Who We Are
With profound consideration and a dedication to community development and research initiatives, Bratin Biswas established and registered the CSRA in 2000, following the completion of his Master's in Social Work from Visva Bharati in 1999. This endeavour was made possible through the inspirational guidance of Professor Debotosh Sinha, along with the support of other academicians and social workers. The CSRA is overseen by an eight-member governing body, led by Professor Debotosh Sinha, which comprises three male and five female members.
For over 22 years, CSRA has been addressing poverty and empowering communities at the grassroots level by assisting individuals in realising their basic rights and entitlements. The organisation is committed to the belief that inequality hinders individuals from taking charge of their lives and breaking free from poverty. Factors such as unequal income, limited economic opportunities, and inadequate access to essential services contribute to the persistence of poverty. CSRA collaborates with marginalised individuals to eradicate poverty by addressing inequality through significant approaches.
how we work
We collaborate with the perspectives and experiences of individuals and communities who are most affected by poverty, inequality, and injustice — especially those who are most marginalized, such as indigenous populations, women, individuals with disabilities, youth, and children — as they possess a deep understanding of both the challenges and the potential solutions.
We engage in partnerships with National and International Philanthropic Organisations, Government entities, Panchayat Bodies, and Community-Based organisations to maximise our impact in combating poverty and inequality.
We acknowledge that our team, volunteers, and supporters represent the most valuable assets of our organisation, and their contributions are essential for achieving the transformative changes we seek in society.
Focus Areas
Economic Advancement
Facilitate and empower marginalised women and farmers by connecting them with private & government initiatives aimed at micro-enterprises, entrepreneurship, and credit assistance.
Gender Equity & Justice
Facilitate and empower women and girls who face gender-based discrimination or violence.
Climate Adaptation
Assist the most impoverished and vulnerable communities in facing climate risks, enhance their resilience, invest in renewable energy, and take proactive measures against climate change.
Rights of At-Risk Communities
Support indigenous populations in making self-determined choices that impact their lives, and ensure that institutions are responsive to their rights and needs.
FIVE-YEAR PLAN: 2021 - 2025
2021
Establish CSRA Incubator as a function dedicated to innovation, aimed at creating new initiatives that encompass programs, advocacy, and organisational enhancement.
Create an IDEA Bank to foster innovative solutions and interventions across four key development areas.
Forge new partnerships and collaborations with academic, technical, and resource organisations worldwide that share a common vision and mission to eliminate poverty and reduce inequalities.
2022
85.96% and 73.08% of Indigenous populations in West Bengal and Jharkhand, India, fall under the deprivation category according to the SECC 2011. In response to identified needs, CSRA will engage in targeted initiatives to assist these individuals in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. CSRA's initiatives will focus not only on fostering economic growth in rural areas but also on creating democratic opportunities for marginalised groups, particularly women and youth, to promote leadership and inclusive development.
2023
A series of initiatives will be launched focusing on clean energy, WASH, water, land, and the protection of girls and women, as well as climate adaptation. By collaborating with indigenous community-based organisations, we aim to create a program plan that tackles the poverty and injustices they face. Additionally, we will establish a comprehensive and scalable method to articulate, measure, and report on the outcomes and impacts of CSRA’s programs.
2024
CSRA will achieve financial sustainability through enhanced and diversified revenue generated from the fundraising initiative. The organization will redirect its aid and development efforts towards the specified geographical area, placing a strong emphasis on gender issues, climate action, and economic development initiatives, while also maintaining a cross-cutting focus on civil society and the empowerment of women-led groups and organizations. We will adopt knowledge and learning strategies that deepen our comprehension of how our efforts lead to positive changes in the lives of vulnerable populations.
2025
Enhanced information is essential for achieving improved outcomes. The collaborative support from the Government and international partners continues to be crucial, and this will be guaranteed at all levels. By directing aid towards individuals living in poverty and utilizing additional resource streams – including investments and private donations in conjunction with government expenditures – the CSRA is making strides towards ensuring that every individual reaches the fundamental living standards by the year 2030. An evaluation of the five-year strategic plan (2021-2025) and the dissemination of significant accomplishments in the public sphere.
FORTHCOMING FIVE-YEAR PLAN
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030