DHANALAKSHMI – IN PROGRESS

Some women who belong to the 16th ward of Rayamangalam Grama Panchayat which is under the jurisdiction of Koovappady Block Panchayat in Ernakulam District of Kerala State came to the Panchayat Office to ask about employment opportunities to Smt. Molly Kuriakose, Ward Member of the time. She spoke about ‘ Kudumbasree’ and its advantages. It was a nice idea. About 13 women decided to form a unit. As a result, a new unit was formed on 26.9.2004. The unit was named ‘Dhanalakshmi’. Among the 13 members, a president and secretary were selected. After that, Rs. 50/ was collected from each members and registered in the Grama Panchayat and opened a joint account in the Bank of India, Kuruppampady Branch. The balance of the amount was utilized for buying minutes book,account book and pass book for each members. Every Sunday, all the members were gathered together at the residences of the members one by one and they collected Rs. 10/-each to deposit in the bank account and they put signature in the minutes book writing there names. After that we convened the group meeting according to the agenda. We have discussed our backwardness, reasons for the backwardness and how we can overcome it
Next day, the money was deposited in the bank. After a few months, the members discussed about various employment opportunities. As a result, the members collected Rs.50/- each and bought Chilly,Coriander etc and made it powder, packed and supplied it in various houses. The profit was deposited in the Bank. Each member availed loans from our thrift account in a low rate of interst. In the beginning, members availed Rs. 500/- each as loan. As a result, small needs were fulfilled without depending others.
• Chitty
If an immediate need arises, the members cannot take loan from the Bank in a hurry. So we thought of forming a chitty. Thus we formed a chitty of Rs.2000/-. The Secretary put Rs.500/- in her hand to give urgent loans to the members who had some urgent needs. The balance Rs. 1500/- is deposited in the Bank. This money enabled the members to satisfy their loan needs without approaching the money lenders from other states. This made a new change in the life style of the group members. After 6 months, the VEO conducted the grading. All the members participated in the grading and passed. The members reached the Panchayat to get the Revolving Fund. Then we became aware that the fund may not get from Grama Panchayat. So we discussed the matter in our group meeting and took decision to join Self Help Groups under Block Office and they welcomed us. On the basis of our thrift, we got loan of Rs.25,000/- from the Bank of India. Of this, Rs. 20,000/- is Cash credit from the Bank and Rs. 5000/- is subsidy from the Block Office. Using this money the members did various activities like goat rearing,Soap Powder Business and door to door selling of cloths. We Got much profit . Our VEO encouraged us and told us to do business of a bigger project. So we thought about various activities. Then enquired about machine for making paper cover and told this to the VEO. It was a nice project and VEO asked us to enquire about the project.
Our President and Secretary went o visit a paper cover unit. There, they met a machine worker and he gave the necessary details.
• About the machine.
We enquired about the paper cover machine in an agency of a Coimbatore Company. We got the information that members of the agency can be seen at Ernakulam. When we approached the agency members we understood that the price is too much. Then we became aware of a person named Sanker who knows to make the machine. He agreed to do the work cheaply. We have informed the fact to the VEO. Then VEO also agreed to give the work to Sri. Sankar.
• About the farming
All our 13 members cannot be engaged in paper cover making. So we thought of another project. 5 members decided to do the farming and other five members decided to the work of paper cover. The first five members did the farming of Ginger, Paddy and Plantain. With the help of VEO, we made a project report on these matters.
For that purpose the VEO made a conversation with the Manager of Bank of India, Kuruppamapdy Br. for the group and arranged IInd Grading and the Manager agreed to give sanction for a loan of Rs.6,20,000/ of which Rs. 80,000/ being subsidy. The loan was for paper cover making and agriculture. We bought paper cover machine and printing machine. The Unit was inaugurated by our Block Panchayat President Kum.T.V. Anitha on 19.10.2006. After this, we got the SSI Registration . So we are getting the electricity in a low rate. Our Industries Extension Officer in the Block helped us for this.
With the machine, we can make covers of 10 X 16 to36 X 50 sizes. We are getting orders from ladies centers, backery, hospitals and textiles. Now we are getting an average amount of Rs.18,000/- per month. Out of this, we are repaying the monthly instalment of loan Rs. 10,000/-. At present we have repaid Rs.52,500/. We are trying to get more orders and improve our unit and get more income.
Now, we have no complex to face others in the society. We are proud of ourselves. We have a respectable position in the society. We possess a strong self confidence also.