Activities
RUCHI's major activities range from awareness creation & empowerment of people to micro credit, preventive health care, sanitation, environmental improvement, agriculture & horticulture extension, soil & water conservation and management, utilization of non-conventional sources of energy, promotion of rural technologies and other economic activities.
RUCHI give priority to the reduction of poverty and suffering by addressing the problem of contaminated water supplies, food shortage and inadequate shelter. RUCHI supports new grass root agencies using the TRC to develop and strengthen the capabilities of other NGOs and to demonstrate working models of appropriate local techniques.
In order to promote low cost construction techniques, RUCHI has also been recognized by HUDCO, Ministry of Urban Development as its Building Centres in the districts of Solan and Sirmour. Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK) of the Department of Women & Child Development, Ministry of Human Resource Development had also appointed RUCHI as one of its Nodal Agencies to promote micro-credit through Self-help Groups (SHGs) in the state.
RUCHI is partnered with international NGO's, such as OXFAM/Water for Survival in New Zealand and MISEREOR in the Germany. With many it has its continuing relationship. For the last fifteen years OXFAM/Water for Survival, New Zealand has been providing RUCHI with funding assistance for building household rainwater tanks and a range of other health and sanitation activities. Spring protection is also an important part of provision of clean water. Similarly, HelpAge International UK, has been supporting 128 elderly people through its Sponsor-a-Grandparent Programme.
Natural Resource Management
Natural resources can not be viewed in isolation - its linkages with the habitat where it is available, the human resources in terms of skills and traditions which are in coexistence, need to be taken care of.
Technology Promotion and Transfer
The Council for Advancement of People's Action and Rural Technology (CAPART), Ministry of Rural Development, Govt. of India recognizes RUCHI as a Technology Resource Centre (TRC).
Education & Empowerment
With a main object of education and empowerment of rural masses, RUCHI has taken four steps viz; training for human resource development, environment education, formation and working of self-help groups and exposure tours.
Community Health Services
With a focus on preventive health RUCHI has developed a health awareness campaign focusing on 2 vulnerable groups in society, firstly mother and child health care at both the pre and post-natal care stages and secondly health care
Media and Documentation
Keeping in mind the importance of Media in education, RUCHI keeps developing many new informative documents and updating the already existent ones.
Other Activities
RUCHI has many other areas of work that compliment our core work in Natural Resource Management, Community Health, Agricultural Extension and Technology Promotion.
Attractions
Places to visit in the Environs of RUCHI If you have any free time whilst at RUCHI, you may wish to have a look at some of these places of interest. They are all accessible using our trusty bus services. When visiting Shimla and Chail, it's probably best to spend the night at Shimla or Solan, and it's probably advisable to spend a night at Chandigarh to take advantage of your visit.
SABATHU
- A very good bazaar covering most shopping needs.
- The Gurkha Army Complex - but watch any stray bullets!
- An excellent dhaba at the bottom of the bazaar on the left . It's run by a Nepalese family and they serve excellent omelettes and Momos. It's a tiny little establishment with a green door.
- Post Office and some banking facilities.
- Very good internet connection - at the top of the bazaar on the left. Only about 25 rupees for an hour.
KASAULI
- A decent bazaar with some touristy shops.
- Walk up to Monkey Point and its picnic site.
- Internet connection although it's a tad slow and pricey.
- Attractive woods for walking.