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 Facilitating micro credit through self help groups
among the poor is now a well accepted method of poverty alleviation. But in the
beginning of 1990s when Manavodaya took decision to introduce the concept in
backward villages of Uttar Pradesh, it had to face numerous odds. Manavodaya
learnt from these odds and over the years became an organisation specialising in
self help groups.
The following is the saga of
struggle and achievements as far as evolution of self help
groups towards sustainability is concerned:
Early Years (1992-95)
No precedence of SHGs in Uttar
Pradesh. Struggle to establish clarity of purpose at group
level. Persuasion of banks to provide loans to groups. First
group in Uttar Pradesh credit linked to bank in 1993-94.
Period of Struggle (1996-1998)
Extensive sabotage by vested
interests. Staff and group members beaten up. Several groups
collapse and trained staff desert the organisation. Self
help schools started. Bank linkage improves. Initiatives in
training NGOs and bank managers give good results in the
promotion of groups in Uttar Pradesh.
Formative Period (1991-2001)
New systems of records,
accounts and MIS introduced. Concept of paid group
accountant introduced. Formation of cluster of groups at
village level started. Manavodaya training becomes popular
across north Indian states.
Resource Centre (2001-2002)
Establishment of self managed
systems at group levels. Steps to strengthen clusters and
initiate area level federations. Manavodaya recognised as a
resource centre for promotion of SHGs in Uttar Pradesh by
NABARD. Also recognised as an institution of excellence by
the state government. given responsibility of training
master trainers and government officials. Started diploma
course in rural development for graduates. International
course gets popular.
Challenges
Beyond 2002
Strengthening of area level
federations to achieve self regulation, credit management
and local self governance. Introduction of new systems and
practices in land and crop management for higher incomes and
sustainable development.
For a note on sustainability of
groups,
click here.
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