Lower Income People’s Involvement for Community Action

LIPICA is a dedicated non-governmental organization headquartered in Berhampur, Odisha. Founded with the conviction that true development is only possible through the active participation of the grassroots, the organization serves as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation in the Ganjam and Gajapati districts. By focusing on the most marginalized sections of society—tribal communities, forest dwellers, women, and persons with disabilities—LIPICA works to bridge the gap between policy and people.

Our Founding Philosophy & Background

LIPICA was established to address the systemic challenges faced by lower-income groups in Odisha. The organization’s name itself—Lower Income People’s Involvement for Community Action—reflects its core operational strategy: “Involvement.” Rather than adopting a top-down charity model, LIPICA promotes a participatory approach where community members are the primary architects of their own progress. Since its inception, it has evolved from a small community group into a leading resource organization for the state, recognized for its expertise in Natural Resource Management (NRM) and disability rights.

LIPICA’s work is guided by a set of clear, actionable goals:

  • Economic Upliftment: Improving the living conditions of small and marginal farmers, particularly within tribal and minority groups.

  • Education & Advocacy: Promoting primary and non-formal education with a specific focus on the girl child and vocational training for youth.

  • Social Resource Hub: Acting as a resource center for research, documentation, and training for other NGOs and government bodies.

  • Health & Sanitation: Implementing community health programs and safe water initiatives (like the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan) to improve rural hygiene.

  • Financial Inclusion: Strengthening the economic agency of women through the formation and training of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and micro-credit systems.

LIPICA is recognized for its specialized knowledge in several key sectors:

  • Disability Rights (CBR): One of LIPICA’s hallmark programs is the Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) for persons with disabilities. They focus extensively on the “Pratidhwani” initiative, which supports deaf children and young people (DCYP) through sign language training, functional literacy, and livelihood rehabilitation.

  • Environmental Stewardship: The organization is a key player in the Green India Mission. It works closely with Forest Divisions on watershed management, soil moisture conservation, and the preservation of “Jami, Jangal, Jal” (Land, Forest, Water).

  • Disaster Resilience: Located in a cyclone-prone region, LIPICA has developed robust expertise in disaster preparedness, evacuation, and post-disaster rehabilitation, helping communities build resilience against natural calamities.

Our Approach: Oneness and Commitment

The “feeling of oneness” is the driving force behind LIPICA’s team. With a staff of over 70 dedicated professionals—including subject matter experts in NRM, gender, and advocacy—the organization maintains a deep-rooted presence in its operational blocks. By leveraging Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques, LIPICA ensures that every project, from digging a loose boulder check dam to establishing a mushroom cultivation unit, is grounded in the reality of the people it serves.