Running Courier Collection Centre by SHG Women

Mrs. Nagarathna, a house wife who is a 5th standard dropout, lives in Kaarangi village and belongs to the Scheduled Tribes. The family of four have 2 acres of dry land and they grow Millets in their field. She also works for daily wages in her village.

The Pragathi CFCD project started its intervention in June 2012 in Kaarangi village and conducted awareness program on the project and importance of SHG. As Mrs. Nagarathna was orientated on the project, she took initiative in organizing the women of the village to form a Group. Her efforts bore fruits as Kaveri SHG was formed with 12 members. As the representative of her SHG, she underwent various capacity building training programs that enabled her to understand the concepts of SHG, micro enterprises, communication and leadership. Till date she saved Rs. 12,350/- and has availed financial assistance from SHG 5 times for various purposes. She availed financial assistance of Rs. 30,000/- for purchasing a cow and Rs.50,000/- to start a courier collection centre at Srinivaspur town, from which she earns Rs.8,000/- to 10,000/- per month.

Nagarathna was also elected as the President of Jeevanajyothi Cluster level Association. As someone who understands the relevance of empowerment through education, she identified school dropouts and helped them to get back to school. Her skills and efforts in community mobilization influenced more women and helped in the formation of 2 more SHGs in her village. She is now respected by her community and has evolved into being one of the decision makers of her family. Mrs. Nagarathna expresses her gratitude to the project for improving her social and economic status.