Forty years ago, Baroda Citizens Council was formed as a joint venture of the American Friends Service Committee (Quakers Group from USA ), the Federation of Gujarat Industries, Vadodara Municipal Corporation and the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Vadodara. These expert and professional bodies had envisioned that due to the rapid industrialization of the nation in general and Vadodara city in particular there would be a sea change in the life style of the population. With increase in the migration of rural poor to urban areas in search of jobs, there would be an increase in population staying in slums. These slum communities staying in poor conditions without the basic amenities and proper infrastructure needed help to overcome these problems. To address these very problems, the Council started working in these communities with programmes that were tailor-made for each area and addressed the local needs. Gradually, over the years, the programmes were streamlined so that they led to sustainable development and empowerment of communities. The uniqueness of the Council lies in the fact that it is a professionally managed development organization piloted by committed corporate leaders.

At present it is a leading professionally managed development organization piloted by committed corporate leadership.

The Council is truly non-political, non-partisan secular development-oriented organization based on self-help and collective co-operative efforts. It has demonstrated community based partnership approaches to issues leading to convergence of services and networking. Since its inception till date, the Council has carefully and innovatively managed the stresses and strains of changing times, carrying out crucial development work with a corpus of crores of rupees to help the underprivileged.

The Council has encouraged active participation by the community in all programmes. We have a process and result orientation in our activities. We believe in partnership with government, non-government and other organizations. We have fostered leadership and enthusiasm from people. Our programmes are backed by scientific need assessment. We have empowered people and communities through entrepreneurship. We have a time bound plan to transfer ownership to stake holders. We have encouraged capacity building, skill building, attitudinal and behaviour change through value inculcation leading to self-reliance. We have organized training programmes and made technical assistance to the communities to learn new skills for income-generating programmes. We have established good networks with funding organizations and active alliance with partner organization. We persevere continuously for creating better life opportunities through innovation and improvement through strategic intervention.

To develop leadership, competence & faith of people in themselves through self help approach.

To emerge as an Effective Service Provider, Change Agent & Community Development Organization integrating voluntary spirit with professional competence.

• To develop leadership, competence & faith of people in themselves.
• To activate social organization & enthuse members to work together.
• To disseminate correct information & make effective use to available resources.
• To provide a forum through which Voluntary & Government agencies can tackle city level problems especially of the economically & social deprived section of the society.
• To co-operate with the local body, voluntary and government agencies and public in working for the further development and improvement of the District of Vadodara/Gujarat.
• To encourage the development of responsible citizenship so that people may participate more effectively in today's society.

• The Council is registered under Societies Registration Act, 1860 No. Gujarat/330/ Vadodara, dated 25.05.1966
• Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950 NO. F/86/ Vadodara, dated 25.05.1966
• Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 1976 No. 041960042, dated 19.03.1983
• Under Section 52 of the Person With Disability Act, 1995 No. 112 dated 16.04.02