ABSTRACT
Non-governmental organizations (NGO) in Karnataka vary widely in their size, funding levels, programmatic and geographic coverage. India Development Service (IDS) is one of two larger NGOs operating in the state. This chapter explores the socio-economic context of IDS's location, namely, the district, the block and the cluster of villages. It deals with IDS and its operations, including criteria for project area identification, underlying philosophy and stated goals, program components, operational strategies, target groups, administrative structure, funding and collaboration with other institutions. IDS's main project area is the Medleri cluster of villages in Ranebennur block of Dharwad district. Shifting occupational patterns are a characteristic of the Medleri cluster. IDS were registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act in September 1979. IDS very clearly laid out the conceptual bases for its development work in Karnataka. For IDS, development is not to be confused with charity and is concerned with long term gains.
