Purvanchal Gramin Seva Samiti (PGSS), the ardent advocate of people’s empowerment through people by people and for people is known for its distinct style of facilitating empowerment.

Purvanchal Gramin Seva Samiti was established in the year 1986 as one of the flagship units of Gorakhpur with the vision of having a society based on justice, gender equity and fullness of life for all. Since its inception, PGSS has been working towards Empowerment of the Marginalized especially the Dalits, Women and Children through a process of awareness, organization, advocacy and collective actions for raising their socio-political, educational, economic, health status and promotion of safe environment. The year 2011-12 marks the 'Silver Jubilee Year' of the establishment of PGSS and during these past years, we have developed a strong resource base for capacity building of various stakeholders across the seven districts of Gorakhpur and Basti Division.

PGSS took roots in the rich soil of Purvanchal, Eastern Uttar Pradsesh in India from the year 1986 under the able leadership of then Bishop Dr Dominic Kokkat CST. “Harvest is plenty, but labourers are few” (Mt. 9:37) was our experience. we initially adopted few villages nearby our head office and later extended the same model to all community centres built at varous stations for integrated development. .

In many rural areas of Uttar Pradesh, agriculture is a primary occupation, and many farmers face significant challenges due to various factors such as small landholdings, lack of access to modern techniques, unpredictable weather patterns, and limited financial resources. These circumstances often lead to a cycle of poverty for the farming community.

Pgss took several initiatives and government programs aim to uplift poor farmers and empower women in the region:

Government Schemes: Various government schemes focus on providing financial support, irrigation facilities, crop insurance, and subsidies on seeds and fertilizers to assist farmers in improving their agricultural practices and increasing their yields. These schemes aim to alleviate poverty and improve the livelihoods of farmers.

Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Women's empowerment initiatives, including the formation of self-help groups, have gained momentum in Barhalganj and surrounding areas. These groups offer training, financial literacy, and access to microfinance, enabling women to start their small businesses or contribute to family income.

Skill Development Programs: Vocational training and skill development programs are being implemented to equip both men and women with skills beyond agriculture, enabling them to explore alternative livelihood options and entrepreneurial ventures.

Education and Awareness: Efforts are made to promote education and awareness among farmers about modern farming techniques, organic farming practices, and the utilization of technology to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Women Empowerment Initiatives: Special programs focus on empowering women through education, skill training, and creating opportunities for their active participation in decision-making processes, thereby enhancing their socio-economic status within the community.

While challenges persist, the concerted efforts of governmental and non-governmental organizations aim to improve the lives of poor farmers and empower women in Uttarpradesh by providing them with resources, education, and opportunities to break the cycle of poverty and contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.

PGSS Cloud Centres provides a link for local people, youth and women to actively take part in community building activities and learning new skills so as to become involved in local community development. We provide classes and events such as physical, creative or social activities from time to time through by programme co-ordinators and field staffs. This programme offers countless opportunities for young people to make friends and learn new skills.

We have around 28 community centres covering seven districts to actively engage with local people to address their problems and to focus development works. In each community centre, we have following groups like Self-Help Group, Farmers Group, Mothers' Group, Nav Jyoti Mahila Sangarsh Mandal, Nav Jyoti Kishori Sangarsh Mandal, Nav Yuvak Sangarsh Mandal etc. .