Urmul Setu Sansthan

It's working on the "Swashakt - Empowering crafts collectives" project in collaboration with the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3IE) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The project aims to empower women artisans in Western Rajasthan by providing training in various crafts, focusing on skill development, social security, healthcare, education, technology, and business management. Additionally, the organisation aims to create craft hubs, enhance entrepreneurship skills, improve rural and urban development, and connect artisans with sustainable livelihood opportunities. The project also involves connecting artisans with Government schemes, conducting value chain analysis, and preparing training modules to enhance their skills and self-reliance.

It is engaged in the "Marugandha Pariyojana - HDFC BANK PARIVARTAN-CSR" project, which commenced in April 2019 in the Pokaran block of Jaisalmer district. This initiative, supported by HDFC Bank's CSR, focuses on the inclusive development of Thar Desert villagers by promoting sustainable livelihoods and addressing regional challenges. Notable achievements include the registration of 240 camel breeders' federations, the launch of Camel Dairy, the production and sale of camel milk-based products, women's engagement in crafts and self-marketing, and the empowerment of adolescent girls through sports. The project also emphasizes community tourism, providing market linkages, distributing food kits during the pandemic, promoting hygiene awareness, and establishing a seed bank. Meetings with Government officials, religious leaders, and public representatives, as well as various workshops and training sessions, further contribute to the project's success.

URMUL is actively engaged in the "Gram Seva Pariyojana - STATE BANK OF INDIA" project, launched in January 2022 in five villages spanning two gram panchayats in the Jaisalmer district. The primary objective is rural development, focusing on digitization, education, health, water, sanitation, livelihoods, youth and women's development, environmental protection, village infrastructure enhancement, promotion of Government schemes, and community engagement. It aims to realize Gandhiji's vision of Gram Swaraj through integrated rural development. Achievements include setting up Village Service Centers, providing education support, offering scholarships to girls, facilitating health check-ups, training women in soap making, and forming self-help groups. The project prioritizes community involvement and self-sufficiency.

URMUL is actively engaged in the "TO DEVELOP SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD MECHANISMS FOR PASTORALISTS, HERDERS, AND WEAVERS - BAJAJ FINSERVE ACTIVE" project. This initiative aims to establish sustainable livelihoods for pastoralists, herders, and weavers in rural Rajasthan. Recognizing the significance of livestock in the region's agricultural economy, URMUL focuses on improving the well-being of these communities. The project involves activities such as setting up a goat bank, providing better animal husbandry practices, securing grazing land, and empowering women artisans. Quarterly progress includes mobilizing communities, forming self-help groups, imparting foundational training, conducting health check-ups for animals, and promoting sustainable forage management. Furthermore, the project emphasizes water management, product development, and marketing linkages to enhance the overall livelihoods of these marginalized groups.

URMUL, in partnership with the Indian Micro Enterprises Development Foundation (IMEDF), is actively engaged in the "Natural Dyeing Cluster Programme" in Bikaner District, Rajasthan. This program aims to develop a natural dyeing cluster in Bajju village, enhancing employment opportunities and artisan skills. Over 1000 artisans have benefited in the past two years, generating revenue and expanding the product range for clients like Ikea and Okhai. The project also focuses on infrastructure development, including a Common Facility Centre and Digital Learning Centre, alongside machinery procurement. Sustainability is emphasized, with green building techniques and natural fiber insulation and acoustics. This initiative supports economic development while preserving traditional craftsmanship.