Karnataka - Bidar   

Barbers learn the art of self-reliance

Staff Correspondent

Members of the Revati Prasad Sharma Self-help Group in Bidar district, formed by the Savita Samaj.

Bidar: When Tanaji, a barber in Bidar, lost his father, two family responsibilities — arranging his sister's marriage and repay a housing loan — fell upon him. Although he managed to conduct his sister's wedding, he found it difficult to pay off the mortgage on his house.

When the bank put up the house for auction, he had no one to turn to. But the Revati Prasad Sharma Self-help Group, of which he is a member, came to his rescue. It helped him pay the bank loan.

Barbers have joined hands to form over 25 self-help groups (SHGs) in the district. Each group has an average of 20 members, and each member saves about Rs. 50 a week. Repayment of loans taken by members is nearly 100 per cent.

The SHGs are promoted by the Savita Samaj, an association working for the welfare of the community. The Bidar-based non-governmental organisation, Real Life, is training and guiding members.

"Formation of SHGs has transformed the lives of members of the community. The most important benefit is that they are able to escape the clutches of greedy moneylenders," Savita Samaj President Gandharva Sena said. "They are getting loans without having to sacrifice their self-respect. Now, they are working harder to repay loans and expand business," he said.

"The SHGs have helped remove a sense of helplessness among members," chief trainer and coordinator G.S. Chatur said. "The SHG revolution has given a sense of importance to members. We are sure the movement will lead to a subtle social transformation," he adds. Members of the SHGs meet every Tuesday.

They have learnt accounting and bookkeeping and take turns to prepare documents at each meeting. "Therefore, we do not have to pay accountants," Rajkumar, a member of the group said.

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Barbers learn the art of self-reliance

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