MEPMA strives to help SHGs in urban areas

Kakinada: MEPMA (Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas), the nodal agency of Union Urban Development Ministry has taken up capacity building for women Self Help Groups (SHGs) in 12 urban areas of East Godavari district.

With as many as ninety thousand plus groups and a total strength of 1.97 lakh membership, it was found necessitated to improve their income in view of improved financial assistance through various agencies in Kakinada, Rajamahendravaram Municipal corporations, Tuni, Peddapuram, Pithapuram, Samarla Kota, Ramachandrapuram, Mandapeta, Amalapuram Municipalities and in three Municipal Panchayats of Yaleswaram, Gollaprolu and Mummidivaram in the district.

The financial resources through means to SHGs had been improved in assistance through different means in the form of Sthree Nidhi, Mudra loans, capital infusion by State government apart from regular loans through banks and financial instructions.

With improved funding, the need for diversified activity to improve over all income to these groups in general and to members in particular group had gained momentum.

Under the capacity building, group activities such as Mini Super Bazaars, Provision stores, function material supply (tent house), Manufacture of paper plates, Tiffin plates, plastic glasses, prasadam cups for the needs of temples and other allied group and individual activities.

Representative of Durga Mahila Shakti Sangam, an SHG of Peddapuram A Santa Kumari said that they have taken up plastic glasses, tiffin plates and meals plates manufacturing one year ago and found good market for their products in the form of direct sale at their unit.

She also said that in tota four members of their group was extended Rs 2.50 lakh under Sthree Nidhi funding. The MEPMA authorities guided us in technical support and extended support for marketing our products.

East Godavari MEPMA in-charge PD S Malli Babu said that they have taken up this programme to provide the necessary guidance and technical support to women groups under capacity building activity.

In total 7,000 units have been taken for promotion activity under this capacity building in all the 12 urban areas in the district, the PD added.