Visit to Shri Varalaxmi SHG at Karaknabail village - TEED Trust

-        This SHG was formed in the year 2003 and has 20 members collecting a membership fees of Rs. 20/month from each members. This SHG was formed by Mr. Chennapa, one of the staff at TEED Trust and husband of one of the members. 11 of them participated in this monthly meeting as the rest were working in the agriculture field as it was the cultivation period. Those who do not participate have to pay a penalty of Rs. 5 and if any member is found absent in three consecutive meetings, they will be asked to leave the SHG with their principle amount refunded. However, this is a rare case – clarified one of the members when we put the question. The SHG maintains record of their meetings, resolution, bank loan and others. Everyone can become the president of the SHG as it is on a rotation basis.

-        We interviewed Mrs. Nagaveni age 42 and a member of this SHG. Nagaveni is a widow but she has two children- both in their early twenties. Her daughter is married and son is helping her in the agriculture field. She studied till primary and can write in their local language i.e. kanada. Her average monthly income is 1000 only from July-December (seasonal work) where she earns Rs. 60/day when there is demand for labour. There is no work from Jan-June. She lives on the encroached land where she grows coconut. She pays Rs. 35-40 for her thatched house and electricity Rs. 50 on a monthly basis. There is a pump set in the village for drinking and cooking purpose. When asked if she is taking any loans from the landlords: “No, she said (then went on), my son is helping me”. When there is no work, she sits at home and works as a daily labourer. To our question on their experiences and changes they have gone through- they replied- the SHG in these areas has helped these women develop a strong sense of individuality, understanding for their community and improve their socio-economic status in the community. As a group, they have come stronger and feel easy to tackle problems faced by any members.

Tsering Youdon

Fair Trade Coordinator

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