All in a Day's Work

Manipuri society is characterized by its simplicity and egalitarian values. The people are warm and cooperative. Women enjoy high status in the society and are also its mainstay. Nowhere it is more evident than in the success of Singapore SHG whose members engage in a range of activities accomplishing all in the course of a day. 

Activity

Singapore SHG is a group of 13 women members in Okshu Ningthemcha village, Sawongbung Block, in the district of Imphal (East ). Manipur is known for its traditional weaves with which they make shawls, dress materials, cushion covers and other furnishings. Members of the SHG are primarily engaging in weaving, livestock rearing, retail shop business as their income generating livelihoods activities.

Nature of Intervention

The group received grant assistance of Rs. 0.15 lakh as revolving fund and Rs. 1.10 lakh as Community Investment Fund from MSRLM which they utilised to buy raw material for weaving activity and building animal sheds. Singapore SHG have been credit linked with Manipur Rural Bank. EShakti project of NABARD has digitised its records and as a result, the first dose of credit amounting Rs. 1.30 lakh and 2nd dose of credit amounting Rs. 1.50 lakh have been disbursed and till date there are no irregularities in repayment.

KVK has been imparting expert advice on animal husbandry.

Today, the average annual income of the family has now increased from Rs. 0.80 lakh to Rs. 1.50 lakh.

Before joining the group, average annual income of all 13 members was below Rs. 0.80 lakh. Their children are now going to schools and colleges. Their corpus fund has reached about Rs.3.50 lakh. All members of the group have also opened their individual savings bank as also recurring deposits accounts. They have also enrolled themselves into social security schemes. 3 of their members are working as communicator facilitator of MSRLM, Bank Sakhi and Bima Sakhi respectively. One of its member is also working as Bank Correspondent to look after the overall functioning of one mini microATM of IDFC Bank that has been installed at the premises of Singapore SHG.

Critical Determinants 

• Convergence of programmes and coordination between various stakeholders – MSRLM, NABARD, Banks, KVK, etc.
• Timely, adequate and hassle free credit support from banks
• Implementation of EShakti project of NABARD in the district

Source : Creating Livelihoods, Changing Lives