Self-help groups empower Jharkhand rural women

Gumla (Jharkhand), Mar 19 (ANI): Women in the Gumla block of Jharkhand have joined self-help groups that make detergents and phenols to improve living conditions.

These women are being trained under the Swarnajayanti Gramin Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY), a government scheme.

Banks provide these self-help groups money, which is used as capital and subsidy for starting the business. Initially the district administration gave them 25,000 rupees and then raised it to 2,50,000 rupees with a subsidy of 1,15,000 rupees.

"These women were given 15 days of training where they were taught to make detergents, candles, soaps, pickles and phenols and now they are doing it quite well. I have given this group a cheque of 2,50,000 rupees. I am happy that they are making use of their training and are selling their products in the market," said Haideri Ali, Block Developmental Officer, Gumla.

After undertaking the new venture, they claimed that their household conditions have improved a lot.

"After the completion of training, we make our own products and supply it to the local shops. Now our financial condition improved a lot. During the spare time, we do our household works," said Nita Kumari, member of the self-helpgroup.

Even though the women live in a tribal area like Gumla they have come up with their own self-employment ventures and are determined to improve their living conditions in the years to come. By Girija Shankar Ojha (ANI)