OUR HISTORY

AUTONOMY INITIATED -1971 TO 1980

During the year 1973, the constitution of IGSSS was significantly amended to give it more autonomy. The affairs of management of the organization were then entrusted to a Governing Board. This resulted in a considerable increase in IGSSS’ programmes and responsibilities. In 1978 IGSSS undertook intensified rural reconstruction work and gave extensive support to projects that provided relief and rehabilitation, and also granted lump sum scholarships.

“The Great Concern” a 12 page quarterly development news bulletin was published in 1974 and “Great Concern for Development” – a Fifteen Year Commemorative Brochure 1960-1975 was also brought out. On March 29, 1980 the new office building of IGSSS at 28 Lodi Road Institutional Area was blessed and the office shifted to the new premises subsequently.

A massive programme of Natural Family Planning was undertaken by the Church and IGSSS was brought into direct association with this programme. In 1979 IGSSS made significant efforts to assist as many Dioceses and other Church-related and secular agencies in India as possible to revive inactive development structures and establish new ones through people-based development motivational and organizational programmes. About 35 Dioceses and 15 other regional and national level agencies were technically and financially assisted by IGSSS.