In 1983, at the initiative of ILO on a participatory research methodology, WWF initiated a branch in Bangalore to provide relief to agarbathi workers in the slums. These workers lived in oppressive situation of dualistic ethnic society as most of the inhabitants in this area were migrants from border areas of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The co-operative society was initiated after the ethnic differences were shed and workers united under WWF's banner to work for their better working and living conditions. Access to credit and training enhanced their living standards. Today Bangalore has 15409 members in 154 villages.