SOCIETY

Rural women on the way to becoming self-reliant

     Kolkata: Under a scheme launched by the Rural Development Ministry, over 20 lakh Self Help Groups (SHGs) across the country are helping rural women to become economically independent. The scheme, Swarnajayanti Gram Swarojgaar Yojana, focuses on income augmentation of the rural poor by making the women earning members of the family through micro enterprises. Under the Yojana, the government takes responsibility to market their products through periodic fairs and exhibitions named 'SARAS'. And, in this direction, one such fair was held here from December 4 to December 13 where rural women from across the country exhibited and sold their home-made products. "These people are not victims of domestic violence but of economic deprivation. So, we thought if we could organise these women into small groups and give them some economic activities. They will slowly become not only economically independent but will also develop social identity of their own. This will slowly but steadily not only bring them but also their families out of the ruthless burden of poverty," said District Rural Development Agency, Kolkata, Deputy General Director Parthosarathi Banerjee. The stalls stocked a wide range of items from food like Badis, Papads and jute products and earthenware to hand-woven clothes, all made by rural women. The entire wheeling and dealing for the sale of the products is done by the women themselves.

     The participant women admit to the vast difference that SHGs have made to their lifestyles and social standing. They say that not only have the programmes made them financially independent, but have also given them a voice within the family. "Now people look at us with respect. Earlier, people used to pass comments at us. Now, the entire village is proud of us and respects us for what we do. My husband, children and my entire family is dependent on me," said Minati Nath, a handicraft artist. The modus operandi is simple. These women are making and selling products, which they have for generations made for their own use but never thought of selling them to others. Activities such as weaving, making preservatives, handicrafts have been the forte of rural women in India and now they are capitalising on their traits and labour. "Some of us make clay products, or leather bags. Some make jute product and sacks and some women in our group also do needle work," said Tapati Patra, another artist. The government has provided skilled training, infrastructural support and credit to these eager womenfolk to launch their ventures and also offered them a platform through 'SARAS' to market their wares. And, in response, the women have made full use of the opportunity provided to them, which was evident from the success of such fairs. The fair not only gives them the platform to sell and promote their products, but the rural women from different states who participate in these fairs also get a chance to mingle with each other, exchange views, discuss products and their commercial viability. Presently over 20 lakh SHGs are in operation. In West Bengal alone there are over two lakh SHGs, of which about 1.5 lakh are owned and managed by women. Some 15 lakh rural poor women have gained from this movement in the State. The SHGs in West Bengal, on an average, have transacted business to the tune of Rs. 60 lakhs per year.
-Dec 14, 2006

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