The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a small grants program funded by the Australian Government and managed through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The Australian Consulate-General in Kolkata manages the DAP in east and northeast India. It supports projects that have a strong development focus, contribute to poverty reduction, and strengthen communities in India. Since 2020, DAP has built linkages and fostered relationships between Australia and these communities.
Under this program, training of soft toys or Naga women was sponsored. With their newly acquired skills, the women could make beautiful crochets and sell them. The Australian consulate Kolkata also ordered Koalas made by the women.