Caritas India annual report highlights nationwide impact

Caritas India’s 2024-25 Annual Report reveals transformative outreach across 26 states, empowering millions through climate-resilient farming, disaster relief, livelihoods, health, child protection, and peacebuilding initiatives.

NEW DELHI (Indian Catholic News) — Caritas India’s latest annual report underscores its role as “a movement of compassion resilience and hope,” reaching millions across India with programmes restoring dignity and resilience.

The organisation reported direct support to 1,017,439 people and indirect assistance to 825,610 across 26 states and 147 districts. Its outreach included widows, children at risk, persons with disabilities, and migrants. “Every number you read in these pages signifies far more than statistics. It tells a story of endurance, faith and shared humanity,” wrote Executive Director Fr. R. Jesudass.

Caritas India’s social composition strategy prioritised Scheduled Tribes (39%), Scheduled Castes (23%), and Other Backward Classes (26%), reflecting its mission to address entrenched inequalities. This focus aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring aid reached those most vulnerable to poverty, disaster, and exclusion.

Climate adaptive agriculture was a major focus, with 577,947 people benefiting across 16 states. Farmers adopted sustainable practices, planted 222,979 saplings, and conserved 6.6 billion litres of rainwater. “Our programs empower them to achieve sufficiency with sustainability—reclaiming traditional farming wisdom, restoring soil health, and reviving indigenous seed systems,” the report noted.

Flagship initiatives have promoted crop diversification, organic farming, and nutrition gardens. Women also played a growing role in governance, with 19,810 participating in local decision-making processes.

Disaster relief and preparedness

Humanitarian aid reached 100,298 people in six states, including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Kerala, Manipur, Odisha, and West Bengal. Caritas India distributed shelter kits, WASH kits, and unconditional cash transfers. “We embed inclusion, participation, protection mainstreaming, and localisation in every phase of our work,” the report stated, emphasising community-first disaster resilience.

Community-led disaster preparedness was central, with 30,582 people trained in risk reduction. Ecosystem-based interventions, such as mangrove restoration and soil conservation, strengthened natural defences against climate shocks.

Livelihood programmes reached 261,649 people across four states, fostering rural enterprises and self-help groups. Women and youth emerged as entrepreneurs, with 2,966 rural enterprises established. “Livelihood and skill development at Caritas India is no longer just about earning—it is about restoring dignity, strengthening self-reliance,” the report affirmed.

Flagship initiatives like Gram Nirman initiatives aimed at strengthening rural communities and the Livelihood Enhancement and Development Programme (LEDP) linked producers to markets, transforming self-help groups into producer-owned institutions. Digital tools and inclusive financing models expanded opportunities, embedding livelihood options into state and national frameworks.

Safeguarding migrants and children

The Pravasi Bandhu Programme promoted safe migration, while Khushaal Bachpan initiative addressed child protection. During the year, 8,052 migrant workers accessed welfare schemes, and 113 children were newly enrolled in schools.

“By combining prevention, protection, participation, and advocacy, our programs create sustainable impact—building communities where every child and migrant can live with dignity,” the report highlighted.

Child protection committees and academic support classes improved outcomes for 1,701 children, while migrant helpdesks provided legal and housing assistance.

Health programmes reached 178,365 people, tackling drug abuse, water sanitation, HIV/AIDS, and disability care. In Kerala, the Sajeevam Anti-Drug Campaign reached 725,303 people.

Meanwhile, 35,000 tribal households gained safe drinking water in Madhya Pradesh. “Access to quality health and nutrition is a fundamental right,” the report stressed.

The Roop initiative in Haryana supported 510 persons with disabilities through assistive devices, education, and livelihood linkages. HIV/AIDS programmes ensured 930 people living with HIV adhered to treatment regimens.

Building peace and social cohesion

Peacebuilding efforts under the Samvaad Programme engaged 93,984 people, establishing 93 peace clubs and conducting 55 interfaith events. Initiatives like Prem Bhoj (Love Feast) fostered unity across communities. “Children and youth became peace ambassadors, using sports, storytelling, and arts to spread messages of unity,” the report said.

Awareness campaigns sensitised 4,233 people on fake news prevention, while interfaith leaders promoted reconciliation during festivals. More than 40,000 households participated in peacebuilding interventions.

The year was marked by the theme “Journey of Hope Share to Serve,” with the Lenten Campaign dedicated to persons with disabilities. “Hope becomes real when it embraces those the world often overlooks,” Fr. Jesudass reflected.

Regional fora played a vital role in facilitating diocesan-level campaigns, ensuring inclusion and solidarity during the Jubilee Year of Hope.

Caritas India reaffirmed its mission to “stand beside every life that seeks dignity, every voice that demands justice and every community that dreams of peace.” With its expansive outreach, the organisation continues to shape “a just, equitable, and sustainable future for all.”

Read the full report.