Amount of Bank Credit disbursed by Banks (in Rs. Lakhs) 3840165.23

A Committed Cluster

Srirama Sanjeevini GPLF, Bengaluru South taluk

Displaying a commendable sense of unity and purpose, women members of self help groups of Srirama Sanjeevini Gram Panchayat Level Federation in Bengaluru Urban district have been working towards a plastic-free India. Their cloth bags now protect jewellery in bank lockers and can be found in luxury hotels.

The women of this self help group are united by the common purpose of financial empowerment.

Sanjeevini Interventions:

Members underwent a 3-day Entrepreneurial Development Programme training at RSETI.

They underwent training in sewing skills at the Government ITI College.

Received financial support from Sanjeevini Srirama GPLF for seed capital and additional capital.

Received guidance in procuring raw materials and formulating marketing strategies.

CIF

: Rs.75,000 as seed capital Infrastructure : Rs.1.25 lakh from Sanjeevini Srirama GPLF for purchase of raw materials and state-of-the-art sewing machines. Average monthly sales in 2020 : 40,000 bags Monthly turnover : Rs.3.8 lakh

Located in Peddanapalya village in Bengaluru South taluk, the Srirama Sanjeevini Gram Panchayat Level Federation in Cholanayakanahalli gram panchayat comes across as a unique cluster of empowerment. Here is a story of three women from the gram panchayat who underline the social benefits that accrue from financial empowerment of women through Sanjeevini. These are women from local self help groups who have transformed their dreams into reality, reiterated the importance of unity and proved that poverty doesn’t necessarily breed poverty. Rohini of Janani SHG, Ambika of Jagadamba SHG and Komala of Jai Bharat SHG have been contributing in their own little ways towards the Plastic-free India Campaign. Their thoughts went a step beyond saving Rs.200 per month and towards improving society. This led to the formation of the Srirama Sanjeevini Gram Panchayat Level Federation. A plastic ban was announced by the BBMP in Bengaluru and the women came up with a timely solution. Equipped with a CIF loan, a power sewing machine and raw materials, the three women received necessary training through Sanjeevini and began making cloth bags. The trio’s work quickly drew words of praise and they currently boast of customers such as Canara Bank at Cholanayakanahalli. The bank uses their cloth bags to store jewellery in the safety lockers. Additionally, they also supply bags to retail stores and hotels. With 10 active members, the women have to often work overtime to meet the ever-growing demands. The members’ monthly savings have increased to Rs.500. Rohini, who is also a bank correspondent at Canara Bank, says, “I can now afford to educate my children. Everybody in the village is proud of our group and we are grateful to the Sanjeevini officials who have guided us throughout our journey.”