SELF-HELP GROUPS
Maria is hoping to set up some self-help groups for the women in Kanji. It’s often through women that change comes about. Here we tell you about how a self-help group in the Yelagiri Hills (about twenty miles from Kanji as the crow flies) has made a difference to the women there.
On January 26, 2008, The Hindu, India’s National Newspaper, reported the success of a Self Help Group (SHG) in Tamil Nadu. The case study shows that despite poverty, still a big problem in India, the kind of development that is taking place and the kind of leadership that is emerging with the SHGs movement is phenomenal. In fact, SHGs are a key factor in bringing about structural changes in the rural society and its economy. The formation of SHGs promotes thrift; credit activities help to empower the women; and the women become more awareness of their rights and responsibilities. Organized into SHGs, the women have created savings and gained entry into banking and credit facilities.
Four years ago, the lives of the Tribal women living in the Yelagiri Hills were very miserable. These women were dependent on their husbands who, because of widespread unemployment, carried out activities like poaching and illegal alcohol production. Poverty prevented children from getting even a basic education and contributed to health problems. Today the situation of these women has been transformed, and this is the story of the success.
Their SHG was formed in 2002. After regularly saving 10-20 rupees each over 6 months, the women were assisted by Vellore District Rural Development Agency and the State Bank of India with a ‘revolving fund’ of Rs 25,000 (about £350). The SHG leased three flowering trees for Rs. 3000 each per year, collected the flowers from these trees and transported them to the plains. Each tree yields around 7000 flowers per week in season. Wholesalers purchase these flowers for Rs. 0.50. The group made a profit of Rs. 19,000 in their first year.
Inspired by their enthusiasm, the Vellore DRDA and State Bank of India then provided a loan of three million rupees (about £40,000) and a grant of Rs. 75,000. The SHG leased 1.5 acres of land and cultivated flagrant flowers like roses. They also leased the remaining 46 flowering trees on the hill so they effectively controlled the flower trade on the hill. Conditions in the hills ensure a good harvest.
Before, these tribal women rarely came down from the hills. Now they travel daily to sell the flowers at Chennai market, where they can be sold at Rs.1 each. The SHG members who harvest the flowers earn Rs.30 for 1000 flowers.
At the same time, the district administration has been developing the area as a tourist spot. New facilities include an exhibition hall for displaying the produce of SHGs. The latest idea of the women of the SHG is to start selling ice cream to the tourists!