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Self-Help Groups (SHGs) - Case Study

From Inexperienced to Entrepreneurial: The Inspiring Story of Shree Samarth Kripa Self Help Group
by Varsha Parchure, Community Development Project Manager

As soon as news spread that the papad-making machine had arrived (papad is a flatbread made of lentil, chick pea and/or rice flour), members of the Shree Samarth Kripa Women’s Self Help Group (SHG) literally ran to see it, happiness and enthusiasm radiating from their faces. This moment was the fruition of months of hard work. All the doubts and questions - whether “illiterate and inexperienced” women should take a large loan to start a business, whether the business would succeed, whether the family members would support them in their endeavor – all such misgivings fell away as they ran to see the machine they had purchased.

The journey that the women traveled to go from inexperienced to entrepreneurial began in the spring of 2003, when PRASAD Chikitsa staff visited the village and explained the purpose of forming an SHG: development through unity and self-help. About a dozen women decided to step forward and become members of the new group. The concept was a novelty to the women, who had never come together for any reason other than family functions.

Initially, the women contributed Rs.25 per month, but when they understood how the process could help them in times of need, they gradually increased their contribution to Rs.50 per month – and now, they each save Rs.100 monthly to contribute.

The decision to buy the papad-making machine came after a long and arduous deliberation. Initial ground work was done with great attention to details, with the SHG members initiating many discussions before arriving at a unanimous decision. PRASAD provided advice and suggestions along the way, such as making them aware of the opportunities as well as risks of operating a business. Important decisions like where to set up the machine, how to operate it, the systematic planning for the execution of the plan, the costs involved – all were arrived at in advance by the SHG members.

Through all the months of planning and waiting, PRASAD’s support and encouragement helped the fledgling group to stay steady in their intention, and the women discovered a confidence and courage that gave wings to their belief in their own potential, individual and collective.

They would need that confidence and courage. One of the SHG members, Bhangre Tai (sister Bhangre) recounted that when the SHG members first decided to buy the machine, they faced a lot of criticism and questions. However, the women of Shree Samarth Kripa stood firm in their decision. Bhangre Tai says those who had questioned their judgment before the machine’s arrival, now applaud and appreciate their initiative in deciding to shape their future – and the future for other women and their village as a whole - through hard work and perseverance!

The work of Shree Samarth Kripa SHG will be in full swing post farming season, and they are doing well at making all loan principal and interest payments on time. They also have purchased a commercial gas burner, which they rent out to others for an additional source of income. As PRASAD Chikitsa helps spread word of their progress to other SHGs, the members of Shree Samarth Kripa SHG are planning still more business ventures. They are pleased to know that their success and example is an inspiration to other Tansa Valley women.

 

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