Upload
others
View
22
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
45
CHAPTER III
OVERVIEW OF DHARMAPURI DISTRICT
AND SELF-HELP GROUPS
Dharmapuri earlier known as Tagadur is bestowed with the bountiful
Western Ghats. The total geographical area of Dharmapuri district is 4497.77
sq.km. This accounts for 3.46 per cent of the geographical area of Tamil Nadu.
Geographical Coverage
Dharmapuri district, which came into existence on 02.10.1965 is situated in
the North Western Corner of Tamil Nadu and is bounded by Tiruvannamalai and
Villupuram Districts on the East, Salem District on the South, Krishnagiri District
on the North and Kaveri river on the West. It is located between latitudes N 11 47‟
and 12 33‟ and longitudes E 77 02‟ and 78 40‟. The average annual rainfall of the
district is 857 mm. The major source of irrigation is by way of dug wells.
Demographic Profile
Population density of Dharmapuri district is 332 per Sq.Km as per census
2011. The sex ratio was 946 female for 1000 male. The male and female
population are 7, 72,490 (51.4 per cent) and 7, 30,410 (48.6 per cent) respectively.
The literacy rate in Dharmapuri District is 64.71 per cent, that is male 69.16 and
female 60.03 per cent as per census 2011.
46
Population census
A census is undertaken for once in ten years. This shows the upward or
downward trend in the human capital stock of a nation. This determines the
eligible workforce of a nation, its market and competitive advantage in the
international labour market.
Table 3.1
Population Census - 2011
Sex
Population
Percentage
Region
Population
Percentage
Male
7,72,490
51.4
Rural
12,42,519
82.7
Female
7,30,410
48.6
Urban
2,60,381
17.3
Total
15,02,900
100
Total
14,82,900
100
Source: www.dharmapuri.tn.nic.in/profile.htm
Table 3.1 indicates that 82.7 per cent of population of Dharmapuri district
lives in rural areas. This is the clear proof of the need for SHGs and Micro-
enterprises to increase the living conditions of the poor.
ADMINISTRATIVE SETUP
There are 29 District Panchayats, 385 Panchayat Union Councils and
12,618 Village Panchayats in the State, Town Panchayats from Urban Local
Bodies (ULBs) being Special Village Panchayats (SVPs). This modification has
47
brought in two categories of Gram Panchayats in Tamil Nadu, the Gram
Panchayats and Special Village Panchayats.
Dharmapuri District
District Panchayat
(29)
Panchayat Union Councils
(385)
Village Panchayats
(12,618)
There are 8 blocks in Dharmapuri District, namely Dharmapuri,
Karimangalam, Nallampalli, Pappireddipatty, Harur, Morappur, Palakkodu and
Pennagaram. There are 251 village panchayats and 10 town panchayats in the
district (Pennagaram, Paprapatti, Kadathur, Kambainallur, Pappireddipatty,
B.Mallapuram, Palacode, Marandahalli, Karimangalam and Harur.)
48
Figure 3.1
Dharmapuri District Map
Source: www.tn.maps.tn.nic.in/blocks.php
49
Table 3.2
Geographical Area
S.No.
Taluk Name
Geographical Area
In Hectares
Percentage
1
Dharmapuri
78,451
17
2
Pennagaram
1,13,027
25
3
Palacode
73,267
16
4
Harur
1,10,354
25
5
Pappireddipatti
74,678
17
Total
5,62804
100
Source: www.dharmapuri.tn.nic.in/profile.htm
The district has been divided into five taluks, the biggest one being
Pennagaram, followed by Harur. Pennagaram block has the highest area
(1, 13,627) under its courage. Palacode has the lowest area (73,267 Hec.)
Agriculture
The district economy is mainly agrarian in nature. Nearly 70 per cent of
the workforce is dependent on agriculture and allied activities. The district is one
among the most backward and drought prone areas in the state.
50
Agriculture Crops in Dharmapuri District
Each area has a district soil type and biome, in general. As Dharmapuri is
water-scarcity area and most of the lands are major (rain fed crops), the small
grains are suitable crops to be cultivated in this region. Now-a-days, there is a
shift towards increasingly use of small grains in food. This is expected to boost
the agrarian economy, if care would be provided to this segment.
Table 3.3
Agriculture Crops
1. Area under Paddy (Hectare) In hect. Percentage
Sornavari / Kuruvai / Kar 2726 01.60
Samba / Thallady / Pisanam 5533 03.30
Navarai / Kodai 1206 00.70
Total (A) 9,465 05.60
2. Millets (Ragi) 18,243 10.80
3. Other Minor Millets 69,162 40.90
4. Pulses 40,441 23.90
5. Sugar Cane 11,971 07.10
6. Mango 6,506 03.80
7. Coconut 7,037 04.20
8. Tamarind 1,197 00.70
9. Other Crops 5,067 03.00
51
Total (B) 1,59,624 94.40
Total Cropped area (A+B) 1,69,089 100.00
A) Net Area Sown 1,53,322 90.70
B) Area sown more than once 15,767 09.30
Source: www.dharmapuri.tn.nic.in/profile.htm
Table 3.3 illustrates the various agricultural crops raised in Dharmapuri
district. Paddy cultivation is only 5.6 per cent of total crop cultivation. Millets
(Ragi), other mionor millets and pulses account for 75.6 per cent.
History of Dharmapuri District1
It is one of the ancient parts of the Kongu Nadu kingdom. The earliest
known chieftain, who ruled Tagadur (present Dharmapuri) during the Sangam era,
was Adyaman Naduman Anji, whose patronage helped the famous poetess
Avvaiyar.
The forts of the greatest strategic importance held by the Gathi Mudaliars
were Omalur and Attur. Several places in Coimbatore were taken by Kantirave
Narasa Raja of Srirangapatinam from Gathi Mudaliars in 1611. After 11 years, he
seized Baramahal including Viralahadradurg, Pennagaram, Dharmapuri and
Denkanikotta in 1654. He took over Hosur from Chandra Sankar Dodda Devaraju,
the king of Mysore wrested Omalur from the Gathi Mudaliars and thus erased
1 www.en.wikipedia.org./wiki/dharmapuri
52
them out of political scene. The aggression of Marattas, however, checked the
power of the Mysore Kings. For a time Baramahal and Talaghat passed into the
hands of Marattas.
The present Dharmapuri district was then a part of the Salem district.
During the British rule in the country and up to 1947 Dharmapuri was one of the
Taluks of Salem District. The Dharmapuri district was formed as a separate
district on 02/10/1965 with its headquarters at Dharmapuri located in Northern
Tamil Nadu. Dharmapuri town is historically called "Thakadoor".
Horticulture
Dharmapuri district forms a major horticultural belt in the state. As the area
is drought prone, it has become essential to switch over to cultivation of drought
tolerant perennial fruit crops in this district. Mango being the main horticulture
crop of the district has the highest area under the cultivation of fruit crops. The
district accounts for nearly one-third area under mango and nearly one-half of the
mango yield in the state. Palacode and Pennagaram areas are known for
cultivation of tomato and chilli respectively.
Mineral Resources
Dharmapuri district is endowed with sizeable reserves of granite. High
quality black granite is available in Pennagaram, Harur and Palacode
blocks. Quartz is available at Kendiganapalli Village of Pennagaram Taluk,
A.Velampatti of Harur taluk and Pethathampatti of Pappireddipatti Taluk. Another
high value mineral Malibdinum available here is at Harur.
53
Mahalir Thittam
Mahalir Thittam 2
scheme has envisaged 17 NGOs for formation and
nurturing of SHGs in the district. These NGOs are very active in nurturing the
groups and providing credit link to bolster economic activities. Most of the bank
branches are financing SHGs. Indian Bank, the Lead Bank of the district, has
opened micro satellite branch and credit counseling centre at Dharmapuri.
Micro finance profile in the District
Micro finance is the small amount of finance allotted to a particular group
for its successful operation or running of a business. Self-Help Group, being the
carrier of economic and social independence, is provided micro-finance by
various banks and NGOs are keen in SHG‟s getting this fund. This may
strengthen the self-reliance of people of Dharmapuri. SHGs have to be linked to
a bank branch for receiving continuous patronage from the banks.
The following table gives some statistics regarding profile of Micro-Finance in
the study area.
2 Source: Potential linked Credit Plan 2012-13, pp. 68 – 69
54
Table 3.4
Micro Finance Profile
1 Total number of blocks in the district 8
2 No. of blocks where SHGs exist 8
3 No. of blocks where SHGs are credit linked 8
4 No. of NGOs in the district NA
5 No. of NGOs participating in the linkage
Programme
125(approx)
6 No. of additional NGOs to be roped in
during the year
5
7 Total No. of bank branches in the district 100
8
Of which No. of branches participating in
the linkage Programme
82
9
No. of additional branches participating in
the linkage programme
5
10 No. of Govt./post offices/other agencies
participating
-
11 No. of Govt. /post offices/other agencies
likely to participate
2
12 No. of SHGs in the district 16,000
13 No. of SHGs savings linked in the district 16,000
14 No. of SGS credit linked 16,000
15 No. of SHGs taken up micro enterprises 1,200
Source: Potential linked Credit Plan, 2012-13, pp. 68 – 69.
55
Table 3.4 shows that approximately 125 NGO‟s participate in the micro-
finance profile in Dharmapuri district. 82 bank branches actively engage in the
linkage programme 16,000 SHGs are linked to credit in this district. Only 1,200
SHGs have taken up micro-enterprising activities.
Credit Disbursed to Self-Help Groups
In Dharmapuri district, SHG-Bank linkage is taking place in all the eight
blocks and all the banks except District Central Co-operative Bank (DCCB).
Table - 3.5
Micro-Finance Credit Disbursed to Self-Help Groups
Year
No. of SHGs Credit Disbursed
(Rs. In lakhs)
Per group average
loan (Rs. In lakhs)
2004-05 4858 5,192.28 1.069
2005-06 5016 6111.98 1.218
2006-07 6495 10030.89 1.544
2007-08 7504 13043.96 1.738
2008-09 9228 14189.04 1.573
2009-10 8516 17993.78 2.11
2010-11 9607 24582.41 2.56
Source: NABARD, Potential linked credit Plan, 2005-2012, p. 10
Table 3.5 presents the position of 4858 SHGs in 2004-05 with the credit
disbursal of Rs. 5192.28 lakhs. There has been a four times increase in the credit
disbursed (Rs. 24582.41 lakhs) in 2010-11.
56
Overview of SHG in Tamil Nadu State
Tamil Nadu3
is ranked the second in the country, after Andhra Pradesh,
in SHG-Bank linkage Programme. Wide Network of NGOs, encouraging
support of banks and government agencies helped wide spread expansion of the
programme in the state. Regular savings, maintenance of books and accounts
and internal lending are the major factors determining the credit absorption
capacity of the groups.
During 2008-09, 161069 SHGs have been credit linked with a bank
loan of Rs.1,419.68 crores in the State. The cumulative number of SHGs credit
linked potential was Rs. 6,603.05 crore. Mahilir Thittam is a socio-economic
empowerment programme for women implemented by the Tamil Nadu
Corporation for Development of Women Ltd., Mahilir Thittam is based on
SHG approach and it has been implemented in partnership with community
based NGOs. As on 31st March 2009, there were 391927 SHGs under Mahalir
Thittam with a total savings of Rs. 2,211.12 crore.
During 2010-11, 98,992 SHGs have been credit linked with a bank loan
of Rs. 989.66 crores in Tamil Nadu. The cumulative number of SHGs credit
linked in Tamil Nadu as on 31st
March 2011 stood at 9,51,783 with an
aggregate bank loans of Rs. 10,384.36 crore. 251 programmes for Rs. 61.80
lakhs were sanctioned, taking the cumulative sanctions to 1444 MEDP (Micro
3 Potential linked credit plan, NABARD, 2010-11, and 2012-13, pp. 62 and 67
57
Enterprise Development Programme) with an assistance of Rs. 292.76 lakhs for
training over 32,000 matured SHG members in 2010-11.
Micro finance profile
NABARD4 has been the leader in the microfinance programme for the
past many years. It has been acting as a catalyst for the banking system for the
country to join hands with informal delivery channels to give SHG-bank linkage
programme the required momentum.
Under Micro Enterprise Development Programme (MEDP),
NGO/Voluntary agencies can be reimbursed for conducting remunerative skill
development programmes which could be upto a maximum duration of 13 days.
The maximum grant available is Rs. 30,000. Tamil Nadu is the leading state in
the country for the conduct of MEDP. During 2006-07, 173 MEDP were
sanctioned to the tune of Rs. 42.13 lakhs. In all the training programmes viz.,
Micro Enterprise Development Programme (MEDP), Small Development
Institutions (SDI) the preference was given to women beneficiaries.
The micro finance programme in India has emerged as not only the largest
in the world having covered about 9.7 crores poor households as on 31st
March
2010 but also the main contributor towards financial inclusion in the country. In
fact, the informal system has been recognized as a mass movement and the
synthesis between the formal system and the informal sector. It has also become
4 Potential linked credit plan, NABARD, 2008-09, p- 65
58
the common vehicle for development process, converging all developmental
programmes.
Apart from inculcating normal banking practices among the poor, this
movement has also taught the poor about the ethics of saving, maintenance of
books and accounts, internal lending, repayment ethics, led to an overall increase
in credit absorption capacity of the rural clientele, and helped in strengthening the
Small micro enterprise sector (SME). As on 31st March 2010, there were 69.53
lakhs saving linked SHGs, of which more than 48.51 lakhs groups are credit
linked with an outstanding bank loan of Rs. 28,038.28 crores in the country.
As on 31st
March 2011, an amount of Rs. 51.06 crores was released to
various Self - Help Promoting Institutions (SHPIs) resulting in formation of 4.01
lakhs SHGs. Five hundred crores corpus fund created as Women SHGS
Development Fund‟ would be maintained by National Agricultural Bank for Rural
Development (NABARD). This is used to refinance bank for lending to women
SHGs.
MFI - Bank Linkage
There are four Micro Finance Institutions, namely, Sangamitra, Udjeevan,
Gramavidyal and Kaveri credits functioning in Dharmapuri district. Sangamitra
promoted by Mysore Resettlement and Development Authority (MYRDRA)
works in Pennagaram, Palacode and Dharmapuri blocks. It also extends financial
assistance to the SHGs promoted by MYRDRA and other NGOs. Sangamitra has
extended financial assistance to Rs. 15 crores to SHG members in unbanked areas.
59
Means for Expansion of Linkage programme
As per the Management Information System (MIS) report of Mahalir
Thittam (MATHI), only 228 out of 374 total SC/ST habitations and only 14,457
SC/ST members out of the total population of 3,95,144, have so far been covered
under SHG in the district, indicating the gap and scope for group formation and
linkage. Further, it is reported that only 2,111 habitations/wards in the district are
covered by SHGs.
In Dharmapuri district, the linkage with 2,912 SHGs was worth Rs. 25.11
crores during 2003-04, which improved to 4,858 SHGs and Rs. 51.92 crores
during 2004-05. This further increased to the linkage of 5,016 SGHs with Rs. 61
crores during 2005-06, indicating the growth over the previous years.
Every year, NGO and their staff have to be trained to equip them to guide
the SHGs properly. If bank branches function as SHPIs, (Self-Help Group
Promoting Institutions) the SHG linkage programme will be more sustainable and
successful in all aspects. But in the present context of acute staff problem the
branches are constrained to function as SHPI.
The existing rating norms are adequate to select the SHGs for different
linkage. For SGSY, linkage ratings are done at block level by District Rural
Development Agency, (DRDA) Mahalir Thittam bank, (MATHI) and Non-
Government Organizations (NGO) representatives. For direct linkage, the
concerned branch manager is conducting the rating on a regular basis. The rating
alone is not sufficient but regular desk and field monitoring can further groom the
SHGs to perform in an efficient way and get easy credit access and other supports.
60
Status of women
During the early period of development planning, a woman as a group has
not been given any importance and they were more or less neglected. Since the
Sixth Five Year Plan empowerment of women has been high on the development
agenda of both the State and Central Governments. To empower is to allow
participation and give equal power in decision-making to all the women,
especially to those who have traditionally been kept out of business and
entrepreneurial activities.
Financing Activity Based on SHG
The SHG movement has emerged as “the largest and the fastest growing
micro-credit programme in the world”. The basic elements of SHG concept are
promotion of thrift, granting of loans among the group members and recovery
thereof. It instills in them the requisite banking habits. Various studies have shown
that promotion of SHGs not only helps the banks in reducing their transaction
costs but also improves the recovery performance.
Self-Help Group – Bank Linkage
The SHG-Bank Linkage Programme is one of the major initiatives of
NABARD, which has made a difference in the lives of millions of poor in the
country contributing to the process of economic growth in the rural areas. Today,
this unique initiative in India, with more than 2,800 partners, has blossomed into
the fastest growing and the most cost effective micro finance initiative in the
world, enabling 70.1 million poor households to have access to sustainable
61
financial services from the banking system, through a network of over 50.09 lakhs
SHGs. The banks have now recognized SHG Bank linkage as a new dimension of
quality lending and apart from banks; other institutions like post offices associate
themselves with this movement.
NABARD has formulated a scheme that integrates the multi-departmental
efforts to support activity-based groups to help formation and nurturing of groups
engaged in similar economic activities to improve the efficiency of their
enterprises and for getting better terms from the market through economics of
aggregation and scale.
The scheme envisages grant cum loan component wherein the loan
component can be considered for developing common infrastructure. The salient
features of the scheme have been circulated. Policy Initiative of State
Government includes that Self Help Groups willing to undertake income-
generating activities for transgender will be provided its loans upto Rs. 1.5 lakhs
with subsidy component of 25 per cent.
Financing Joint Liability Groups of Tenant Farmers / Micro
entrepreneurs
Financing of Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) is an effective credit product for
the mid segment group i.e. Small and Marginal Farmers, Tenant Farmers, Share
croppers, Oral Lessees, Micro entrepreneurs and artisans. The Joint Liability
Group (JLG) is an informal group comprising of 4 to 10 individuals coming
together for availing bank loan on individual basis or through group mechanism
against mutual guarantee. Generally, the members of a JLG would engage in
similar type of economic activity in the agriculture and allied Sector.
62
The members would offer a joint undertaking to the bank that enables them to
avail loans. NABARD in association with RBI has formulated and circulated the
guidelines for financing JLGs of tenant farmers/micro entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurial Activitie
For the first time, two projects based Micro Enterprise Development
Programme (MEDPs) viz., Native Bee keeping in Tuticorin District and Sanitary
Napkin Making in Madurai district were sanctioned..
Mahalir Thittam, NABARD, THADCO and other institutions are
conducting special training programmes for Skill Development/Skill Up
gradation for SHGs to equip them to set up micro enterprises. Under SGSY Infra
scheme, few SHGs got assistance for infrastructure and marketing support.
State Bank of India proposes to open a microstate branch at Palacode to
extend micro credit to SHG members. Vanavil farmers clubs formed 2 SHGs,
NABARD, MATHI and THADCO organize skill development trainings for
SHGs to equip the SHGs to set up micro enterprises. The Non-Performing Assets
in SHG‟s portfolio are also increasing gradually. It is mainly due to dual or
multiple membership and availing micro credit from various sources by one
individual and used the credit for consumption purposes only.
63
HISTORY AND SELF-HELP GROUP MOVEMENT IN INDIA
Self-Help Groups (SHGs) was first created in MYRADA project of 1985.
In 1986-87, there were some 300 SHGs in MYRADA‟s projects. Many SHGs had
emerged from the breakdown of the large cooperatives organized by MYRADA.
In these areas, a number of members asked MYRADA to revive the credit system.
The groups are formed in the range of 15-20 members. When reminded of the
loans they had taken out from the cooperative, they offered to return them to
MYRADA, but not to the cooperative, which in their experience was dominated
by a few individuals. MYRADA staff suggested that they returned the money to
themselves.
The first SHG was started in 1985 to the inclusion of the SHG strategy in
the annual plan for 2000-01 (Government of India, 2000). Several important steps
were taken by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
(NABARD), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and leading NGOs and multilateral
agencies, particularly IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development.
The SHG strategy is an important component of the Government having overall
thrust to mitigate poverty and has been included in every annual plan since 2000.
This period of 20 years can be divided broadly into two phases.
During this phase largely omitted in recent studies, NABARD focused on
supporting NGO initiatives to promote SHGs and on analyzing their potential and
performance. In 1987, NABARD first put funds into the SHG movement (in
response to a proposal from MYRADA submitted in 1986). In 1987, it provided
MYRADA with a grant of 1 million Indian rupees to enable it to invest resources
64
to identify affinity groups, build their capacity and match their savings after a
period of 3-6 months. The grant was based on MYRADA‟s experience in
promoting SHGs since 1985 and the initiative of the NABARD chairperson at that
time, Shri P.R. Nayak. As a result, the feedback from this initiative, in 1989
NABARD launched an action research project in which similar grants were
provided to other NGOs.
SHG Strategy – An Alternative Credit Model
After an analysis of this action research, and owing to the efforts of
successive NABARD, chairpersons and senior management, in 1990, RBI
accepted the SHG strategy as an alternative credit model. NABARD (1992) issued
guidelines to provide the framework for a strategy that would allow banks to lend
directly to SHGs. Based on these initial experiences, the SHG-Bank Linkage
Programme was launched in 1992. Since then, based on its extensive network of
officers NABARD has promoted and monitored the SHG programme, provided
funds for capacity building and innovation, and helped change policy to create an
enabling environment.
Women Empowerment Project
The Tamil Nadu Women Empowerment Project, an IFAD-supported
project implemented through the Tamil Nadu Women Development Corporation,
was the first project in the country, in about 1990, to incorporate the SHG concept
into a state sponsored programme. MYRADA is expected to play a lead role in
Dharmapuri District. This was a year or more before the launch of the SHG-Bank
Linkage Programme. The empowerment of women was sought through SHG
65
strengthening, with capacity-building modules, and through the provision of credit
for income-generating activities.
MYRADA (Mysore Resettlement and Development Authority)
MYRADA was originally the acronym of the Mysore Resettlement and
Development Agency, but now the official name is now MYRADA. It is a large
NGO with 487 staff working directly with 1.5 million poor people. “Building Poor
People‟s Institutions” is its short mission statement. It manages 15 major projects
in three Indian states and has major involvement in three others, where it has
seconded staff to government and conducts regular training and visits. MYRADA
has founded a Micro-Finance Institution (MFI) called Sanghamithra.
NGO Initiatives
Taking into consideration, the failure of various attempts by formal credit
unions, cooperatives and the RRBs, and the plight of the rural poor, as far as credit
needs are concerned, NGOs started organizing them into community based
organizations known under different names, like credit unions, Mahila Mandals
and Mahila Samajams. Experience shows that the key to success of these groups
and organizations lies in ensuring full cooperation and participation of people at
the grassroots level.
Under various poverty alleviation/eradication efforts, these days, both by
the Governments as well as NGOs, several types of community based
organizational structures have come up throughout the country enabling the poor
women to get out of the clutches of moneylenders.
66
The grassroots level women‟s collectives, better known these days as the
SHGs, are the primary unit, common to most of the NGOs in terms the
„empowerment wing‟ of the women‟s movement. The women‟s collective role has
been accepted by NGOs as a standard entity at the village level, consisting of 10 or
even as many as 60 women.
Some of the Women‟s NGOs who had taken initiatives in this field were
Cooperative Development Foundation (CDF), Andhra Pradesh; Working Women's
Forum (WWF), Tamil Nadu; Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA),
Gujarat; and Women's Development Programme (WDP), Rajasthan. Besides the
above NGOs, there were others like the Mysore Resettlement and Development
Agency (MYRADA) in Karnataka; the Professional Assistance for Development
Action (PRADAN) in Tamil Nadu; the Rayalseema Seva Samithi (RASS) and
Youth Charitable Organization (YCO) in Andhra Pradesh; the Utkal Mahila
Sanchaya Vikas (UMSV) under the aegis of People's Rural Education Movement
(PREM); the Gram Vikas in Orissa. This initiated the self-help dynamics in their
social development activities. There is several other NGOs in letter followed suit
throughout the country.
Indian system of SHG model
The SHG system in India is much more than a micro-credit concept. There
is a marked difference between the concepts of SHGs, as it exists in India and
Bangladesh. The SHGs in India, as developed by NABARD starts with saving and
then to credit however, the SHGs of Bangladesh starts with credit and then saving.
67
One of the fastest growing sectors of India, microfinance, is spearheading
intense competition among the largest players. By the end of March 2007,
microfinance institutions expanded their outreach to 50 million households and
about 36.8 million borrowers. These institutions are organized under three models:
SHG, Grameen model/Joint liability groups and Individual banking groups as in
cooperatives.
NON-Government Organizations/Voluntary Agencies (NGO/VAs)
There are about 17 major NGOs /VA (Voluntary Agencies) approved by
Mahalir Thittam, functioning in the district involved in the formation and
maintaining SHGs and taking up other activities such as health, sanitation,
watershed and literacy. Apart from these NGOs, there are about 100 NGOs not
approved by Mahalir Thittam also functioning in the district. They take up group
formation, credit linkage and address other social issues also.
The block wise details of NGOs functioning in the District and the number
of SHGs credit linked during 2010-11 are as under:
68
Table 3.6
Details of Functioning of NGO’s
Name of
NGO
Area of
operation
Expertise Service
provided
Infrastructure
available
DEEPS
Pennagaram
and Palacode
Address
social issues
and soil and
waters
conservation
Watershed
development
SHG Bank
linkage
Own office with
required
infrastructure
four wheeler
SEEDS
Nallampalli
and
Pennagaram
Address
social issues
and soil and
waters
conservation
Watershed
development
SHG Bank
linkage
Office in rented premises with
required
infrastructure
four wheeler is
available
MYRADA
Dharmapuri, Pennagaram
and kadathur
Micro-credit
SHG Bank
linkage
Office in rented
premises
POWER
Dharmapuri and
Kambainallur
Micro-credit
SHG Bank
linkage
Office in rented
premises
VPDP
Dharmapuri
and
Pennagaram
Micro-credit
SHG Bank
linkage
Office in rented
premises
DRCS Pennagaram and Dharmpuri
Micro-credit SHG Bank linkage
Office in rented premises
PPDC
Dharmapuri and
Karimangalam
Micro-credit
SHG Bank
linkage
Office in rented
premises
SPEED
Dharmapuri
Micro-credit SHG Bank linkage
Office in rented premises
IRDT
Palacode
Micro-credit SHG Bank linkage
Own building
DEEPAM
Harur
Micro-credit SHG Bank
linkage Office in rented premises
69
IVDP
Palacode
Health Education
and Micro-
credit
SHG Bank
linkage,
watershed
Own office and training centre
at Hanumantha
puram
SEARCH
Karmangalam
Health THAI project
Own office at Karimangalam
Source: Potential Linked Credit Plan NABARD 2008-09, p. 141
Table 3.6 portrays the expertise service, provided and the actual physical
infrastructure available, Deeps and seeds have developed an expertise in watershed
development and SHG Bank linkage. MYRADA, power and DRCS have
developed SHG Bank linkage.
A farmers Club mobilized local support and brought a High School to their
village.
Following are the brief accounts of major NGOs functioning in the district.
Table- 3.7
Functioning of Major NGO’s
Name of
NGO
H.Q
Expertise in
Service
Provided
Infrastructure
MYRDRA
Hosur
SHG, Health
and Education
Watershed
SHG linkage, training, MFI,
cluster
promotion
Own building
training facility
vehicle PCs
IVDP
Krishnagiri
SHG, Rural Housing
Sanitation and
watershed
SHG linkage, social
mobilization,
cluster activity
Training facility
vehicle PCs
AID
Pappireddipatty
SHG and
Health
SGH linkage
Own building with training
facility
IRDT
Papparappatty
SHG, Health and organic
farming
AHG linkage, organic
agriculture
Own building and a model
farm PC
SPEED B. Agraharam SHG SHG linkage Vehicle and PC
70
DEEPS
Pennagaram
SHG,
watershed,
health, female
infanticide and
literacy
SHG linkage,
social
mobilization
and training
Training
facility, trained
man power and
PCs vehicles
DHARMAS
Palacode
SHG, Health, literacy and
watershed
SHG linkage and social
Mobilization
Training facility and PCs
vehicles
POWER
Dharmapuri
SHG, Health,
Literacy,
SHG linkage and Social
Mobilization
PC and Vehicle
DEEPAM
Harur
SHG
SHG linkage, Social
Mobilization
PC and Vehicle
MSET
Harur
SHG
SHG linkage, Social
Mobilization
PC and Vehicle
RDS
Kadathur
SHG, Health
SHG linkage, Social
Mobilization
PC and Vehicle
SEEDS
Nallampalli
SHG, Health
SHG linkage, Social
Mobilization
PC and Vehicle
IED
Dharmapuri
Entrepreneurshi
p Development
SHG linkage, Social
Mobilization
Training facility
and PC
RIDS
Karmangalam
SHG, Health,
Watershed and
Education
SHG linkage,
Social
Mobilization
Training facility
and PC
BSVD
Palacode
SHG, Health,
Watershed and
Education
SHG linkage,
Social
Mobilization
Training facility
and PC
VPDP
Dharmapuri
SHG, Health
SHG linkage, Social
Mobilization
Training facility
and PC
Source: Potential Linked Credit Plans, NABARD, 2012-13, p.71
71
Table 3.7 contributes that various NGOs specialized in SHG, health,
education and entrepreneurial development have promoted SHGs and in addition,
they have rendered valuable services in terms of training to Self-Help Group
members. The infrastructures created by them were of under the satisfactory level.
Dharmapuri is one of the backward districts of Tamil Nadu and the Self-
Help Groups have played a lead role in the rejuvenation of women and the
regeneration of the economy of the district. In a nutshell, SHGs have become the
change agents of the lives of thousands of people in this study area.
OVERVIEW OF SHGS AT TAMIL NADU LEVEL
Tamil Nadu has a detailed road map for the development of Self-Help
Groups and strengthening the state economy. It firmly believes that this model
would serve as a successful alternate model for targeting the poverty. The plan
should materialize into action. This would facility into a stronger region with
huge market potential for the development momentum to move on.
Table 3.8
Plan of New Group Formation
S.No District No. of New
Groups to be
formed
No. of New
Groups
formed
Percent of
Achievement
1 Kancheepuram 600 1297 216
2 Thiruvallur 325 804 247
3 Vellore 550 384 70
4 Thiruvannamalai 250 260 104
5 Dharmapuri 250 341 136
72
6 Krishnagiri 175 174 99
7 Salem 825 889 108
8 Namakkal 475 585 123
9 Erode 1325 2032 153
10 Coimbatore 1300 1599 123
11 The Nilgiris 275 536 195
12 Cuddalore 400 605 151
13 Villupuram 375 704 188
14 Thanjavur 550 966 176
15 Nagapattinam 200 522 261
16 Thiruvarur 175 409 234
17 Thiruchirapalli 425 418 98
18 Perambalur 150 180 120
19 Pudukkottai 200 175 88
20 Dindugal 600 1318 220
21 Karur 275 364 132
22 Madurai 300 172 57
23 Theni 550 316 57
24 Ramanathapuram 175 92 53
25 Virudhunagar 225 257 114
26 Sivaganga 300 136 45
27 Tirunelveli 900 1340 149
28 Tuticorin 475 1230 259
29 Kanyakumari 1400 3349 239
Total 14025 21454 153
Source: – http://www.tamilnaduwomen.org/statusreport.php
73
Table 3.8 provides the new group formation and the percentage of
achievement. There has been overwhelming response in many districts. A very
few districts lay behind in the execution due to varied socio-economic factors
operating in those areas. An awareness campaign may encourage the women to
join SHG and would lead to the formation of more SHGs in our state. This may
be way out for the people reeling under absolute poverty.
DHARMAPURI BLOCK WOMEN SELF SELF HELP GROUP
Members of Naga Sakthi women forum at Pidamenari was started on 24-8-
2011. It has been developed by adhiyaman community development society
(ACDS), pidemaneri, Dharmapuri district. It is linke with Lakkayampatti primary
agricultural credit society, Dharmapuri.
75
HARUR BLOCK
Saraswathi Magalir Mandram in Harur block
MORAPPUR BLOCK
Workmen Self-Help Groups, Morappur
76
PAPPIREDDIPATTI BLOCK
Mullai Magalir Mandram in Pappireddipatti Block
NALLAMBALLI BLOCK
Arivoli Muthamil Mandram Jettyhalli to form at women Self-Help Groups
Receiving loan from Primary Agricultural Credit Society, A.Jettyhalli,
Nallamballi block
77
PALACODE BLOCK
Vepilaikari Women Mandram at Palacode Block
Women Self-Help Group Members receiving a check from Co-operative
credit society for their achievement
KARIMANGALAM BLOCK
Kumbarahalli Mahalir Mandram - Karimangalam
Sanctioning the loan in Kumbarahalli Women Self-Help Group Members
Receiving from Primary Agricultural Co-operative Credit Society.
78
PENNAGARAM BLOCK
Women Self-Help Group members in pennagaram block
a) Sakthi Mahalir Mandram, Indoor- Pennagaram block
b) Self-Help Group Meeting
The deliberation about SHG activities and its future is on progress
79
Dharmapuri economy is agrarian in nature. It shares its border with
Karnataka Hokkanakkal, the famed waterfalls located in Dharmapuri district,
which is on the border of Karnataka state. Many a men migrate to Bangalore in
Karnataka eyeing on the green pastures on the other side. Even after twelve five
years plans rolled over taming of the grass root problem of poverty and
empowering women remain elusive.
Rural Dharmapuri is the home for many people in this district. The real
development of a nation is possible only with balanced regional growth as
propounded by Prof. Nurkse, the great economist of yester years. Of the various
development models, Self-Help Group model proves to be an effective one in
addressing the socio-economic issues of concern of a civilized society aimed at
development.