SNEHA SHG PERUMBALLOOR, MUVATTUPUZHA BLOCK PANCHAYAT

Sneha SHG is functioning in the Perumballoor locality which is part of Arakuzha Grama Panchayat in the Muvattupuzha Block. This is a group formed by women from eleven households who did not have a permanent job or regular income. Perumballoor is an Agrarian Economy. Coolie works associated with agriculture would fetch some income to their households, but this was not enough to keep the house fire burning. The group was formed as a result of an awareness campaign undertook by the VEO. He convinced them that they could find a source of regular income through a Central Government Scheme named SGSY and thus closing the doors on poverty forever. Besides he made them confident that through the formation of SHG, they could develop a unity among the households in the neighborhood and it could be utilized for the benefit of the society.
On 14th February 2001, the Group was formed in a meeting convened by the VEO. It was christened ‘Sneha Self Help Group’. Ms.Leelamma John and Ms.Prasanna Krishnankutty were elected the President and the Secretary of the SHG respectively. In accordance with the guide lines issued by the Central Government in this regard, a by-law was drafted for the group and the same was endorsed by the group. The group started functioning after duly obtaining its registration from the Block.
An account was opened at the Union Bank of India, Arakuzha Branch, for depositing the thrift sums of the group members collected and as and when the need arose, the group members were sanctioned loan through that account. As the group performed well in this passion, it took the first grading on 13th February, 2001 and the group emerged with flying colors. Consequently, the group was granted a revolving fund of Rs.25,000/- and it was imparted Basic Orientation Training.
Utilizing the sum they received as revolving fund, the group leased land and cultivated tapioca and plantain. A soap manufacturing unit was also opened. The group succeeded in running these ventures and it also ensured a small but steady income to the group members. Buoyed by the success of these ventures, the group members determined that they should ensure a permanent income and as such they should open up a large-scale venture and this wish had been conveyed to the VEO. Accordingly the group had to undergo the 2nd grading on 20th October 2004 and it got through the same.
Following the successful grading, the VEO convened a meeting of the group, and it was unanimously decided that they would start a Super Market in SGSY Sales Outlet, Perumballoor. The group then applied a loan for this venture at Block Office and it was granted a loan of Rs.1 Lakh and subsidy of Rs.1 Lakh through Union Bank of India, Arakuzha Branch. Using the 2 Lakh rupees the group received by virtue of the loan and subsidy, a Super Market was opened in the SGSY Sales Outlet at Perumballoor selling assorted goods like grocery, provisions, vegetables and fruits and readymade garments.

The Super Market opened by the group was a blessing for the local people who had to depend on Muvattupuzha town for the purchase of essential commodities. The group was appreciated by the local people for distributing good quality products forfeiting too much profit. It also ensured a regular income for the members. Two of the group members deal with the financial transactions while the other members handle other tasks like transporting goods and maintaining accounts. The group members are a complacent lot today as they could start a venture beneficial for the locality, at the same time this could provide them with a permanent income as well.
The group has taken special care in the management of the Super Market and in the repayment of the Bank Loan without default. The group is fortunate to receive immense co-operation from the VEO, Block Authorities, Bank Manager and all those concerned. The group also stands as a united force thus serves for the locality’s development in socio-cultural sphere. Thus ‘Sneha SHG’ continues its triumphant journey, serving as a model for the local people as well as for other Self Help Groups.