AISWARYA – SEVEN YEARS OLD SHG

The small village named Panichayam is a part of Asamannoor Grama Panchayat which is under the jurisdiction of Koovappady Block Panchayat in Ernakulam District of Kerala State. About 70 % of the population of the said Grama Panchayat is under the purview of Below Poverty Line and mainly depends on agricultural activities for their daily livelihood. Major portion of the women population are housewives and they have no employment opportunities. The main income of the families are the meagre earnings of the male members. Under these circumstances, it happened to know about the poverty alleviation schemes under SGSY from Grama Panchayat Ward member . We contacted with Ward member and our Lady Village Extension Officer for more details.
The ‘words’ of the member and LVEO prompted us to form a Women Group of similar thoughts and ideas of not less than 10 members. Accordingly, a meeting of women members of BPL families was convened on 27.02.2000 at the residence of Mr. C.K.Surendran under the presidentship of the ward member and in the presence of LVEO. They spoke in details about the importance, needness and advantage of forming women SHGs besides the guidelines of the scheme.
Of the members attended the meeting, 20 of us decided to form a Group. After concluding the meeting, we, the 20 members assembled again and selected an administrative body including President , Secretary and Treasurer. As a result, ‘Aiswarya’ was born.
A bye-law was constituted and accepted in the Group meeting. The birth of ‘Aiswarya’ was registered with Block Development Office, Koovappady. Weekly meetings were conducted on every Saturdays and Rs. 10/- each was collected from all members as Thrift in the meetings and used to remit the amount in the Joint Account of the Group opened in the names of Secretary and Treasurer in Odakkali branch of State Bank of Travancore. The amount so deposited was used for lending to the members of the Group in a low rate of interest as and when they require money.
As ‘Aiswarya’ attained six months of age, first grading was conducted and passed it. Then she could get Revolving Fund of Rs. 25,000/- consisting of Rs. 15,000/- as cash credit from the Bank and Rs. 10,000/- as subsidy from the Block. The Fund was utilized for the expansion of the activity of weaving bamboo mats. The products were sold at the depot of Bamboo Corporation at Nedungapra. In addition, we engaged in the production of food products and cultivation of various crops like tapioca, banana, paddy, ginger, cucumber, etc. From this cultivation, we could get a net profit of Rs. 17,000/-. By this time, the ‘limbs’ of ‘Aiswarya’ who were illiterate could write their names and put signatures without others’ help. They became self-reliant in visiting Banks, Offices, etc. and to make transactions. The attitude of co-operation developed among us.
After six months completed from the first grading, second grading was conducted and passed it successfully. Then the Financial Institution sanctioned to ‘Aiswarya’ a sum of Rs. 3,60,000/- of which Rs. 1,24,920/- was subsidy from the Block. This amount was utilized for large scale cultivation of crops such as paddy, ginger, tapioca, banana and ‘muthira’ on lease land. After repaying the loan instalment, each of us get an average amount of Rs. 2100/-. Besides, we undertake catering works also as per the orders.
Delegates of Rural Development from Chinese Republic visited ‘Aiswarya’ as part of their visit in Kerala and appraised her activities. As part of social works, ‘Aiswarya’ encourages students who secure high marks in public examinations by awarding cash prizes.
For strengthening relationships with family members of ‘Aiswarya’ and for getting mental refreshment, tours are conducted every year.As such, ‘Aiswarya’ visited Palani and Madurai temples and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, Cherai beach, Sreesankara Mutt founded by Sreesnkaracharya, founder of ‘Advaita Philosophy’ at Kalady,Anamudi, the highest peak in South India, etc. We conduct sanitation programmes of ourselves and takepart in the campaigns conducted by the Local Bodies. ‘Aiswarya’ used to celebrate the national festivals of Keralites such as Thiruvonam and Vishu by conducting different kinds of cultural competitions in Grama Panchayat ward level. Master P.T.Ajit, an eight year old boy, son of Smt. Remani Thankappan who is the member of ‘Aiswarya’ has been awarded a cash prize by her for saving a fourteen year old boy from drowning to death in Periyar Valley Irrigation Project main canal. He was awarded for Bravery by the Hon’able President of India.
As a whole, ‘Aiswarya’ can maintain the habits of savings, thrift and unity among ‘her limbs’. Making the name of the Group worthwhile and meaningful, ‘Aiswarya’ is working for the prosperity of the people of the locality and especially for the well-being of the families of the Group members.