A few social activists, environmentalists, public health experts and human rights activists came together in 1995, to work on environmental and related social issues. This group eventually became the Society for Direct Initiative for Social and Health Action, popularly known as DISHA.

The Society for Direct Initiative for Social and Health Action (DISHA) was registered on 12.09.1995 under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1961 (Registration no. S/81188 of 1995-96). Donations to DISHA are eligible for tax deductions under 80G of the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961. DISHA has permission under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA Registration no. 147120619) to receive foreign donations. DISHA is also registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Govt. of India for undertaking CSR activities and the Registration number is CSR00005148.