To empower those affected by poverty, oppression or gender to sustainable develop themselves: socially, economically, politically, environmentally and in health.


Administration

General Fund Programme

General funds are derived from small grants and donations, bank interest and contributions. The fund has been built up to over one crore rupees. These are untied funds and Arogya Agam can use them flexibly, for better planning a budget is now approved by the Board. The general fund will assume more importance as external donors decrease their contribution. If Arogya Agam is to establish a core area of work independent of major donors, more sources of smaller donations and careful management of funds are essential.

This year the general fund programme costs were around 2.2m. The major routine expenditure was on core salaries (6 La.), children’s programme and CBOs (5 La.), consultancy and maintenance (1 La.), and  miscellaneous (4 La.). There was a one off expenditure on grant to Vasandham of (6 La.) but it is expected that VST will eventually compensate all of that.

Despite increased general funds expenditure and the one off grant to Vasandham the general fund (including corpus has) decreased only from 10.7m to 10.5m. It is expected that this will be recovered in the current year even with the increased  budgeted general fund expenditure of  2m. Major foreign sources were The International Club (Nice), and The Intercommunity School Zurich.

General Administration

This small unit  has supported all programmes in reporting, communication, maintenance and vehicle facilities.

Financial management includes authorisations, vouching, accounting, auditing, assets and investments. A number of external audits are conducted every year and Arogya Agam accounting is always appreciated. Statutory requirements include income tax formalities, society registrar and home ministry returns. They were all done on time and following refusal of 80G there was a favourable judgement from the appellate Tribunal Court. Other essential work done on time was vehicle and building insurance, accident insurance for staff, assets verification, gratuity and PF premiums and payment. There is a system for monthly budget control with line managers and team leaders and a purchase committee has been formed and bulk purchases are finalised by them. Staff vacancies are filled by walk in interview, there are strict procedures with Board involvement for higher posts. Existing staff are encouraged, subject to conditions, to apply for higher posts.

As a ‘one-off’ work this year the stability certificate was applied for and obtained and as the spirit license was not needed it was surrendered. Arogya Agam arranged exposure visit for 12 South Asian students through Visthar, Bangalore and school students from ICSZ. Regularly social work students are encouraged to do their placement work at Arogya Agam. Increasingly it is Arogya Agam that benefits from these as much as the students. Every Child sponsored research study was conducted by training and  involving our staff who interviewed people living with and HIV affected children in Theni District

As a part of the management system there are  finalised policies on gender and workplace and HIV. Staff, financial and child rights/ protection policies are nearing completion and policy on most marginalised communities is on the anvil.   

Gender and Staff Support Team Gender Audit

This team is selected by staff and forms the basis of a CASH committee for which it is joined by external women member. It operates a complaint and suggestion box and communicates to management. Action was taken on all the 14 letters received in the box.  Management keeps the team updated about any staff issues or issues that may affect staff. Following formalisation of gender policy and GSSG action plan, a comprehensive gender audit was undertaken with the help of an external consultant and team of interviewers. 

The study among staff found that 50% feel opportunities are provided to improve their skills; 80% feel there is a good atmosphere at Arogya Agam; 67% are aware about the CASH committee; 53% feel that there is collective decision making; over 50% feel that there is reduced gender inequality.

GSSG manages all staff loans from a fund now fully handed over to them by Arogya Agam. GSSG and management  maintains drinking water supply, dining hall facilities, staff rest room, condom supply and  library.