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180
160
140
120
No. of SHGs
100
80
60
40
20
0
0 25 50 75 100
QPA ordinal scores (details in accompanying table)
Figure 40: Status of SHG functioning: Kalyandurg SHGs, 2001
QPA Ordinal Scoring Options QPA Scores Number of SHGs
Only saving; no loans 0 15
Saving and loans only for consumption purposes 25 43
Saving, effective utilisation of loans & for at least 50 20
one productive purpose (no results)
Saving, effective utilisation of loans & for at least 75 31
one productive purpose (breakeven)
Saving, effective utilisation of loans & for at 100 159
least one productive purpose (with profits)
5.4 Functionality of SHGs
The assessment of SHGs indicated that many
were being very successful in terms of thrift and
credit but few had any interest in or experience
of tackling water-related problems. This finding
casts some doubt on the proposals from some
quarters to involve SHGs in water-related
challenges. In some villages, particularly those
with weak panchayats, it was found that
spontaneous community action was leading to
solution of water-related problems. This action,
however, even when it involved SHG members,
was not organised by the SHGs.
Figure 40 presents the results of the
participatory assessment of the functioning of
SHGs in Kalyandurg. This shows that the villagelevel
perception is that 159 of the 268 SHGs (or
nearly 60%) fall into category “Saving, effective
utilisation of loans for at least one productive
purpose (with profits).” Figure 41 presents the
results of the assessment of SHG influence on
community decision-making in villages of Dhone.
This shows that in 36 of the 42 villages (or 86%)
surveyed SHGs were not effective in influencing
water-related community decision making. These
findings suggest that women’s SHGs will need
considerable strengthening before they can take on
the role of change agents in the habitations in the
two study mandals.
Box 13: Some villagers’ view on the
response of the panchayat to water
supply problems
“Since Sarpanch is residing in Chapiri,
he has not taken any interest and no
response, in spite of people’s request.”
(Chapirithanda habitation, Chapiri
revenue village).
“No response from panchayat, as
Sarpanch was from other village.”
(Mallapuram habitation, Palavoy
revenue village).
“Panchayat listens, but no action
taken, because of no funds to
panchayat.” (Varli habitation, Varli
revenue village).
“When motor underwent repairs seven
times, on all occasions, the panchayat
took immediate and effective action.”
(Duradakunta habitation, Duradakunta
revenue village).
“Panchayat listens to problem and acts
quickly in case of handpump repair at
all times.” (Palavoy habitation, Palavoy
revenue village).
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