Women SHGs on the path of economic self-reliance

Bhilai, Aug 03:
A small effort to make women groups empowered and self-reliant is giving them strength to move forward. Women of rural areas are earning good income by forming self-help groups and doing their own business. Navjyoti Self-Help Group of Gram Panchayat Kuthrel and Nari Shakti Umarpoti of Gram Panchayat Umarpoti are moving ahead leaving behind the obstacles. Colourful attractive Rakhis are being sold by these women groups. They are also manufacturing artificial jewellery. The designs of Rakhi and imitation jewellery made by the group are attracting the attention of the customers.
The women members of these groups said that a year ago they were involved in household chores only and had nothing to do in spare time. They told that CEO of District Panchayat, Sachchidanand Alok and ADO Renuka Kannauje and Shweta Yadav inspired them to do business by constituting a group. Under the NRLM Bihan scheme, an assistance amount of Rs 15,000 was provided to the women of the group. Simultaneously, the group started the business by taking a loan of Rs One lakh from the bank. They told that within six months they repaid the bank loan. For the second time, they have taken a loan of Rs One lakh each to increase the business. Considering the current sales of their Rakhis, they are expecting a minimum profit of Rs 50000 after repaying the loan.
The Women SHGs are conducting all the tasks of their own. From purchasing raw material from the market to manufacturing, packaging and marketing, they are doing everything. They have expressed gratitude towards District Panchayat and the state government for promoting them and establishing their identity in the society.
The women of these groups met the Collector Dr Sarveshwar Narendra Bhure on Tuesday. The collector saw the Rakhis and other items made by the women. He praised the groups and also purchased Rakhis. The women also visited District Panchayat and met the CEO Sachidanand Alok. Officers and employees of District Panchayat Office purchased Rakhi worth Rs 6000 from them.