INTRODUCTION

SELF HELP GROUPS (SHG’s)

SHG is group of rural poor who have volunteered to organize themselves

into a group for eradication of poverty of the members. They agree to save regularly
and convert their savings into a Common Fund known as the Group corpus. The
members of the group agree to use this common fund and such other funds that they
may receive as a group through a common management.

OBJECTIVES

 To sensitize women of target area for the need of SHG and its relevance in their
empowerment process.
 To create group feeling among women.
 To enhance the confidence and capabilities of women.
 To develop collective decision making among women.
 To encourage habit of saving among women and facilitate the accumulation of their own
capital resource base.
 To motivate women taking up social responsibilities particularly related to women
development.

GOAL

Self-help groups are started by non-profit organizations (NGOs) that generally have
broad anti-poverty agendas. Self-help groups are seen as instruments for a variety of
goals including empowering women, developing leadership abilities among poor people,
increasing school enrolments, and improving nutrition and the use of birth control.
Financial intermediation is generally seen more as an entry point to these other goals,
rather than as a primary objective. [2] This can hinder their development as sources of
village capital, as well as their efforts to aggregate locally controlled pools of capital
through federation, as was historically accomplished by credit unions.
 FEATURES OF SELF-HELP GROUPS
Accessibility
Accessibility and economy are appealing features of self-help groups. Since the groups are free,
organizations such as AA and NA are very cost-effective. In addition, meetings are easy to locate
through local newspaper announcements, hospitals, health care centers, churches, school
counselors, and community agencies. For AA and sister organizations that encourage frequent
attendance, hundreds of meetings may be held each week in large metropolitan areas.
Furthermore, with the proliferation of online support communities and growth of connectivity to
the Internet, self-help groups are becoming as accessible for individuals in rural areas as they are
for those in large cities.
Anonymity
An important characteristic of 12-step groups is the preservation of anonymity by revealing first
names only and by maintaining strict confidentiality of stories shared during meetings. Online
self-help groups offer even more anonymity since the exchanges are not face to face. The virtual
anonymity of online experience helps to reduce social discomfort and discrimination, or
stereotyping otherwise associated with real-life perceptions of age, disabilities, race, gender, or
culture.
Social support and mutual aid
Self-help groups provide an intact community and a sense of belonging. The social support and
mutual aid available in a group may be critical to recovery, rehabilitation, or healthy coping. This
is especially true for socially isolated people or people from dysfunctional families, who may
have little or no emotional support. Participating in a social network of peers reduces social and
emotional isolation and supports healthy behavior. Group members can offer unconditional
support and, collectively, are a repository of helpful experiential knowledge.
Self-esteem and self-efficacy
Self-help groups promote self-esteem or self-respect by encouraging reciprocal caring; the
concept of self-efficacy, or the belief that one is capable, is promoted by reinforcing appropriate
behavior and beliefs and by sharing relevant information regarding the disease or condition. For
example, there may be an exchange of information regarding how to cope with failed or
disrupted relationships, about what is reasonable to expect from health care professionals, about
how to manage pain or public embarrassment, about where to go and to whom for a variety of
needs. In groups such as AA, self-efficacy also is promoted by sponsors who act as mentors and
role models, and by encouraging rotating leadership roles.
Introspection and insight
Introspection, or contemplation, is another fundamental feature of many self-help groups,
particularly for groups that follow a 12-step program of recovery. For example, the fourth step of
AA states that members make "a searching and fearless moral inventory" of themselves, and the
tenth step states that members continue "to take personal inventory" and admit wrongdoing.
Introspection is particularly beneficial to individuals who are not entirely aware of the moral
repercussions of and motivation for their behavior. In a sense, working through some of the 12
steps resembles the cognitive restructuring learned in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), as
maladaptive ideas and behaviors are transformed.
Spiritual recovery
The final step in a 12-step program recognizes that recovery entails a spiritual awakening;
furthermore, recovering addicts are enjoined to spread the message to others suffering from
addiction. Recovery depends on giving up both injurious self-will and denial of maladaptive
behavior, and turning to a higher power. Members are urged to seek guidance or inspiration from
this higher power. For many addicts, the key to recovery is a spiritually guided movement away
from self-centeredness or self-absorption, and a turning towards the "Power greater than
ourselves" through prayer and meditation .
Advocacy
Some self-help groups meet to advocate or promote social and legislative remedies with respect
to the issue of concern. For example, HIV/AIDS groups have lobbied for improved access to
prescription drugs. Groups lobby for reforms by identifying key legislators and policy makers;
they submit papers or suggestions for more equitable laws and policies to these key people. They
also conduct public education programs (including programs meant to redress the harm of
stigmatization). There are groups that advocate for more funds for research and for improved
services for people who suffer from one of many diseases or mental disorders. The most
important grass roots organization of families and consumers of psychiatric services (former or
current patients) is the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI). This organization was
founded in 1979, and blends self-help with advocacy efforts for the improvement of research,
services, and public awareness of major mental illnesses. Their advocacy efforts target both the
federal and state levels.
 GUIDELINES

The group formation will keep in view the following broad guidelines

1. Generally a self-help group may consist of 10 to 20 persons. However, in

difficult areas like deserts, hills and areas with scattered and sparse
population and in case of minor irrigation and disabled persons, this number
may be from 5-20. The difficult areas have to be identified by the State Level
SGSY Committee and the above relaxation in membership will be permitted
only in such areas.

2. Generally all members of the group should belong to families below the
poverty line. However, if necessary, a maximum of 20% and in exceptional
cases , where essentially required, upto a maximum of 30% of the members
in a group may be taken from families marginally above the poverty line
living contiguously with BPL families and if they are acceptable to the BPL
members of the group. This will help the families of occupational groups like
agricultural labourers, marginal farmers and artisans marginally above the
poverty line, or who may have been excluded from the BPL list to become
members of the Self Help Group. However,the APL members will not be
eligible for the subsidy under the scheme. The group shall not consist of
more than one member from the same family. A person should not be a
member of more than one group. The BPL families must actively participate
in the management and decision making, which should not ordinarily be
entirely in the hands of APL families. Further, APL members of the Self
Help Group shall not become office bearers( Group Leader, Assistant Group
Leader or Treasurer )of the Group.

3. The group should devise a code of conduct (Group management norms) to

bind itself. This should be in the form of regular meetings (weekly or
fortnightly), functioning in a democratic manner, allowing free exchange of
views, participation by the members in the decision making process.
4. The group should be able to draw up an agenda for each meeting and take up
discussions as per the agenda.

5. The members should build their corpus through regular savings. The group
should be able to collect the minimum voluntary saving amount from all the
members regularly in the group meetings. The savings so collected will be
the group corpus fund.

6. The group corpus fund should be used to advance loans to the members. The
group should develop financial management norms covering the loan
sanction procedure, repayment schedule and interest rates.

7. The members in the group meetings should take all the loaning decisions
through a participatory decision making process.

8. The group should be able to prioritise the loan applications, fix repayment
schedules, fix appropriate rate of interest for the loans advanced and closely
monitor the repayment of the loan instalments from the loanee.

9. The group should operate a group account preferably in their service area
bank branch, so as to deposit the balance amounts left with the groups after
disbursing loans to its members.

10. The group should maintain simple basic records such as Minutes book,
Attendance register, Loan ledger, General ledger, Cash book, Bank passbook
and individual passbooks. The sample proforma for maintenace of above
records by the group is in the Annexure II for guidance. These could be used
with necessary changes/ modifications wherever required.

11. 50% of the groups formed in each block should be exclusively for the
women. In the case of disabled persons, the groups formed should ideally be
disability-specific wherever possible, however, in case sufficient number of
people for formation of disability-specific groups are not available, a group
 may comprise of persons with diverse disabilities or a group may comprise
of both disabled and non-disabled persons below the poverty line.

ADVANTAGE OF FINANCING THROUGH SHG

An economically poor individual gains strength as part of a group. Besides, financing through
SHGs reduces transaction costs for both lenders and borrowers. While lenders have to handle
only a single SHG account instead of a large number of small-sized individual accounts,
borrowers as part of an SHG cut down expenses on travel (to & from the branch and other
places) for completing paper work and on the loss of workdays in canvassing for loans.

The primary focus of self-help groups is to provide emotional and practical support and an
exchange of information. Such groups use participatory processes to provide opportunities for
people to share knowledge, common experiences, and problems. Through their participation,
members help themselves and others by gaining knowledge and information, and by obtaining
and providing emotional and practical support. These groups have been particularly useful in
helping people with chronic health conditions and physical and mental disabilities. Traumatic
life events such as death and divorce are also the basis for groups. Self-help groups are
voluntary, and they are mostly led by members. Generally, groups meet on a regular basis, are
open to new members, and do not cost money to join. Traditionally, self-help groups have been
in-person meetings, but recently Internet self-help groups have become popular.
 BUSINESSES ON TO

Some of the products, which are conveniently produced / marketed by SHGs include: Fibre
based products, like carry bags, hand bags, decoration items etc, Palm leaf products like baskets
leaf mats, Coconut shell products, Toys made of paper, fruits, terracotta etc, Sea shell crafts, Cut
flower items, and bead ornaments.

Food items, Honey and honey based products, Pickles, Sea foods, Wafers (Appalam), Flour
items, Bakery items, Masala Powders, Fried Chips like banana, tapioca etc, Murukku, Awal,
Jams, squash etc, Palm candies, Oils like coconut etc, Coconut shell charcoal, Plant Fibre
brushes, Rose water, Temple articles, Jewellery, Greeting cards from plant materials,
Vermicompost, coir pith compost, Thatched palm leaf, Detergents, soaps, Phenyl, and Ready
made garments.

Embroidery products, Pin lace products, Cloth items, Granite and marble based products,
Sculptures, Boat building, Handlooms, Metal crafts like Jewellery, Wood based items, furniture,
carvings, leather products, Pottery items, Flower and flower products like bouquets, Roof and
flooring tiles, Herbal medicines, Clay and hollow bricks
SHG’s IN TAMILNADU

Sl. District No. of New No. of New

No. Groups to Groups
be formed formed
1 KANCHEEPURAM 600 1297
2 THIRUVALLUR 325 804
3 VELLORE 550 384
4 THIRUVANNAMALAI 250 260
5 DHARMAPURI 250 341
6 KRISHNAGIRI 175 174
7 SALEM 825 889
8 NAMAKKAL 475 585
9 ERODE 1325 2032
10 COIMBATORE 1300 1599
11 THE NILGIRIS 275 536
12 CUDDALORE 400 605
13 VILLUPURAM 375 704
14 THANJAVUR 550 966
15 NAGAPATTINAM 200 522
16 THIRUVARUR 175 409
17 THIRUCHIRAPALLI 425 418
18 PERAMBALUR 150 180
19 PUDUKKOTTAI 200 175
20 DINDUGAL 600 1318
21 KARUR 275 364
22 MADURAI 300 172
23 THENI 550 316
RAMANATHAPURA
24 175 92
M
25 VIRUDHUNAGAR 225 257
26 SIVAGANGA 300 136
27 TIRUNELVELI 900 1340
28 TUTICORIN 475 1230
29 KANYAKUMARI 1400 3349
Total 14025 21454
 STRUCTURE, SAVINGS, LOANING OPERATIONS
STRUCTURE OF SHG:

About 97 per cent of the sample SHGs were women groups. NGOs and their representatives
promoted about 63 percent whereas about 28 per cent of the groups were promoted by banks.
Local leaders and other rural social workers/ volunteers were also involved in the group
formation that constituted about 8 per cent of the sample groups. The number of members varied
from 10 to 20, average being 14. The average size of different groups remained the same among
NGO promoted and BANK promoted groups. However, recently formed groups (upto 2 years)
were having an average of 13 members while older groups of 3 to 4 years and 5 years and above
were having 14 and 15 members respectively. Homogeneity in the standard of living was the
major criterion (58%) for forming the groups followed by the proximity of stay (23%) and
activity (17%). Homogeneity in standard of living is the major criterion followed by both models
(Table 3.1). Older groups of 5 years and above were formed mostly on the criteria of proximity
of stay (45%) and activity (36 %). BANK groups gave thrust on homogeneity (59 %) followed
by activity (27 %) and proximity of stay (14%).

SAVINGS

Savings formed one of the main products in the programme. The amount of savings per member
during 12 a given period varied across the groups depending on their capacity to save and age of
SHG. The sample SHGs saved from the low level of Rs. 5 to a high of Rs. 150 per member per
month. Majority of SHGs (48%) saved Rs. 10 to 20 per member per month. About 23 per cent of
SHGs reported increase in savings rate over a period of time. The percentage of SHGs with
increased savings rate over time was more among BANK groups (36%) as compared to NGO
groups (16%). Only 2 SHGs reported flexibility in their savings rate and it varied from a
minimum of Rs.10 per member per month to Rs.100 per member per month. In addition to the
regular monthly savings, a few groups were reported to have collected extra savings to be
utilized for different purposes like education for children, to finance meals (bala bhojan) for
needy children, marriage of daughter, etc. About 10 per cent of SHGs had jointly formed the
‘Vidyadayini Balika Sangh of the girlchild’, which adopted needy children and took care of their
education, books, dresses, etc.
LOANING OPERATIONS
The purpose of loan availed by the sample members were classified into two categories for the
purpose of the study. The income generating purposes include purchase of inputs for agriculture,
petty trade and other non-farm activities. Loan for consumption purposes, settlement of old debts
from money lenders and loans for contingency purposes such as medical expenditure and other
social functions like, marriage and funeral ceremonies, etc., were classified under non-income
generating purposes. The average loan size for the groups surveyed was worked out to Rs.32,685
of which 72 per cent was for income generating purpose and the remaining 28 per cent was for
consumption and other social functions and contingencies. The size of loan was reported to be
more for NGO groups (Rs.36,069) as compared to BANK- groups (26,910). The share of loans
for income generating purposes was also significantly higher for NGO groups (76
%) as compared to BANK- groups (61 %).
 TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

SHGs trained
Nature of Training
Name of No. No. of persons Trained
of
District
SHG Tota SC ST Wome
l n
s
1 2 4 5 6 7 8
Kancheepura
15 169 99 7 136 Catering, Motor winding
m
Tailoring,catering, fashion,
Tiruvallur 20 268 148 0 203
driving
Vellore 82 146 33 71 115 Computer,Electrician ,Fitter
Tiruvannamala
24 60 20 35 90 Computer,Tailoring, Driving
i
Tailoring,Rexine leather, Paper
Dharmapuri 52 115   115 174
plate
Tailoring,Rexine leather, Paper
Krishnagiri 41 90   90 170
plate
Tailoring,Beautician,Rexine,
Salem 120 359 0 359 359
Coir making
Tailoring,Beautician, Rexine,
Namakkal 62 135 0 135 135
Coir making
Erode 75 225 82 174 62 Tailoring,Comput,Mat
Tailoring,Man.of
Coimbatore 84 170 65 170 129 Bags,tailoring,Baking,Beauticia
n
Nilgiris 56 127 70 62 65 Computer,Tailoring,
Appalam, Jam, seaweed /Crab
Villupuram 20 257 50 10 85
culture, Vermi culture
Thanjavur 158 585 87 45 283 Computer,Tailoring,
Nagapattinam 2 231 37 18 44 Leather products
Tiruvarur 54 150 15 12 28 Computer,Tailoring,
Terracotta,Greeting card,
Trichy 52 130 25 1 122
Ready made,Home appliance
Perambalur 47 101 31 1 36 Driving
Screen Print,Home App,Note
Pudukottai 34 87 43 0 82
making, Table mat making
Dindigul 18 74 27 12 41 Tailoring
 Karur 11 37 21 8 21 Tailoring
Madurai 14 59 4 0 30 Computer,Tailoring, Toys
Theni 87 196 45 0 124 Computer,Tailoring, Toys
Ramanad 19 49 5 10 39 Computer
Sivagangai 24 55 9 0 54 Tailoring
Computer,Coir,
Tirunelveli 132 314 9 27 259
Fisheries,Honey
Computer,Coir, Seashore
Tuticorin 114 148 4 0 141
sippies, Panai
Service Kiosk, Leather
products, Bakery, Napkin,
wiring,seaweed /Crab culture,
Kanniyakumari 112 248 0 0 169 Coir making, Herbal Products,
Palm products & Masonry,
Fishnet, Tailoring, Hollow
Block, Tiles, Photography
513 102 138
Total 1589 3363  
2 6 2

SELF HELP GROUP ACTIVITIES

Apart from the rehabilitation of individual disabled persons, the IHRDC organizes manpower
development programmes to address the education, rehabilitation and vocational needs of groups
of disabled persons of all categories nder SHG Scheme. In collaboration with the District
Administration, Coimbatore, the IHRDC implemented Self-Help Group (SHG) activities for
persons with disabilities on June 1, 2003.  The Perianaickenpalayam and Karamadai Blocks were
covered under this scheme.

TRAINING TO SELF-HELP GROUPS:

Creating of self-employment opportunities is vital for persons with disabilities to make them
economically independent. However, individual clients sometimes lack self-motivation due to
the difficulty involved in sustaining self-employment avenues. Therefore, providing structured
training to persons with disabilities to form self-help groups not only develops confidence in
them but also improves their income-generation opportunities.  On the basis of discussions with
the District Administration, officials from Government of India and Tamil Nadu, experts and
disabled clients, the existing SGSY scheme was modified to address the self-employment needs
of persons with disabilities.

SPECIAL PROJECT:
 The IHRDC made an intensive survey in Karamadai and Perianaickenpalayam blocks and
identified nearly 800 persons in the age group 14-50 years who can be benefitted by self-help
group concepts.  Based on the proposed model, the District Rural Development Authority
(DRDA) and IHRDC prepared a proposal to benefit 80 self-help groups of persons with
disabilities each year in Perianaickenpalayam and Karamadai blocks.  The proposal of the DRDA
was approved by the Government of India as per their letter dated 11 March 2004.  With the
preparatory work and orientation of officials, the project was formally launched on June 1, 2004.

APTITUDE TRAINING:

The aptitude training and skill training were provided in the IHRDC.  The aptitude training was
for a period of 7 days.

ASSESSMENT FOR SKILL TRAINING:

A committee consisting of professionals in visual impairment, hearing impairment, mental

retardation and locomotor disabilities, set up by the IHRDC, reviewed the progress of the clients
at each step.

NEED-BASED SKILL TRAINING:

After the aptitude training was completed, the disabled people were assisted to identify the trades
of their choice.  Following this, the trainees were classified into different self-help groups, with a
minimum of 5 persons in each group and then given a minimum of 4 weeks intensive skill
training in the selected trade to attain mastery over that trade.  Depending on the ability of the
client, skill training was organized to learn more than one vocational trade.  The duration of the
skill training too varied.  For example, training in bakery needed 3 weeks, tailoring requires 3-4
months, computer training requires 6-9 months and so on.  Therefore, the training was fully
need-based and the duration depended on the ability level of the client. The DRDA met the cost
of training for a period of 4 weeks as per the project. Cost for training beyond 4 weeks for any
number of clients was met by the IHRDC, Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya.
TRADES:

Need-based vocational activities were provided to the members of SHG in 36 trades and each
client was taught a minimum of 5 trades. 

OPENING BANK ACCOUNT:

After the skill training was over, the IHRDC assisted the clients to form Self-Help Groups and
also prepared them for self-employment by opening bank accounts, procuring raw material and
creating local work environment. 

CLUSTER LEVEL CENTRES:

Most of the disabled persons do not have adequate facilities in their homes for making the
products. The cluster level centre helped them to solve such problems. The members of
production oriented SHGs assembled at the cluster level centres and made their products. The
raw materials and finished goods were also stored at the centre.  The members were also taking
their products to markets and customers located in various places.

For the above activities it was proposed to construct 12 cluster level centres during the first year. 
To monitor the activities of the cluster level centres located at various places a main centre was
constructed.

NETWORKING:

To ensure that the cluster level centers function smoothly, a coordination committee was formed
who met once in 15 days and discussed various matters such as progress, support services,
marketing, Govt. welfare schemes, rights of the disabled,  etc. 

BENEFICIARIES:

As per the proposal submitted to the Government of India, 80 self-help groups were supposed to
be developed in each year of implementation of the project by 31 May 2004.  The
implementation of the scheme exceeded the target of 80 self-help groups by forming 120 self-
help groups.

AWARDS FOR WOMEN SELF-HELP GROUPS

The State Government presented "Manimegalai Virudhugal" to best performing self help groups
in the district under the Mahalir Thittam and panchayat level federations.

The District Collector said that groups functioning for the last four years and those that have got
loans from the banks or financial institutions at least thrice can apply. The panchayat level
federation should have functioned for two years before 1 July, 2006. All the self help groups
functioning under the Mahalir Thittam in a panchayat should be members of the federation. The
federation should have conducted 20 panchayat level meetings during the last two years.

Such groups and federations can get the application form for the award from the Mahalir Thittam
office.
 OUT-BOUND TRAINING FOR SHG WOMENS

BARALIKKADU ECO-TOURISM

Utilizing the skill of the tribals in driving the coracles, it was proposed to arrange an Eco
Tourism in Karamadai Range, availing the funds granted under XII Finance Commission
scheme, for the sustained income to the tribal people and also to improve the basic amenities
of these villages viz., education, sanitation, health, transportation, Communication etc..

NOVEL IDEA ...

 The novel idea of forming an Eco Tourism in Karamadai
Range involving the Tribal people to generate sustained income to the tribal families and
also to create awareness among the nature lovers and tourists coming from urban areas have
been evolved during April 2007, utilizing the funds provided under peoples participation in
JFMC under XII – Finance Commission.

Two Committees viz. Barlikkadu Eco Tourism JFM committee and Poochimarathur Eco
Tourism JFM committee have been formed involving 5 tribal villages in each committee.
The members of the committee elect president of the Committee and Forest Ranger of
Karamadai Range is the   Ex-Officio secretary for the committee. Individual Bank Accounts
have been opened in Indian Overseas Bank at Dhayanur for the monetary transactions of the
two committees.

Rs.1.50 Lakhs to each committee have been allotted for running the Eco Tourism. Out of the
amount allotted, 5 Coracles, 25 Chairs, 5 teapoys and 20 life jackets were purchased for
each committee. coracles were seated with cushion upholstery and life jackets were
purchased for the safe coracle ride.

10 WOMEN SELF HELP GROUPS ...

 10 Women Self Help Groups were formed in all tribal village of these committee and
Rs.10,000/- was allotted to each WSHG towards revolving fund for their income generation
activities.

CORACLE RIDES ...

20 trained tribal men were enrolled to drive the coracles. The coracle ride is being
conducted only on Saturday and Sundays.

Each coracle can be accommodated with 4 tourists and hence totally 40 tourists in all 10
coracles.

Rs.300/- for adults and Rs.200/- for children (below 15 years) are collected as charges for
the coracle ride.

The Coracle charges include:

 LUNCH
 TREKKING INSIDE THE JUNGLE
 RIVER-BATHING

Children below 5 years are allowed free.

Generally this coracle ride starts  by 10 Am and completed with 2 hours joy in the Bhavani
river back water. Tourists are enjoying the beauty of the forests and they can interact with
tribal villagers situated along the bank of the river.
After the ride, delicious lunch with traditional tribal food viz., ragi balls with fish curry,
vegetable salad, chappathi-kuruma, variety rice, curd rice with mineral water and fruits are
served with utmost hygiene.

The food is prepared and served by the WSHG member of Baralikkadu village with love
and affection. Tourists very much appreciate the quality and taste of the food.

TREKKING AND BATHING ...

The tourists are taken for trekking inside the jungle followed
by lunch in the gentle terrain so that the women and children also enjoy the jungle ride
followed by cheerful bathing in the clean Bhavani river.

Generally these operations are conducted both morning and evening on the week ends only
so that we can offer this opportunity to 80 persons on each day.

Rs.200/- is given to the coracle driver for each trip and Rs.100/- is given to the WSHG
towards the supply of food per lunch.

This joyful coracle ride was stared from 7th Apr ’07 and the total collection is Rs.4,38,150/-
till the end of January 2008.

Rs.86,300/- was paid to the tribal people towards the driving of the coracles and
Rs.1,30,400/- was paid to the Tamarai WSHG towards the supply of food.

So far 1812 tourists enjoyed this joyful coracle ride with their families especially with their
children.

STANDARD OF LIVING IMPROVED ...

 Definitely, this programme is going to be a successful one in
tribal development and improve the standard of life and economic status of the tribal people.
And also it will play an important role in awareness creation in Forest conservation among
the tourists.

COIMBATORE SHG’S

KOVAI DISTRICT SUPPLY AND MARKETING SOCIETY

Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) is a welfare scheme specially meant for women
below poverty line introduced by Government of India and State Government of Tamilnadu for
the uplifting of the poor and downtrodden women. SGSY scheme is implemented through
District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) is funded to the beneficiaries (known as
swarozgaries) on 75:25 revenue sharing basis. DRDA has setup a welfare and service centre are
Coimbatore known as Kovai District Supply and Marketing Society to fund, help and support
women in training, manufacturing, sales, service and renting space. The aim of Kovai DSMS is
to provide self employment to 1000 Women Self Help Groups (SHG) per month.

Products offered by Kovai Women Self Help Group

  Cushion covers
 Dinning mats
 Handloom sarees, Ready made garments
 Gold covering jewels for rent
 Toys
 Washing and cleaning materials, phenol
 Broom sticks
 Coir making - coir rope
 Candles
 Moogil Koodai - Bamboo baskets
 Paper and cloth Bags
 Shoulder and Rexin Bags
 Wire bags
 Pakkumattai - Plates, Cups and covers
 Coffee and Tea Cups - Disposable paper cups

Food Products

 Masala Powder - Rasam powder, Sambar powder and all masala (maligai) powders
 Sweets and Snacks, Murkku, Thatta murukku
 Mushrooms
 Ragi Powder
 Palgova
 Tamarind
 Pappadam, Vathal, Vadagam

Kovai Mahalir Service sells greens and vegetables in and around Coimbatore, Kovai Mahalir
Flower House in the SGSY Complex, Big Bazaar Street, (near to clock tower), Coimabtore sells
flowers and flower decorations. Kovai Mahalir Courier run by educated women Self Help
Groups offers an all women courier service.

SUGGESTIONS

1. There is no male SHG in the study area. The promotion of the male SHG can be suggested in
the study area. 
2. Family planning awareness must be given to the group members as majority of them have 4-6
members in their family. 
3. Make each and every member of the group to attend the meeting regularly. 
4. Motivate the group members. 
5. Strict action should be taken for not attending the meeting. 
6. Necessary steps should be taken to deposit the collected amount in nationalized and co-
operative banks to promote rural development. 
7. Steps should be taken to make all the group members to attend the self employment-training
programme promptly. 
8. Self-employment training programme should be suited to the surrounding environment. 
9. The groups must make use of the loan amount efficiently. 
10. The number of self-employment activities should be increased. 
11. There should be adequate co-ordination within the group. 
12. The government authorities can promote the marketing of goods at state level. 
13. Self help group mainly concentrated on pickle making business. Self-Help Groups should
give keen attention on other areas in order to increase the diversification of business, which may
earn higher profit to them. 
14. Women's development is mainly depends upon their income level. Nowadays most of the
women's are join in Self-Help Groups and do their job. From the study, the produced products
mainly selled in village town and district. They are not concentrated on state level marketing. It
may because of non co operation from the other states or lake of finance. So the central
government should give appropriate co ordination to self help group do get loan from the
nationalized bank and also each and every state should co operate them selves to allow the sales
of products of other state self help groups. 
15. Government should arrange most members of training program and way of presenting
advertisement and also the government channels can broadcast the self help group advertisement
with meager amount or at free of cost. Which may help them to advertise their product easily
with lower amount. The public also may know about the product through advertisement. 
16. Most of the Self-Help Groups are following direct selling method to sell the products. It may
because of non preference by the shop keepers. The government can give subsidies to the shop
keepers and also to other purchases like shopping malls, big bazaar's etc., It may increase the
sales of products. 
17. Government should take necessary steps to increase the sales of self help groups.
Government should assure the purchase of certain products such as Seri culture handy crafts etc.,
which may increase the income self help group members. The government should take necessary
action to increase the number of Self-Help Groups in order to increase the women
empowerment. Government should allot adequate fund to do the small scale businesses such as
preparing paper cups etc.,