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Permanent training centre likely for SHGs

Staff Reporter

Angalane gives away Rs. 3.30 crore loans to the members

— Photo: T. Singaravelou

EDUCATION AID: The Social Welfare Minister, Angalane (second from right), presenting a cheque towards educational loan to a girl at a function organised by Indian Bank in Pondicherry on Friday.

PONDICHERRY: Social Welfare Minister P. Angalane on Friday said the Government would consider setting up of a permanent centre to provide training to members of Self-help Groups in various skills including computers.

"There is a good demand for terracota and Tanjore paintings in foreign markets. SHG members must tap this potential," he said while addressing SHGs members at a function organised jointly by Villianur, Ariyur and Thirukanur branches of Indian Bank at Ariyur.

Mr. Angalane also said that there was a good demand for paper cups and folders in Pondicherry itself and SHG members could use the opportunity. "The Government and banks are doing all they can to encourage them. Chief Minister N. Rangasamy has announced that shopping complexes would be opened to sell products made by SHGs," he noted.

A. Elumalai, MLA, urged SHG members to utilise the loans they get and start small initiatives and repay the loans. "The Minister also gave away loans to the tune of Rs 3.30 crore from Indian Bank to 412 beneficiaries.

A life insurance scheme from Life Insurance Corporation of India, specially tailor made to the needs of SHG members called Jhanashree Bhima Yojana, was introduced to SHG members, who are account holders in the bank. Members had to pay Rs. 100 as premium a year and the Government of India would pay another Rs.100. The relatives of the insured would get Rs. 20,000 if the person dies a natural death. In case of accident, the insured person would get Rs.50,000. Two children of the insured person would get Rs.100 every month as educational assistance if they are studying in standard IX to XII.

"Many members wanted life insurance cover and this particular scheme has very low premium," said B. Veeraraghavan, project coordinator (financial inclusion). M. Savarimuthu, Deputy General Manager and Indian Bank said these schemes were being launched as part of the bank's 100th year celebrations.

The Indian Bank was started on 15 August 1907. J. Benedict Christudas, Branch manager Ariyur, K. Selvaraj, Branch Manager Villiyanur and M. Natarajan, Branch Mangar, Thirukkanur of Indian Bank also spoke on the occasion.

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