Trail Blazers - IFAD

“Sometime in 2009, I had help solve a major issue between Warula and
Tandulwadi villages,” Rachama relates. “It was to do with the Kerosene Distribution
Scheme and two SHGs - Gomata and Prashik had applied but finally allotment
was given to a SHG that had closed down.” After the Gram Panchayat made an
open announcement on the allotment, the Tandulwadi SHG came to her to find
out how this had happened. She took up the issue at the Gram Sabha and it is
now pending.
“It is impossible to settle all issues but with the CMRC we can at least listen to the
problem members bring, and try and reach logical solutions,” Rachana express.
Sunitha Suresh Khanderao is Secretary - CMRC and makes regular visits to the
villages. “We try our best to get loans sanctioned for our women members since
for most it is usually for livelihood enhancement,” Sunitha confirms adding that
where there is absence of bank loans, internal lending with SHGs make a huge
difference. “SHGs pay INR 600 (USD 13) annually per SHG to the CMRC and are
satisfied with our services.”
This SHG member from Tandulwadi village has bought a sewing machine via internal lending and is
making a decent living.
“As you must be aware, the CMRC works as a connecting body between the
Government, banks, etc and the SHGs,” Rachana informs, “and in our meetings we
have one member from each village to discuss problems.” With training received
on functions of CMRCs, managerial, book keeping and accounting skills taught,
Rachana feels empowered to run the centre independently providing various
services to the SHGs. Speaking of the different problems she had managed to
solve, Rachana recalls one situation from Ruhikad village when the members
of Ramabai SHG faced a lot of difficulty when they approached the Bank of
Maharashtra located in the district for a loan. “The members did not understand
that the bank had already achieved its loan allotment target for that month
and therefore was not sanctioning the SHG’s request,” Rachana remembers. “I
explained the situation to Aruna Wakode, Secretary of the SHG and told her they
can approach the bank during the next month. The following month, the group
reapplied and the loan was sanctioned.”
“I’ve always been attracted to working for the
people and with the training and encouragement
I received from MAVIM, I was able to have the
“confidence and courage to speak out.”
Most of the women in Tandulwadi have bought buffaloes as the SHGs are
deciding to collectively start supplying milk and milk products to nearby villages,
while others have invested in sewing machines via internal lending. “I’ve always
done my best to improve the lives of the village women; I am happy that the SHG
members have faith in me and my ability to help them,” smile Rachana. “I feel
empowered and this has changed my life personally; I strive to encourage the
same feeling among all the other women.”
90