Arpana’s Health & Rural Development Initiatives
In Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh

Chamba valley, in Himachal Pradesh, has a pristine beauty reflected in the simplicity of its rural communities.

Chamba is one of the most socio-economically backward districts of Himachal Pradesh. The rugged mountains terrain and the harsh climate make living difficult.

Arpana has engaged with these rural folk in a spectrum of health and development programmes to add the lustre of well-being, economic self-sufficiency and social change, through collective endeavour.

Participation of the Local Community

From the very beginning, Arpana has emphasized on the participation of the people in community-based activities and in taking decisions about their socio-economic development. With the help of community based organisations like self-help groups and farmer groups, participation of the people has been ensured in the entire project.

Arpana’s Objectives

•  Providing affordable health care and enabling the
   community to sustain the programme,
•  Creating awareness of environment and ecology, and
   protection of natural resources,
•  Promoting people’s access to economic and educational
   opportunities,
•  Empowering women through self-help groups, training,
   micro-credit and leadership skills.