The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) is an International agency working for the uplitment of deserving sections of the population almost all over India through its partner organisations. Starting its Journey in 1968, it has completed 50 years in this country. Its vision and mission were clear: bringing sustainable change in the life and living of the rural poor through leadership capacity building, initiating  meaningful programmes of various natures without disturbing the existing cultural fabric of the communities concerned, Its method of work was not to impose ideas but to help the partner organisations to go ahead judiciously or rationally with regard to the nature of interventions with regard to the nature of interventions, target groups, operational areas, methods of work and so on. The ultimate objective of the KAS is to see that programmes keep conformity with the economic and social development initiatives of the Government of India.

From day one of its activity in India, the KAS was serious to work on the basis of partnerships. The partnerships were accordingly started in the year of its inception with the Vishwa Yuvak Kendra; New Delhi. Ultimately the Kendra became one of the leading NGOs of India. After a few years, in the late sixties or early seventies, the KAS started collaborating with a few more NGOs such as the Ramakrishna Mission, Yuvak Vikas Trust, Indian Institute of Youth Welfare and Institute for Youth and Development. In the last 10 years or so it has expanded its collaboration by including some more organisations such as the Madras Management Association, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, CREATE, KALYAN, AISWACS, ICPRD and others.

Besides organising various programmes through the partners, the Joint Staff Development Programme (JSDP) is an important innovation of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and its partners. The Joint Staff Development programme, which is popularly known as the JSDP, is a brainchild of the KAS.

Current Programmes of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in India

It is the overall objective of the Konrad-Adeenauer-Stiftung’s Country Programme for India to facilitate the reform endeavours and the social changes resulting out of the transformation and modernisation process. The Foundation also aims at supporting India’s integration into the global economy and the process of globalisation. Specifically, the Foundation offers to contribute towards: 

• Assisting India in its process of social, structural and political transformation based on democracy, the Rule Law and secularism.
• Strengthening of the economic reforms, the small and medium business sector and an effective market economy.
• Intensifying the dialogue on international relations and security policies between Germany, Europe and India.
• Reducing poverty and fostering grassroots democracy through PRI-training and capacity building.
• Promoting the development of the media.
• Supporting further connectivity and integration of the SAARC region.

The current programmes of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung focus on the following areas of interest:

• Social Changes/Law
• Economic Reforms/Small and Medium Enterprises
• Foreign and Security Policy
• Poverty Alleviation /Local Administration
• Media
• Important Role of the Partner Organisations

JSDP Programs till date: