goal we have set for ourselves: of moving people out of poverty, sustainably. Economically/financially it makes sense as well, and from the perspective of the stakeholder receiving this benefit, I think the economic stimulus will provide a safety net to those most susceptible to shocks like the one we are currently experiencing due to COVID.
3. Gautam Sood: It is good to see how we have diversified and have been able to see opportunities in these difficult times. I put a lot of value in self-belief. Although it is early days, I would definitely want to start on an optimistic and positive note. I think we should reach our goal.
4. Anitha Santhakumari: Shift to POWER hypothesis indicates the organic growth of the organisation and emphasis on family as the basic unit is indeed a step in the right direction.
In Picture: Launch of helpline service in Delhi focusing on grievances related to health, immunisation and nutrition of pregnant & lactating women and children. Our Delhi team is collaborating with the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights and Department of Women and Child Development for the helpline service. Dated September 15, 2020.
5. Tarun Cherukuri: If you look at our rates of growth over the last 6 years, we have had a median growth rate of 3x and average growth of 6x.
Year 1 = 166 students admitted
Year 2 (3x of Year 1)
Year 3 (10x of Year 2)
Year 4 (4x of Year 3)
Year 5 (3x of Year 4)
Year 6 (2.5x of Year 5) = 144k in 2019
Assuming a modest growth rate of 3x every year, we will cross 1 million+ YoY in 2022 and 1 million cumulative in 2021. The more challenging part would be to get a portfolio of projects going in each state across 3-4 line departments and to find a linkage with the Chief Minister’s Office to integrate these schemes for efficiency gains. This part of the hypothesis needs rigorous testing in multiple states. But it is a matter of finding the first bright spot and then externally validating it in a few other states. I am confident that the head start we have with Delhi, Haryana and Chhattisgarh, we will be able to crack this hypothesis as well.
6. Kumar Satyam: On the face of it, it is a great idea. Scheme consolidation and aggregation of welfare into a handful of schemes is a fantastic idea to start with. There are merits in it to address both the inclusion errors(minimize leakage) and exclusion errors(minimize undercoverage) through such an arrangement.
However, I am not sure how much India is ready for such a consolidation and whether it will even be possible considering the constant centre-state tussles. It looks like a near impossible task for a non-profit of 40 odd people to offset( or navigate) this centre-state tussle and harmonize the resource outlay for such a portfolio. The ‘pragmatist’ in me stops the ‘ideal’ in me to believe in this hypothesis. Nevertheless, I am excited about the days to come.