Kerala - Kozhikode   

SHGs make their presence felt

Maleeha Ragahaviah

KOZHIKODE: An appraisal of the operations of the Kudumbasree Mission in Kozhikode district has revealed that self-help groups (SHGs) are emerging as a notable lending source, thereby dislodging traditional moneylenders at least to a certain extent.

A sum of Rs.73.12 crore has been generated as savings, with Rs. 201.7 crore disbursed through lending in the district, Kudumbasree district office sources said.

T.P. Govindankutty, Kozhikode district coordinator, said an evaluation of SHGs at the end of nine years revealed that Kudumbasree was emerging as an effective channel for the implementation of the Bhavanasree programme (housing project) too.

"In Kozhikode district, Mukkom grama panchayat has emerged as the topper in implementing the Bhavanasree programme. Of the 500 applicants, houses have been constructed for 369." Mukkom panchayat was commended for its good performance during the ninth anniversary celebrations of Kudumbasree recently. The president of the panchayat and community development service (CDS) besides the Kudumbasree officer in charge were given commendation certificates and mementos on the occasion. Canara Bank (Mukkom branch) was commended for disbursing the largest loan amount in Mukkom and Karassery grama panchayats.

With regard to group micro-enterprises, Kavilumpara emerged as the panchayat with the largest number of enterprises numbering 38. Koodaranji had the largest number of individual micro-enterprises numbering 65.

The Yuvasree programme that addressed beneficiaries in the age group of 18 to 35 years and would benefit male members of the family as well had not received the desired response. Awareness programmes were being conducted in this regard.

Another problem was with regard to units making `Nutrimix, which was supplied to anganawadis as a nutritional supplement to children in the six months to three-year age group. Delay in receiving payment was causing hardship to the units.

It was alleged that the local Self Government bodies were not allotting the funds in this regard in time.

Mr. Govindankutty said a major item in the Eleventh Plan was implementation of the Bhavanasree project through the Kudumbasree channel. More grama panchayats would be brought under the programme.

Another interesting aspect was that 99 per cent of the bank loan taken by SHG members was paid on time.

The SHGs had also registered commendable performance in the area of lease land farming.

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SHGs make their presence felt

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