Bikalpam Foundation- Bikalp for Achieving Mission

BIKALPAM Foundation (बिकल्पम्), derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “alternative” or “solution,” envisions itself as a dynamic and action-oriented non-governmental organization dedicated to creating sustainable solutions for marginalized and vulnerable communities. BIKALPAM Foundation's primary mission is to develop inclusive knowledge systems, promote sustainable livelihoods, strengthen agroecological practices, enhance food and nutrition security, and build the capacity of grassroots institutions to drive social transformation.

Founded on the leadership and expertise of a group of development professionals with over 35 years of experience in research, program implementation, policy advocacy, rural development, livelihoods, climate resilience, and knowledge management, BIKALPAM seeks to bridge the gap between policy, practice, and people. BIKALPAM believes that sustainable development requires inclusive participation, community-led action, and evidence-based interventions. Through collaborative partnerships with government, civil society, private sector, and academic institutions, BIKALPAM aims to offer alternative pathways for marginalized communities to achieve resilience, dignity, and prosperity. 

 

Vision 

To create an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable society where marginalized communities thrive through knowledge, livelihoods, and ecological balance. 

Mission 

To build alternative pathways for inclusive development by empowering communities with knowledge, strengthening livelihoods, promoting climate-resilient agroecology, and fostering institutional capacities for sustainable change. 

Core Objectives 

• Strengthen livelihoods and income security of tribal, rural, and marginalized communities through innovative, sustainable, and locally appropriate interventions. 
• Promote climate-resilient and nutrition-sensitive agriculture, focusing on small millets, agro-biodiversity, and natural resource management.
• Enhance food and nutrition security through integrated approaches combining agriculture, nutrition, and health interventions. 
• Build capacity and leadership among community institutions, women’s collectives, SHGs, and youth groups for self-governance and sustainable development. 
• Conduct research, documentation, and knowledge dissemination to inform policies and programs on rural development, agroecology, and livelihoods. 
• Facilitate partnerships among government agencies, NGOs, CSR initiatives, and academic institutions for collaborative action and resource mobilization.

Thematic Areas 

BIKALPAM will focus on the following thematic domains:

 I. Community Institution Building and Governance

Rationale:
Strong, democratic, and self-reliant community institutions are essential for sustainable development.

Proposed Interventions:

• Formation and strengthening of SHGs, clusters, and federations with a three-tier structure.

• Capacity building of community leaders on governance, planning, financial management, and advocacy.

• Facilitation of participatory village development planning processes.

• Linkages with government schemes and programs for convergence and scaling.

II. Sustainable Livelihoods and Rural Development

Rationale:
Millions of tribal and rural households depend on fragile, rainfed agriculture and low-return livelihood activities. BIKALPAM aims to address systemic poverty by building sustainable livelihood pathways.

Proposed Interventions:

• Promotion of diversified and climate-resilient farming systems with a focus on small millets, pulses, oilseeds, and horticulture.

• Strengthening community-based value chains for Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), millets, and agro-produce through processing, branding, and marketing.

• Formation and capacity-building of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), SHG federations, and cooperatives.

• Livelihood diversification through small livestock, backyard poultry, dairy, and non-farm enterprises.

• Skill development and entrepreneurship promotion for rural youth and women.

III. Climate Change Adaptation and Agroecology

Rationale:
Climate variability is severely affecting smallholder farmers. Agroecological approaches offer sustainable solutions for resilience and productivity.

Proposed Interventions:

• Promotion of millet-based agroecological practices in rainfed regions.

• Participatory varietal selection and seed system strengthening for climate-resilient crops.

• Development of agro-biodiversity gardens and seed banks.

• Capacity building of farmers and extension workers on sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation.

• Participatory research and documentation on agroecological models.

 IV. Food and Nutrition Security

Rationale:
Malnutrition remains a persistent challenge, particularly among tribal women and children. Linking agriculture with nutrition-sensitive interventions is crucial.

Proposed Interventions:

• Promotion of nutrition-sensitive farming systems and kitchen gardens.

• Awareness and capacity-building on dietary diversity, maternal and child nutrition.

• Strengthening community-based nutrition services through collaboration with ICDS, MSPKs, and SFCs.

• Development of millet-based nutritious food products and promotion of local food cultures.

V. Research, Knowledge Management, and Policy Advocacy

Rationale:
Evidence-based interventions and policy advocacy are vital to influence systemic change.

Proposed Interventions:

• Conducting baseline, mid-term, and end-line studies for projects.

• Action research on agroecology, livelihoods, gender, and nutrition.

• Documentation of best practices, case studies, and process documentation.

• Development of policy briefs and engagement with government and academic institutions.

• Organising seminars, workshops, and knowledge-sharing platforms.

VI. Environment, Social and Governance (ESG)

Rationale:
As sustainability becomes increasingly central to development, community-based organisations and social enterprises must align with the principles of Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG). Integrating ESG into BIKALPAM’s programs ensures that all interventions are environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, and governed with transparency and accountability. This approach not only strengthens community resilience but also enhances partnerships with CSR, government, and global sustainability platforms.

Proposed Interventions:

Environmental Responsibility:

• Promote climate-resilient and low-carbon rural development through natural resource management, organic agriculture, and renewable energy solutions.

• Undertake ecosystem restoration initiatives including watershed management, afforestation, and biodiversity conservation.

• Encourage community-led environmental governance, including local environmental monitoring and village-level climate action plans.

• Introduce green livelihood models, such as eco-enterprises, sustainable handicrafts, and circular economy initiatives.

Social Responsibility:

• Promote gender equity, inclusion, and social justice through participatory approaches and leadership development among women, youth, and marginalized groups.

• Ensure safe, healthy, and dignified working environments across all livelihood programs and partner enterprises.

• Strengthen community-based institutions (SHGs, FPOs, cooperatives) for equitable access to resources and opportunities.

• Develop social accountability systems to ensure transparency and responsiveness in program delivery.

Governance Responsibility:

• Establish transparent organizational systems including participatory decision-making, financial audits, and periodic performance reviews.

• Integrate ESG indicators into planning, implementation, and monitoring frameworks for all projects.

• Conduct annual ESG assessments and reporting in alignment with global standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR).

• Build capacities of staff and community leaders on ethical governance, anti-corruption practices, and responsible management.

• Facilitate policy dialogue and advocacy to promote ESG-aligned governance at local and institutional levels.

VII. Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS)

Rationale:
Environmental health and safety are integral to improving quality of life and sustaining livelihoods. In rural and tribal communities, challenges such as unsafe water, inadequate sanitation, occupational hazards, and environmental degradation directly affect health, productivity, and sustainability. Ensuring a safe, clean, and healthy environment is therefore essential for holistic development.

Proposed Interventions:

• Promote safe drinking water and sanitation systems in collaboration with CSR initiatives and government programs.

• Conduct environmental health awareness campaigns on hygiene, pollution control, and waste management.

• Integrate occupational health and safety measures in livelihood programs—especially in agriculture, forest-based enterprises, and micro-industries.

• Implement community-based environmental surveillance and disaster preparedness programs to build resilience against environmental risks.

• Support nutrition-sensitive health programs focusing on maternal and child health, anemia reduction, and disease prevention.

• Develop and promote eco-friendly technologies such as composting, bio-gas units, and clean cooking energy.