Women who were instrumental making Deccan Development Society a name to reckon with in the organic farming space are today alleging of misappropriation of funds

Over 1,000 women signed a petition demanding transparency. They are seeking detailed accounts of the funds collected from them over the years

1. Evidence suggests that 20 years of compound interest now exceed Rs 5 cr
2. Over the past decade, DDS has sold 103 acres of community land, including six acres in Krishnapur village
3. Money, accumulated through the women’s modest earnings, remains unaccounted for

The Deccan Development Society (DDS) formed in 1979 grabbed national attention for championing the cause of organic farming, seed conservation, and millet cultivation, particularly sorghum (Jonnalu), in drought-prone regions of Telangana.

Its work earned widespread praise, securing substantial donor support and even facilitating its own radio and television outreach programs. However, allegations have recently surfaced, shaking the foundations of its legacy as more than 1,000 women farmers signed a petition demanding transparency.

Speaking to Metro India, K S Gopal one of the founding members of DDS who later moved on to pursue other endeavours said, “After 30 years, he returned in March 2023 to attend the funeral of P.V. Satheesh, co-founder and leader of DDS, where women beneficiaries from Zaheerabad block approached him with complaints, saying, “Sir, they have orphaned us!” Deeply moved, he revisited their concerns and spent a year gathering documents and evidence.” 

He further revealed that over the past decade, DDS has sold 103 acres of community land, including six acres in Krishnapur village, reportedly at a low price. The current market value of this land is approximately Rs 1 crore per acre. Purchased with donor funds for creating balwadis (crèches), the land was jointly owned by DDS and sangham representatives. 

Allegedly, the sale occurred without the women’s consent. Despite 15 years of persistent efforts to access financial records, DDS continues to withhold transparency, leaving the largely illiterate women grappling to reclaim their rightful assets.

Concerns over savings accountability

The women from Zaheerabad taluk contributed their micro-savings to a collective fund overseen by DDS, enabling them to borrow as needed. Passbooks were initially provided to record deposits and withdrawals, but these practices were later discontinued. According to K S  Gopal, the total savings, including principal and interest, range from Rs 3–4 crore. This money, accumulated through the women’s modest earnings, remains unaccounted for. In 2024, 1,000 women submitted a petition to the District Collector, fearing their funds may be permanently lost. 

Mismanagement of village revolving funds

 Between 1998 and 2004, DDS raised Rs 12 crore for its sorghum public distribution system, earning accolades such as Millet Man of India for Satheesh. However, in 2006, Rs 62.68 lakh of revolving funds was transferred into fixed deposits without sanghams’ consent. With donor oversight ending in 2005, villagers discovered their funds had vanished. Evidence suggests that 20 years of compound interest now exceed Rs 5 crore.

The Dalit women who once trusted DDS now fear for their hard-earned savings and land. K.S. Gopal remarked, “Every rupee must be accounted for. These women deserve justice and transparency, and a thorough inquiry will reveal the truth behind these troubling issues.” Their fight for accountability continues.