NEERA

NEERA is a coordinated network functioning in Tamil Nadu with twelve partner organisations. It works for the socio-economic development of marginalised communities like rural artisans with a focus on palmyrah workers, rural women, and children.

NEERA was founded in 1996 at the initiative of PWDS. NEERA functions with a jointly developed common programme plan with one component called special programme, developed based on the individual strength of the partners and to address the local needs of the community and area(s) concerned.
A programme committee consisting of representatives of the member partners administers NEERA with a co-ordination centre in Madurai. NEERA aims to promote self-help through a community organisation process; equip the community through awareness generation and capability building; and enable the community to create access to resources by linking with the mainstream.

NEERA operates in around 1,018 villages in 9 districts 12 Partners with a membership of more than 51,878, SHGs 3,116 Savings 47, 949,603, Credit 73, 207,685, Govt. benefits 21.73 Cr, Federations 12.

The NEERA coordination centre coordinates the collective responsibilities of the network and functions as the secretariat, takes care of the training needs, and organises the required support services. PWDS provides the legal framework for the center..
The partners have collectively deliberated and decided upon the roles and responsibilities of the partners, coordination centre, and the project holder. Policies and procedures were also evolved jointly for the effective coordination.

The major NEERA activities include: 

• Community organization and federating
  
• Skill training
  
• Resource mobilisation
  
• Awareness Generation
  
• Addressing specific issues
  
• Promotion of Enterprises
  
• Market support
  
• Establishing linkages