HISTORY
The Programme for Social Action (PSA) was initiated in 1975. The network aimed to be a catalyst for deepening interactions and convergence between different sections of society. Extending support to important issues that communities in the ground were facing, PSA played a role in focusing on holistic community development. PSA’s vision of the world is based upon principles of economic equality, social justice and sustainable co-existence and the perspectives of traditional natural resource based communities can be highlighted for this. Our current work engagements are divided along the following thematic areas:
Governance through promotion of democratic principles
Empowerment of the oppressed communities and the poor, including women and the youth
Promoting perspectives of the community on climate change and mapping traditional knowledge
Natural resources and their importance
Conflict Transformation in society
ORGANIZATION MANDATE
“To undertake and promote education and awareness of the public to the need for the development of the poor, backward, needy, underprivileged and handicapped by printing and publishing books, journals, periodicals, papers, reports, lectures, pamphlets, magazines and other documents and by other means for the promotion, benefit and other advancement of the people irrespective of religion, caste and class, colour, sex or community”.
REGISTRATION
PSA’s mandate is to help further processes for a just and humane society.
PSA was registered in 1981 under the Societies Registration Act and under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act in 1984. The organization is a membership-based network and has a General Body and a Constitution, which guide its work. The General Body involves all constituent member organizations and other allied groups who appoint the PSA General Secretary for a five-year term.
The PSA Governing Body members are elected from the PSA General Body for a two-year period. PSA has organization and partner presence in 18 out of the 29 states of the country.
GOVERNING BOARD
Details about the Governing board of PSA: Total Membership – 26 (including Chief Functionary)
Members of the Board as per constitution – 11 + General Secretary
Special Invitees to the Governing Board (During term of Board) – 10
Ex-officio Members invited – 4
Women participation in the Board: 5 out of 11 elected members (45 percent)
Banner photo credit@ Soumik Mukherjee
