There are now 150 women SHGs with a total membership of 2,365. It is spread over 42 villages in Mannachanallur, Musiri and Thuraiyur blocks of Tiruchirappalli district. These groups have accumulated over Rs. 40 lacs as savings as on March 31st 2007. They are also involved in extending credit to their members from the savings. So far, 47 SHGs have received revolving grant under SJSY scheme and 4 SHGs have received EDP loan from the Government. Moreover, almost all the groups have approached the banks for credit.
Being a member in “Mahalir Thittam” VDC is able to obtain various benefits from the government for the sound functioning of SHGs.
VDC is also involved in the process of strengthening Vasantham Pengal Koottamaippoo (Vasantham Women’s Federation) for the empowerment and sustainability of the SHGs. It is functioning independently as a registered entity at Mannachanallur in a separate office of its own. With the help of VDC as a facilitator, they involve in resolving disputes and redressing the grievances of the poor rural women. The joint monitoring undertaken by the federation and the VDC has helped to identify the needs and the lacunae in the development process. The Federation has exclusive committees to look after the welfare of its member-SHGs.
Some of the members of the Federation have been exposed to the activities of various NGOs elsewhere to learn more about various income generation activities, utilization of loans, repayment system, accounting procedures and empowerment process.
VDC is involved in realizing the rights under social security schemes for the unorganized workers since 1998.
