The Role of Community-based Organizations in Addressing Social Equity among Deprived Sections in the Conflict Vulnerable Areas in Karnataka, India

Aim: This study assessed the social equity situations in conflict vulnerable areas, and examined the role of 40 community-based organizations (CBOs) spread across the four sub-regions in Karnataka targeting societal change towards social equity.

Study Design: The study employed the survey research design with a sample of 420 beneficiaries of CBO-implemented programs and focus group discussion the officials of each of the CBOs.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Karnataka, India and data gathering was conducted from July 2019 to September 2019

Methodology: Data for the study were obtained through the use of survey, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics using chi-square test were done in analysing the data.

Results: The primary role of CBOs, based on evidence from their vision and mission, is to bridge the social equity gap between marginalized and vulnerable communities and the mainstream society through program initiatives and education. These programs were mainly on skills training, child rights protection, and with other major concerns enveloped as social justice and fairness operationalized through access to livelihood, access to education, participation in the political and cultural life, access to self-determination, and peace building community. Besides the preventive roles played by CBOs, they also provide rehabilitation for the exploited and abused in society.

Conclusion: The CBOs in consultation with relevant government agencies, should organize programs in unifying the cultural and religious diversities, widen the scope of their educational programs, and provide the beneficiaries with specialized educational programs along with their skills training to qualify them to bid for contracts in government and non-governmental organizations since there are still visible evidence of social inequalities despite the extensive implementation and awareness education provided thus far.