Kashtakari Panchayat

This programme works to bring together waste pickers to provide them with collective strength. It supports the setting up of cooperative scrap stores operated by the waste pickers themselves. To build capacity, the upgradation of scrap storage facilities is also taken up along with plastic grinding machines being installed.

To support the children of waste pickers and improve their chances of achieving good employment, the organisation arranges scholarships for the children. It also informs them about Government welfare schemes which promote primary and secondary education for these children from low-income communities thereby helping them get admitted into schools and take advantage of these schemes.

Youth, being future citizens of the country, Kashtakari Panchayat engages them through multiple initiatives to create responsible citizens who can work for the betterment of society.

The Zero Waste programme intends to promote the zero waste model of refuse collection, in other words reducing the volume of waste reaching landfills. This concept is being tried out in partnership with the Pune Smart City Development Corporation Limited (PSCDCL), which in term is aiming to make Pune a “Smart City”.

The organisation provides training and creates awareness in the slums around Pune with regard to good hygiene and the use of reusable cloth sanitary napkins, considering that these napkins do not need disposal, are reusable, nature-friendly and hygienic alternatives compared to disposable and costly napkins.