Sambalpur Integrated Development Institute (SIDI) was established on 1st June 1990 when a group of professional trainers in the field of social development felt the need to synthesize the theory with practice. These professionals, after leaving a training based organization SEARCH in Bangalore, took up social activism in different tribal dominated areas of Odisha. The Chief Functionary of SIDI along with 4 other such professional focused their work in Jamankira Block and formed SIDI by establishing its office in the same Block due to its strategic location and connectivity with the area of their work.
SIDI’s has evolved over the period of last 27 years as a renowned organization in Western Odisha. Its process of evolution can be divided into 3 important phases:

The 1st phase of SIDI’s evolution can be termed as the period of Pehchan aur Jagrukta (Orientation and Awareness). It was the initial 4-5 years after its registration when most of the time was spent in exploration of the area of work and getting oriented with the geography and socio-political issues of the area. Needs identification, social power dynamics and issues of poverty and marginalization wereidentified. Empowerment of the marginalized communities was done by picking up the wage and labour related issues within the villages. The concept of grain banks was introduced during this phase. During this period, connectivity between the villages was very poor and the villagers had least exposure to the external world and limited awareness about the administration and its welfare programs.
The 2nd phase can termed as the period of Nirman (Development). It is, by and large; a period 8 years during which the issues related to literacy, health and economic empowerment were picked up as a priority. People wanted to explore their rights related to education and health overcoming age old mental servitude and ignorance. Moreover, the partner community displayed a keen urge for economic growth accessing livelihood opportunities. Therefore, children enrolment in the government schools, student’s scholarship, vocational training programs etc. were initiated during the 2nd phase of work. Strengthening of traditional livelihood activities related to minor forest produce (NTFPs) was also done in addition to the new agricultural activities like chilly cultivation etc.
3rd phase can be named as Nirman aur Bhagidari (Development & Participation) starting from the year 2005 which is focused on building networks, advocacy and linking with government developmental programs in the capacity of the implementing partner. The issues related to livelihood, literacy, health and capacity building of the 2nd phase are still the focus of the organization which has been top up with the strategy of strengthening collective bargain through alliance building on community rights over natural livelihood resources like NTFP and land during the third phase. Government run welfare and development schemes related to housing, employment, pensions and education is also being covered in this phase.
SIDI is playing pivotal role in the socio-economic development of the two main marginalized communities; adivasis (ST) and dalits (SC) of Sambalpur and Deogarh districts for more than 25 years. At present, SIDI has 5 core areas of intervention viz. livelihood generation, capacity building, education, health, advocacy & governance by participation. Women and children are the focus of these interventions.
Mission- Empowering the marginalized sections of the community to bring the community forward for assertion of basic rights.