Social Welfare Services in Silvassa

Silvassa has grown from a small tribal village before independence to an industrial town at present. The place has seen different domination through out its history, thus having varied impact on its society. During the 17th and 18th century Silvassa was ruled by the Hindu Marathas and Peshwas. It gave way to the Portuguese rule in mid 18th century, finally becoming an important Portuguese town in the 19th century.

If one visits Silvassa today, he can find umpteen impacts of the Hindu and the Portuguese culture on its society along with the original tribal culture. Silvassa people have accepted all the religion mix, thus the century old Church of Our Lady of Piety, the ruins of the Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple and the local Tribal Art Museum are equally well maintained for tourism purposes. The Hindus and Christian live in harmony over here. Festivals like  Maha Shivratri, Gudi Pavda, Vasanth Panchami, Ram Navami, Navratri, Holi, Good Friday, Christmas etc. are celebrated with joy.

The Silvassa Municipal Council founded in 2006, works day in and out supported by its volunteers to give the town’s men and women an improved and hygienic life. This council looks after the supply of safe drinking water, maintain beautiful children’s parks, keep clean public toilets and keep the roads clean from daily garbage disposal.
 
Apart from the municipal council, Silvassa has few good non government organizations (NGO) devoting themselves in society development, education services, women empowerment, improved agricultural activity and many more.

Some of the renowned NGOs helping the society of Silvassa are;

Gandhiyan Education and Welfare Society

Formed and registered with the “Registrar of Societies” in 2009, this NGO is working on Silvassa’s civic issues, primary and women education and different tribal problems. They are organizing many vocational training and cultural programmes to make the tribal people self sufficient. The volunteers go to the small villages around Silvassa, visit door to door and encourage the tribals and poor in primary education and hygiene. Time to time they organize blood camps with Red Cross Blood Bank and vaccination programs.

Address: 110, Sam Super Market, 1st floor, Kilwani Naka, Silvassa- 396230
Contact: 09879-539301, 09712892777

Rashtriya Samaj Kalyan Sanstha

This organization is well known for its achievement in youth and social development, and has been awarded for the same by Nehru Yuva Kendra at union territory level. Formed in 2003 and registered with “Registrar of Societies”, the major achievements of this group are;

a. Rural development through poverty eradication and education
b. Health hazards reduction through supply of clean water, garbage disposal programme and cleaning of public toilets
c. Awareness on HIV/Aids
d. Help in labour and employment

Address: Bhupendra Bhai Chal, Room No. 02, Behind DCB Bank, Char Rasta, Silvassa -396230
Contact: 0260-2630750, 09427154262

Jan Shikshan Sansthan (Shramik Vidyapeeth)

The volunteers of this association help in vocational skill training development, by offering varied courses to the farmers, youth population and tribals of Silvassa.

Address: 202, Jaineel Complex, Above ING Vysya Bank, Naroli Road, Silvassa - 369 230
Contact: 0260-2630014, 02425-202302, 0982208339


People’s Action for Social Development and Sonali Mahila Vikas Charitable Trust are two more similar institutions helping in the societal growth of Silvassa.