No. of MBKs trained 2914

How does the government help in the marketing of the products produced by the women SHGs?

We provide good facilities to sell many products within the state and we help develop the demand for several products from other states. Women SHGs have participated in the trade fairs and Saras fairs in Kolkata, New Delhi, Mumbai, Bhubaneswar and many other places which was helpful to showcase and market their products. The products produced by artisans of Mysuru, Uttara Kannada and Chikkaballapur districts are in demand in the northern states. There is a demand from Maharashtra for the cereal products manufactured by a woman from Shivamogga district. Similarly, there is a demand from Mumbai and other cities for the products like, rotis, peanut chutney and other products prepared by women from Bagalkote, Dharwad and Gadag districts. We are empowering women economically under the concept of saving, employment and selfreliance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly believes that the rural economy will grow stronger with the participation of the rural women. Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa is committed to the same philosophy in the implementation of the National Rural Livelihood Mission - the Sanjeevini project, in our state.

How have the women elf help groups been helping during the COVID-19 pandemic in the state?

The women in self help groups have been playing an important role during the pandemic, and we are proud of the fact that they rushed to the aid of the state and geared up to produce masks when there was a severe shortage of masks. It is no small feat in the face of making more than six lakh masks that were needed in the districts. I thank the women SHGs and Sanjeevini which has been the driving force behind the manufacture of masks in rural areas.

What are your aspirations for further empowering women SHGs?

The women self help groups are empowering women in rural areas; their members contribute to the country's economy, as they grow economically, they advance the society around them and their villages towards economic development. They are working hard to make Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popular slogan Sab Ka Saath, Sab Ka Vikas, Sab Ka Vishwas. Karnataka has embarked on a new era of progress. It is my dream to strengthen the self help groups in every corner of the state by increasing their efficiency and encouraging them to further pursue livelihood activities.

A Great Model

K.Ratna Prabha, Chairperson, Karnataka Skill Development Authority & former Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka, hails the tremendous strides made by the NRLM, and calls for unswerving perseverance in its continuing implementation.

Women in remote villages are economically productive and socially conscious today as a direct result of the propagation of women’s self help groups.

Does the model of women's self help group help empowerment of women at the grassroots level?

Yes, it does. I experimented with this kind of self help group back in 1986, and it proved to be successful. Sometimes, a woman might not be in a position to do business independently, and even if she wants to do something, she may not have the confidence or encouragement from the family, or societal support. When women work together in a group, they gain confidence from each other and support each other, and together they will be able to do something. This has been my experience for a long time.

What factors affect the success of self help groups in rural areas?

The activities of a group certainly get better support than those of an individual woman in a village. Apart from what I said earlier about togetherness instilling them with confidence and support, it’s easier for groups to access finance. Banks are more willing to lend to a group and group activities are supported by the government in various forms such as working capital, revolving fund, marketing, branding and other help. The scale of production by groups is larger than that of an individual woman. A group can produce on a larger scale and the increased production helps in getting a better market.

How do SHGs contribute to social, cultural and economic development of the country?

The SHG gives women economic independence, and by joining a self help group, a woman does more than earn a livelihood or supplement the family income. There is a great social impact because once a woman becomes economically independent, she has the freedom to do what she wants. If she wants