Rural Development Council(RDC)

History Rural Development Council (RDC) was established in 2002 in Denkanikottai, Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu, with the mission to uplift marginalized tribal communities, particularly the Dalit and Irula Adivasi groups. These communities historically lacked access to basic amenities, healthcare, education, and government welfare schemes, prompting the need for focused grassroots intervention. Purpose RDC’s purpose is to: • Empower tribal and Dalit women and children • Ensure access to basic human rights, health care, education, and sustainable livelihoods • Raise awareness about and facilitate access to government welfare schemes • Advocate for customary rights over land and forests • Promote an egalitarian society where marginalized communities live with dignity, identity, and opportunity Primary Activities RDC’s core interventions include: 1. Education • Efforts to reduce dropouts and support school-going children thereby preventing child marriage and child labour. • Organizing Children’s Clubs, cultural and sports events • Awareness programs on children's and girls' rights 2. Healthcare • Running a Mobile Medical Unit for remote tribal villages • Organizing ANC/PNC check-ups, nutrition melas, and NCD medical camps 3. Livelihood Promotion • Training tribal women in value addition and marketing of forest produce (e.g., tamarind, shikakai, honey) • Creating economic opportunities through agriculture support and multi-purpose centers • Exposure visits for knowledge transfer on non-timber forest product (NTFP) management