Caritas India – the National Organisation of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) for Social Concern and Development – was founded in 1962. It is recognised as a leader in responding to the natural and other disasters in the sub-Continent, and serves the poor and marginalised throughout the country regardless of caste, creed or ethnicity.

Caritas India collaborates with the Indian and state governments to provide assistance and services throughout the country – in spite of social and economic growth, India faces challenges of poverty, marginalisation and development.

Caritas India is a network organization with 166 local counterparts who are the Diocesan Social Service Societies (DSSS) and hundreds of NGO partners. Through partnerships, Caritas India strives to reach the remotest parts of the country.

Caritas India works with national and international partners to provide services in:

• Environmental and disaster management services;
• Programme support services for community-based organizations;
• HIV and AIDS programme;
• Gender and development;
• Natural resources management;
• Integrated development programmes through empowerment and action;
• Capacity-building;
• Public relations and communication on social issues of poverty and justice.