soscv at bawana, new delhi - jamia millia islamia · 2014. 7. 21. · soscv at bawana, new delhi...

Of

SOSCV at BAWANA, New Delhi

Conducted By Prof. N. U. Khan

& Dr. Vani Narula

Department of Social Work Jamia Millia Islamia

New Delhi

2010

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Acknowledgement

The evaluation of SHGs of Family strengthening programme implemented by SOS in the

areas of Bawana and Najafgarh has been a challenging, rewarding and a delightful

experience. I am thankful to SOS for entrusting this work to me.

I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Anoop Singh for showing confidence in me

and extending his full co-operation and help in carrying out the field work. There was no

pressure / interference from the organisation in the evaluation process, which gave added

confidence.

I would fail in my duty without expressing my thanks to Mr. Mohd. Jibreel and his project

team for the help they provided in conducting the fieldwork. The evaluation work would

not have been possible without the help and co-operation of all the officials of the SOS.

My special thanks to the SHGs and their members for their full co-operation to the

evaluation team throughout the fieldwork. Their availability and cooperation made work

easy for my team and me.

I am also grateful to the research team, for their excellent work in very testing conditions.

For the children and their families my special thanks. Their eagerness and willingness to

participate in the evaluation process made this study a success. As the light of literacy has

illuminated their lives, so has their simplicity and warmth touched mine.

August’2010 Prof. N. U. Khan Department of Social Work Jamia Millia Islamia Jamia Nagar, New Delhi - 25

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Executive Summary Profile Activity Assessment Recommendations

Chapter – 1 Introduction 1.1 Present Study 1.2 Back ground of Family Strengthening Project 1.3 The Objective of evaluation 1.4 Methodology 1.5 Data Collection and Analysis

Chapter – 2 Profile of SHG members

2.1 Age Composition 2.2 Religion 2.3 Caste 2.4 Language 2.5 Education 2.6 Occupation

Chapter – 3 Institutional Stability of SHG

3.1 Membership of SHG 3.2 Institutional Stability of SHGs 3.3 Loans

Chapter – 4 Role of SOS 4.1 Group Formation Stage 4.2 Group Stabilisation Stage 4.3 Group Self Reliance Stage 4.4 Programmes conducted by SOS Chapter – 5 Need Assessment for Micro Enterprises

5.1 Assessment of groups 5.2 Assessment of Shiv Shakti Group

Chapter – 6 Conclusions and Recommendations

ANNEXURES: Research Tools

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List of tables Table No 2.1: Membership Profile of the Sample Table No 2.2: Age composition of SHG members Table No 2.3: Religion wise composition of SHG members Table No 2.4: Caste wise composition of SHG members Table No 2.5: Language wise composition of SHG members Table No 2.6: Education wise composition of SHG members Table No 2.7: Occupation wise composition of SHG members Table No 3.1: Year wise composition of SHG members Table No 3.2: Reasons for joining SHG Table No 3.3: Previous Debt of SHG member Table No 3.4: Awareness of purpose of SHG Table No 3.5: SHG meetings held per month Table No 3.6: SHG meetings conducted by Table No 3.7: Awareness of rules and regulations of the SHG Table No 3.8: Awareness of roles and responsibilities of the SHG Table No 3.9: Contribution and position in SHG Table No 3.10: Awareness of total savings of self in the group Table No 3.11: Awareness of total savings of group Table No 3.12: Loan taken from SHG Table No 3.13: Purpose of loan Table No 3.14: Loan Utilisation Table No 3.15: Knowledge of Bank Procedure Table No 4.1: Role of SOS Table No 4.2: Awareness provided by SOS Table No 5.1: Readiness for micro enterprise training and activity Table No 5.2: Previous Business Knowledge Table No 5.3: Preference for micro- enterprise activity Table No 5.4: Knowledge of raw material market Table No 5.5: Knowledge of selling market Table No 5.6: Skill base of members Table No 5.7: Readiness to go for purchase and selling Table No 5.8: Readiness of SHG to volunteer place for Training Table No 5.9: Availability of place for training and micro enterprise Table No 5.10: Expectation of support by SHGs Table No 5.11: Expectation of support by Shanti SHG Table No 5.12: Expectation of support by Om SHG Table No 5.13: Expectation of support by Shubh SHG Table No 5.14: Expectation of support by Shiv Shakti SHG Table No 5.15: Expectation of support by Asha SHG Table No 5.16: Expectation of support by Prem Sai SHG Table No 5.17: Expectation of support by Ekta SHG Table No 5.18: Readiness to spent time in micro enterprise activity Table No 5.19: Choice of time slots

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Executive Summary

Profile

When we examine the profiles we find that the most vulnerable group is the Shubh group

which consists of all members belonging to SC community, majority of whom are illiterate

and have no access to even the SOS’ adult education classes.

On the other extreme is the Shiv Shakti group which has very confident members and the

group is very cohesive, however, the illiterate members of this group also need to be

integrated with adult education so that rotation of office bearers is possible and all the

women have acquired the basic three Rs to venture into the micro enterprise.

The Ekta group is in need of being oriented for the micro- enterprise as its members are

either not working and those who are working are getting a paltry sum which defies

subsistence. This group is now ready to be groomed for micro enterprise on urgent basis.

The micro- credit activity needs to be strengthened in all the groups with the introduction

of compulsory rotation in the posts of office bearers so that all women get hands on

experience and build confidence in all aspects of SHG management.

The interventions of SOS’ adult education centre in providing functional literacy to women

of Prem Sai Group and Ekta group is highly appreciated and is recommended for

emulation for other illiterate members.

Institutional Sustainability of SHGs.

The size of the SHGs is between 15 and 20 members.

There is at least 90% attendance in the meetings.

At least 2 meetings are reportedly held by 4 of the 7 SHGs.

There are regular savings in the SHGs of the members.

Regular loans are given to the members.

There is 100% repayment of loans.

Maintenance of records is done by the groups themselves.

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All the members have participated in the formation of the rules and are aware of the rules

and regulations of the group.

Bank linkages are available to the groups.

The SHGs have multiple sources of income including: interest accrued on loans, penalties

and SOS support.

Groups are able pay their own supplies of stationary items such as record registers, pens,

etc.

Role of SOS

The role of SOS as Self Help Promoting Institution (SHPI) is highly appreciated.

Efforts of SOSCV Bawana in providing literacy to illiterate SHG members through adult

education classes, are highly appreciated.

So far most of the programmes of awareness are targeted at the beneficiaries of SOS. Most

of the groups of SOS are in the second stage of SHG development.

We must conclude by going on record to appreciate the hard work and patience of the SOS

SHG facilitator at Bawana.

SOS has helped all the groups achieve the targets of the first stage of development i.e

Identity by way of name.

Goals and objectives

Rules and regulations

Books of accounts

Books of records and minutes of meetings

Saving statement card.

Office- bearers

Auditing of accounts

SHGs facilitated by SOS facilitator were able to meet the following milestones of Second

Stage of group development for all the SHGs:

Regular savings of members and group.

Inter-lending activities and decisions on rate of interest

Timings of loans

Schedule of repayment of loans

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Attendance is above 90% in meetings

Default systems are in place.

Group members are willing to accept decisions and sanctions of the group.

Group has started discussing issues concerning their future, family matters and socials ills.

Groups are well linked to financial institutions i.e. bank in this case.

Achievement in the third stage of development is prominently visible only in the Shiv

Shakti group and Om group is also nearing it now. The Characteristics helped achieve by

SHGs through SOS facilitation are as follows

Loans are disbursed keeping members needs into account.

Loans are available at the time of need

Savings of the group have accumulated.

Inter-lending has stabilised.

Members are at ease with functioning of the group

Size of loans has become larger.

Idea of micro enterprise has taken root.

Women already in business have taken loans to expand their individual enterprise.

Group is taking initiative and is itself approaching SOS for support on how to further

develop their group.

Areas of this stage which the groups have not been able to achieve are:

The groups have not been able to develop horizontal networks with each other.

The groups have not been able to develop a voice in local governance.

Preparedness for micro enterprise

As of now only the Shiv Shakti group has developed and matured enough to

undertake the micro enterprise and they have identified the trade of jute bag making

for this purpose. Till the training , establishment of business and beginning of

profitable returns , the SHPI will have to nurture and support the SHG till the SHG

is made fully self reliant.

All the other groups need to stabilise further and all but Shubh group will be

prepared for the same within next 4-6 months.

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Recommendations

1. All the members of the SHG need to be trained in group management practices.

2. All groups need to conduct 2 meetings per month.

3. Meetings need to be conducted independently of the SOS functionary who can be present

in the background for support except for the Shubh group which is very new and has

illiterate members. This group needs continued and close facilitation.

4. Members need to be made aware of group savings, earnings and losses if any.

5. Leadership rotation needs to be firmly put in place.

6. Members need to move beyond SOS and themselves and participate in community

activities related to health, sanitation, women support and child protection.

7. SHGs need to link their members to Government programmes and in this case particularly

to mission converges of Delhi Government.

8. SHGs need to tap government grants to increase their incomes.

9. The groups need to meet the travel cost of their members, interest payable on bank loans

and operational costs of other activities.

10. SHGs ready for micro enterprise should be groomed to be ready to contribute capital in

setting up of the micro enterprise.

11. It is recommended that more women be taken under the ambit of this programme so that

we achieve the target of Zero illiteracy among the SHG members.

12. Adult education activity should be extended to all the women and girls of the community.

Perhaps at some later stage it can be made gender neutral and inclusive for all members of

the community of intervention.

13. It is recommended that the various awareness programmes may be extended to the

community at large and the SOS in continuation of the good work done by it in Bawana

may set up a community intervention unit here.

14. It is recommended that groups be facilitated for complete independence in the micro-

credit activity with full rotation of posts of office bearers.

15. Except for the case of Shubh and Ekta group, the other groups need only be monitored

occasionally but be left to run things on their own only for micro-credit activity.

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16. For the micro- credit activity all the groups need to be oriented to be participatory in

bearing SHG and enterprise setting cost which may be supplemented by SOS.

17. In no case should complete dependence be encouraged by funding the activity hundred

percent by SOS. This will go a long way in making the groups develop a self reliant

mentality and facilitate in the ultimate withdrawal SOS on completion of the target of

independent SHG establishment.

18. SOS as a SHPI primarily needs to fulfil the following targets:

a. Develop leadership skills in the women by instilling rotation of office within the

SHG.

b. Help the SHGs to become more cohesive and independent of facilitators for micro

credit activity.

c. Realistically identify micro enterprise.

d. Provide business entrepreneurship training.

e. Conduct micro-enterprise awareness camps, meetings.

f. Network and converge with trade and business bodies.

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Chapter - 1

Introduction

SOS India is a renowned organisation which focuses on working towards development and

welfare of children. This evaluation study would focus on the evaluation of SHGs formed by SOS

under its Family Strengthening Programme (FSP). Under this programme one of the major

component is capacity Building of families to enable them to develop their parenting knowledge

and skills; to secure a stable source of resources (e.g. income and food production) to provide for

their children’s development needs in the present and in the future: and to manage their resources

efficiently. Under this programme caregivers are encouraged to form self help groups and

contribute regularly to meet their credit requirements. An addition to the microfinance angle is the

functionality of the SHG as a livelihood micro enterprise.

A Self-help group of persons who come together with the intention of finding a solution to a

common problem with a degree of self sufficiency (Ranadive: 2008). SHGs can be formulated

around issues related to livelihoods and resources to meet the objectives of the Family

Strengthening programme i.e. to support families and communities to assume their responsibility

to protect and care for their children.

Family Strengthening Programme

This programme of SOS was devised to strengthen families and communities to protect and care

for children using a step- by- step family development planning process. It was found that these

families were in the lower socio-economic strata and were busy in the pursuit of their livelihood

activity due to this they were unable to adequately address the basic material, physical, emotional,

health and educational needs of the children. Therefore the programme was designed to reach out

to children below the age of 18 years of age and their families. Under the programme a package of

services is made available to the family including support for nutrition, health, education, as well

as skill building activities. SOS’ social and medical centres support this programme. Families

participate in this programme from need assessment to family development. Capacities of families

are aimed to be enhanced so that they may move out of deprivation and be able to earn a dignified

livelihood in a self reliant manner. FSP takes a child rights approach to assist and empower

families and care givers to fulfil the needs of children in their familial and community

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environment. This is the basic philosophy of SOS i.e. upholding the family environment for the

care of the child.

Apart from the families the SOS FSP reaches out to the communities by making them aware of

child rights, hygiene, participation in local self governance, etc. Mothers of the children who are

targeted in the FSP are facilitated to form SHGs to tide over their financial difficulties. Following

a systematic approach the SHGs are facilitated to pass through the stages of group formation

(initially for micro credit), then to the stage of group stabilisation where the group is ready to

totally self reliant for micro- credit and is ready to venture into micro enterprise for economic self

reliance; finally in the last stage the groups are encouraged to be totally self reliant by engaging in

micro enterprise which is set up with the capital accrued in the micro credit activity of the SHG.

The aim is to make the group an independent business enterprise for a dignified sustainability of

its members.

The FSP is not limited to be family empowerment programme. It reaches out to the communities

for the furtherance of the goal of better child care and self reliance of their immediate care givers.

Scope of Study

The present study is aimed at evaluating the preparedness of 7 Self Help Groups of SOSCV

Bawana, New Delhi on the following objectives.

Objectives

The objectives of the pilot study will be

a) To conduct an analysis of the Strengths and weaknesses of the SHGs in terms of

Organization.

Cohesiveness

Skills and capacities

b) To study the market for initiating the group or individual livelihood programmes

and draw out a possible option list.

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c) To Identify areas of skill (Business/vocational) for SHG members which can

enhance their capacities for livelihood micro enterprise based on a) and b).

Methodology

The methodology of study will be in four stages Three stages of SHG analysis and one of market

analysis

1. SHG analysis : to study objective a) ,

i) Interviews of the members of the SHGs will be conducted to collect information

from individuals on the functioning of the SHGs and the skills they posses.

ii) Focussed group discussion with the SHG to elicit information on collective wisdom

regarding the strengths and weaknesses of skills and capacities of the individual

group members and SHG as a unit will be conducted.

iii) Record analysis, to assess the organisational capacities of the SHG, will be done.

2. Market survey of neighbourhood areas to ascertain product/ service demand.

The evaluation was carried out taking the SHGs as the primary group of analyses and the

individual member as the unit within the group.

Attempt was made to analyze and evaluate all the interventions by the project during the

project cycle. Various tools were used which included interview Schedule, FGD schedule, and

proformas for secondary data analysis. The methods of data collection included interviews

with individual SHG members, SOS facilitator, group discussion with the SHG and interaction

with project team and other stake holders.

The sample was based on the availability of beneficiaries present during the interactions. Time

was set in collaboration with the SOS facilitator to meet the SHGs for data collection. As most

of the women who were working were available on Saturdays, particularly factory workers,

four visits were done on Saturdays and two on weekdays to conduct the FGD with pre

specified SHGs. On the same day interviews with SHG individual members were also taken.

The interviews were based on a detailed interview schedule, this along with the information

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obtained in the FGD were analysed together. Finally the data from all the three sources i.e.

interviews, FGDs, secondary sources were put together to assess the cohesiveness, stage and

preparedness of SHG for micro-enterprise activity.

The following research tools have been used in the present study:

• Interview: A structured Interview schedule was used to elicit information from the SHG

members individually.

• Focused Group Discussions (FGDs): These were conducted with each individual SHG.

These discussions focused upon eliciting the qualitative information group cohesiveness,

performance and need assessment for micro enterprise.

1.6 Data Collection and Analysis

• The data collection team was given one day orientation in research tools, interview

techniques and method of filling up the interview schedules. The team was trained to

conduct FGD’s of the SHG based on a well developed FGD tool.

• The field team is experienced in conducting the field work. They all have experience in

data collection in different research projects.

• Qualitative data was analysed electronically. It was classified and collated to help the

analysis and draw conclusions.

• For qualitative analysis the records of descriptive questions, FGDs and members responses

accompanied by SOS facilitator’s narratives were collated and content analysed and

expressed.

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Chapter 2 Profile of the respondents

The study comprised of 7 SHGs and each SHG targeted a membership of 20 members each. On

the days of data collection the strength of the SHGs is given in the following table. The Om group

was present in full strength, while Shiv Shakti group and the Ekta group were also present in good

strength. The reason for the low turnover of members in the other groups was cited to be their

having left for their native place as their children were on summer vacation from School. All the

members of the different Self Help groups were women. Majority of the women were widows.

However, as the programme outreach is on to families, some married women are also beneficiaries

of the Family strengthening programme (FSP).

Table No 2.1: Membership Profile of the Sample

SHG No. of

members Members present

Shanti 20 7 Om 15 15

Shubh 20 8 Shiv Shakti 19 14

Asha 17 12 Prem Sai 16 7

Ekta 19 14 Total 125 77

When we look at the above table we find that at least half of the universe i.e. 77 women out of 125

are represented in the sample. Detailed interviews and Group discussions with them have given

some interesting insights into the SHGs of FSP.

AGE

Most of the women SHG respondents were within the age group 25-45 years i.e 84.4% of the

respondents were in this productive age group. Only one respondent was below 25 years of age

and the remaining were above 45 years of age. It is important to note that women between the age

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group 25 to 45 years constitute the able work force along with the fact that they have young

children for whom they are responsible. It is important that this group particularly those who have

lost the male earning member in our patriarchal family get some source of livelihood for their

survival and that of their families. In that the FSP has engaged this group in its micro credit

activities and is nurturing the same for micro-enterprise, the work of SOS needs to be commended.

Table No 2.2: Age composition of SHG Members

SHG 15-25 25-35 35-45 45<

Shanti 1 4 2 Om 6 7 2

Shubh 2 4 2 Shiv Shakti 8 4 2

Asha 8 4 Prem Sai 7

Ekta 1 5 5 3 Total 1 30 35 11

Religious Profile

It is interesting to note that Bawana is not a traditional Village nor is it a slum of a metro. It is

what we constitute as a demographic in a state of flux. Some researchers would place it as a semi –

urban village; one which has a rural physical environment that is rapidly being urbanised by the

State Authorities to meet the ever expanding demand of the National Capital Region. Keeping this

in mind when we look at the religious demography, we find that most of the respondents were

Hindus followed by those who Muslims. According to the 2001 Census, demographic distribution

as per religion in Delhi consists of approximately 83.67% Hindu, 9.2% Muslim, 6.1% Sikh and

0.9% Christians. Other minorities include Jains, Buddhists and Jews but their percentage is

negligible.

The population targeted by the FSP consisted largely of Hindus i.e. 93.5%, Muslims represented in

the sample were 5.2% and only one Sikh women constituted the respondent group. No Christians

were reported as being part of the sample. It remains to be seen whether this representation is in

consonance with the demography of Bawana in general. Traditionally Bawana has been a largely

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Hindu Jat dominated rural area. Therefore, the presence of a large Hindu population is in

consonance with the same. It is important to note that Muslim women due to their traditions are

also not very visible in a population. It would be worthwhile that for extension of FSP and its

micro credit and enterprise related activities if a baseline survey of the area is done to identify

needy women who are as yet not visible and outside the range of FSP. Currently the religious

distribution is largely in sync with the demographic profile of the area.

Table No 2.3: Religion wise composition of SHG members

SHG Hindu Muslim Sikh Others

Shanti 6 1 0 0 Om 14 1

Shubh 7 1 Shiv Shakti 14

Asha 12 Prem Sai 7

Ekta 12 2 Total 72 4 1 0

Caste Profile

It is interesting to note that despite claims that Delhi is a Metropolitan city and primordial

identities seem to diffuse away. However, of the respondents in the study, while the upper caste

women clearly cited their caste on asking; women of the other castes, including tribals in the first

instance asserted that caste was irrelevant. On re-questioning they did not specify the caste but

said they were SC. This identity they said was more important to them as it enabled their children

to get benefits of education, scholarships, etc. The Muslim and the Sikh women said this question

was not applicable to them. Others who did not respond said they did not know their caste and in

any case it did not matter in Delhi. It is significant to note that the Shiv Shakti group refused to

respond to the question on caste as they said this was of no relevance to the SHG and caste does

not matter because we all are facing similar problems.

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Language profile Largely Delhi is regarded as a melting pot of India, where people from all over the subcontinent

seem to converge. Yet Hindi remains the dominantly spoken language here, as can be seen from

the table below. Besides Hindi, Punjabi and Haryanvi are also spoken in Delhi due to a large

Punjabi population in Delhi as well as Delhi being surrounded on three sides by Haryana. There,

were a few women in the group from Jharkhand and West Bengal also, but they all spoke Hindi.

Hindi emerges as the common means of communication for these women.

Table No 2.5: Language wise composition of SHG members

SHG Hindi Punjabi Haryanvi others

Shanti 7

Om 14 1 0 2

Shubh 8 1 0

Shiv Shakti 14 0 3 0

Asha 12 0 0 0

Prem Sai 7 0 0 0

Ekta 13 0 0 3

Total 75 2 3 5

Table No 2.4: Caste wise composition of SHG members

SHG SC ST OBC Pandit Jat Rajput Tyagi Others General

Shanti 1 0 1 0 3 1 1 0 Om 2 1 7 1 0 0 0 4

Shubh 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Shiv Shakti

Asha 7 0 0 0 1 0 0 4 Prem Sai 6 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

Ekta 10 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 Total 29 1 12 1 4 1 1 8

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Educational Profile When we look at the educational profile of the women we find that 36% of the women were

illiterate in the group. To have fully functional and empowered SHGs it is imperative that all the

members get an opportunity to hold position of responsibility, in the SHG. It is therefore,

important that the SHG enabling FSP should in its future plan include a target of Zero illiteracy or

conversely it should strive for literacy of all the SHG members. This effort will go a long way in

the empowerment of the women so that they may be able to face their future confidently and

independently. However it must be commended that no woman was left out of the SHG on the

basis of her illiteracy.

Table No 2.6: Education wise composition of SHG members

SHG

Illiterate 1 to 5 6 to 10 10< SOS Adult Education

center

Shanti 2 2 2 1 0 Om 6 1 5 3 0

Shubh 6 2 0 0 0 Shiv Shakti 4 0 10 0 0

Asha 2 1 5 0 4 Prem Sai 3 1 3 0 0

Ekta 5 1 0 0 8 Total 28 8 25 4 12

What is really encouraging is that at least 12 women were availing of adult education centre

facilities of SOS. This is highly appreciated and its continuance is highly recommended.

Occupational Profile Half of the members (51.9%) of the SHG were engaged in livelihood activities which had gainful

economic returns.

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Table No 2.7: Occupation wise composition of SHG members

SHG

Labour Job Self

Employed

Factory

Worker

Not

Employed Others

Total

Shanti 5 2 7 Om 8 3 4 15

Shubh 1 7 8 Shiv Shakti

9 2 1

2 Agan

Wadi 14

Asha 1 1 3 7 12 Prem Sai 2 3 2 7

Ekta 3 5 6 14 Total 6 26 6 37 2 77

This is important to take cognisance of as most of these women are widows and need to support

themselves and their families. Most of them said (in the group discussion) that they were already

working and after the death of the spouse wanted opportunity to increase their income as the cost

of living was high and they had small children whose future they wanted to secure.

Profile of Shanti group

Seven members of the Shanti group were present for the evaluation. Of these 4 were between 35-

45 years of age, 1 between 25-35 and 2 were above 45 years of age. All of the members were from

the Hindi speaking belt of Delhi and Haryana. There were 6 members who were Hindu and 1 was

a Muslim. The group had 3 Jats, 1 Rajput, 1 Tyagi, 1 SC and 1 OBC member. All the women

spoke Hindi fluently. Only 1 member was 10th pass, 2 were illiterate, 2 primary and 2 had studied

till the middle school level. Five of the women were self employed in the group, two were not

working. 5 of the members who were working had an income of above Rs 1000/- pm of these four

had an income of above Rs2500/- pm which included income self employment and widows’

pension. 3 of the members of the group were their in it since its inception in 2007 while 4 had

joined in 2008.

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Profile of Om group Fifteen members of the Om group were present for the evaluation. Of these only 2 members were

above 45 years of age the others were between 25-45 years of age.13 members of the group were

from the Hindi speaking belt of Delhi and Haryana, one was a Punjabi and 1 from Kerala. There

were 14 members who were Hindu and 1 was a Muslim. The group had 1 Pandit, 2 SC, 1 ST , 7

OBC and 4 other members. All the women spoke Hindi fluently, one knew English also. . 3

members were10th pass, 6 were illiterate, 1 primary and 5 had studied till the middle school level.

3 of the women were self employed in the group, 8 said they were in job and 4 were not working.

11 of the members who were working had an income of above Rs2500/- pm which was primarily

from job and self employment. 3 of the members of the group were their in it since its inception in

2007 while 6 had joined in 2008 and the remaining 6 had joined in 2009.

Profile of Shubh group 8 members of the Shubh group were present for the evaluation. Of these only 2 members were

above 45 years of age the others were between 25-45 years of age. All the members of the group

were from the Hindi speaking belt of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. 7 members were

Hindu and 1 was a Sikh. All the 8 members identified themselves as SCs. All the women spoke

Hindi fluently, one knew Punjabi also. 6 were illiterate and 2 had studied up to primary level, they

were dependent on the SOS facilitator for record maintenance. Only one member was in a Factory

job and others were not working. The one employed woman was earning between Rs 1001-2500/-

per month. All the members had joined the SHG in 2008.

Profile of Shiv Shakti group

Fourteen members of the Shiv Shakti group were present for the evaluation. 11 of the members

were from the Hindi speaking belt of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh the other three were from

Bengal and Assam. All the members were Hindu. The group refused to respond to the question

regarding Caste. They said that in Delhi caste has no importance, ‘What is important is that, we all

are in similar life situation and want to become realistically economically independent’. All the

women spoke Hindi fluently in addition to their mother tongue. The group had 4 illiterate

members and 10 who had studied till the middle school. Nine of the women were self employed in

the group, two were factory workers and two were Anganwadi workers while one was not

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working. All the members had an income of above Rs 1000/- pm of these two had an income of Rs

3000/- to Rs3500/- pm which included income from rent, dairy farming and widows’ pension.

Three women had an income of more than Rs 2500/- pm but less than Rs 3500/- pm. Sources of

income for the women were widows pension, largely. Those who were self employed were

engaged in activities such as Dairy farming, shop keeping and tailoring. All the members of the

group were their in it since its inception in 2007 except for one who joined the group in 2010.

Profile of Asha group

Twelve members of the Asha group were present for the evaluation. Of these 4 were between 35-

45 years of age and majority 8 between 25-35 years of age. All of the members were from the

Hindi speaking belt of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. All the members were Hindus.

The group had 1 Jats, 2 Baniyas, 2 Bairagi (STs) and 7 SCs. All the women spoke Hindi fluently.

No member was 10th pass, 2 were illiterate, 1 primary, 2 had studied till the middle school level

and 4 had studied in the SOS Adult education Centre. 1 woman was self employed in the group,

7 were not working, 1 worked as labour and 3 were working in Factories. 5 of the members who

were working had an income of above Rs 1000/- pm of these 2 had an income of above Rs2500/-

pm which included income self employment, the factory workers were earning between Rs 1001-

2500/- per month. All the members of the group were their in it since its inception in 2008.

Profile of Prem Sai group

Seven members of the Prem Sai group were present for the evaluation. All of them were between

35-45 years of age. All of the members were from the Hindi speaking belt of Delhi, Bihar and

Haryana. . All the members were Hindus. The group had 6 SC and 1 OBC member. All the

women spoke Hindi fluently. No member was 10th pass, 3 were illiterate, 1 primary and 3 had

studied till the middle school level. 3 of the women were self employed in the group, two working

as labour and 2 as house maids. Of those who were working one earned Rs 500/- per month and

the others between Rs 1000- Rs 2500/-. However the group refuted that they earned less than Rs

200/- . The single person who said she earned Rs 500/- said this she earned the month she had

taken several offs. All the members of the group had joined the SHG in 2008.

22

Profile of Ekta group

Fourteen members of the Prem Sai group were present for the evaluation. Of these 1 was between

15-25 tears of age, 5 between 25-35 years of age, 5 were between 35-45 years of age and 3 were

above 45 years of age. 12 members were from the Hindi speaking belt of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and

Haryana, and 2 were from Bengal. 12 members were Hindus and 2 Muslims. The group had 8 SC,

3 OBC and 1 Baniya member from the Hindu community. All the women spoke Hindi fluently, in

addition 2 were familiar with Bangla and 1 was literate in Urdu. 5were illiterate, 1 primary and 8

had studied in the SOS adult education Centre. 5 of the women were self employed in the group, 3

were working as labour and 6 were not working outside for money. Of those who were working

one earned Rs 500/- per month and 7 between Rs 1000- Rs 2500/-. 12 of the members of the

group had joined the SHG in 2008 and there were 2 additions in2010.

Conclusion

When we examine the profiles we find that the most vulnerable group is the Shubh group which

consists of all members belonging to SC community, majority of whom are illiterate and have no

access to even the SOS’ adult education classes. They are largely unemployed and are leading a

hand to mouth existence. This group needs special nurturing by SOS. As an immediate step all the

members of this group need to be made literate. On the other extreme is the Shiv Shakti group

which has very confident members and the group is very cohesive, however, the illiterate members

of this group also need to be integrated with adult education so that rotation of office bearers is

possible and all the women have acquired the basic three Rs to venture into the micro enterprise.

The Ekta group is in need of being oriented for the micro- enterprise as its members are either not

working and those who are working are getting a paltry sum which defies subsistence. This group

is now ready to be groomed for micro enterprise on urgent basis. The micro- credit activity needs

to be strengthened in all the groups with the introduction of compulsory rotation in the posts of

office bearers so that all women get hands on experience and build confidence in all aspects of

SHG management. The interventions of SOS’ adult education centre in providing functional

literacy to women of Prem Sai Group and Ekta group is highly appreciated and is recommended

for emulation for other illiterate members.

23

Chapter 3 Membership in SHG

Self Help Groups have existed earlier under the name of Mahila Mandals in India. These were

more active in rural areas than in urban areas largely due to efforts under DWACRA and later

under programmes such as Urban Basic Services (UBS), IRDP and the SWA-Shakti projects.

Micro- credit groups have existed under the name of Kamaitee in urban catchments, which are a

version of kitty party groups. The elements of SHG were missing there. Unlike an SHG the

Kamaitee is not a group initiative or activity. An individual initiates it and tries to get members to

join it. The initiator then takes out the chit of the person who will get the months Kamaitee, it is

then up to the person to take it or transfer to another on an interest. The interest becomes the

earning of the Kamaitee members. In urban areas a problem of fraud and running away with the

money by the Kamaitee initiator has been commonly reported. Also, disappearance and non -

continuance of instalment payment by members whose chit comes out has been commonly

reported. A major reason for this is said to be the lack of accountability due to anomie in the city.

Keeping these challenges of running an SHG in mind, this evaluation study looks into the

membership patterns in the SHG.

Table No 3.1: Year wise composition of SHG members

SHG 2007 2008 2009 2010

Shanti 3 4 Om 3 6 6

Shubh 8 Shiv Shakti 13 1

Asha 12 Prem Sai 7

Ekta 12 2 Total 19 41 14 3

24

The SHG groups were formed in the winter of 2007-08. Shiv Shakti, Shanti and Om groups were

formed in 2007, Asha, Prem Sai and Ekta groups were formed in 2008 and the newest group was

Shubh which was formed in 2009. When we see this table in combination with table one and the

GD discussion, we find that the group’s had undergone change with time. The Asha group started

with 20 members in 2008, along the way the group found two of its members to be defaulters. One

member changed residence and moved out. So, all in all three members dropped out and no new

alternate members were taken in. Of the 17 members on roll at present 12 were available for the

research. Shiv Shakti group was formed in the December of 2007. It started with 19 members but

this year one woman was excluded for being a defaulter and an alternate new member was

inducted, 14 members of this group were available for the evaluation study. Shanti group was also

formed in 2007 with20 members, 4 its members dropped out in 2008 and new were inducted. This

group has 20 members of which 7 were available for this study. Om group was formed in 2007

with 15 members. The group had high turn over 6 members were inducted in 2008 and another 6

in 2009. During the time of this study the group had 15 members of which all were available for

the research study. Ekta group was formed in 2008, initially with 18 members but one member

dropped out in 2009 and two new were inducted this year. So, the total group strength is 19 out of

which 14 were available for this study. Prem Sai group was also formed in December of 2007 in

Najafgarh. Initially it started with 15 members but this year one more member was inducted and

now the group strength is 16, out of which 14 members were present for this study. The newest

SHG to be formed was Shubh which was formed in January 2009. The group stated with 18

members and gradually it reached full strength of 20. Only 8 of its members were available for the

study.

It is significant to note that the SHGs have maintained optimum size and not exceeded the

mandated size of 20 in any case. The members of the SHG were of the opinion that having less

members but stable, like minded and reliable members was more important to make the SHG

Stronger for the development of all its members.

25

Reasons for Joining SHG

Table No 3.2: Reasons for Joining SHG

SHG

For monetary

support

To save

money

Motivation

by SOS

functionary

Shanti 0 0 7 Om 10 5

Shubh 6 0 2 Shiv Shakti 13 1 0

Asha 11 0 1 Prem Sai 5 2 0

Ekta 13 1 0 Total 58 4 15

It is interesting to note that of the 77 respondents 58 wanted to join the SHG for getting extra

monetary support from the group, only 4 joined the group for savings and 15 of the respondents

did so on the motivation of the SOS functionary. It would be noteworthy here to mention that the

SOS functionary is extremely dedicated and the groups give a lot of weightage to his advice and

words. One group in particular the Shiv Shakti group wanted to move towards self reliance by

engaging in micro enterprise on the motivation by the SOS functionary. At this stage the SHGs

need continued support of the SOS functionary and his role in moving them towards self reliance

is important.

Previous debt It is important to look at the reasons for opting to join SHG in conjunction with existence of

previous debt. We find that majority of the respondents joined the SHG expecting monetary

support from it.

26

Table No 3.3: Previous Debt of SHG member

SHG Yes No NA Shanti 4 3

Om 1 13 1 Shubh 8 0

Shiv Shakti 4 10 Asha 3 9

Prem Sai 4 3 Ekta 6 8 Total 30 46 1

On exploring the reason why in the group discussion along with perspective of indebtedness we

find that at least 30 out of the 77 respondents were under previous debt, which they sought to pay

out through the micro credit function of the SHG. This is a very important finding; it reiterates the

need for establishing SHGs to counter moneylender mafia and to help women meet their needs

without falling into the trap of indebtedness which reels these already vulnerable women into the

clutches of poverty. 47 of the respondents were not under any debt but some of them were

contemplating borrowing money from professional moneylenders even though they were familiar

with the disadvantages of the same. So, on one hand the SHGs have come to the rescue of those

women who were under debt, and on the other it has prevented others from treading this path

altogether.

Awareness about Self Help Groups

The first step towards becoming a member of any group is awareness about the group and its

purpose. 72 of the 77 respondents were aware of the purpose of the SHG as they were made

initially into micro-credit groups under the FGSP of SOS. Most were aware of the micro-credit

function of the SHG. It is important to note that during the Group Discussion the SHG members

expressed that they had begun to understand the concept of SHG, its purpose and utility more by

actually being a part of it rather than by mere verbal explanation of the same by the SOS

facilitator.

27

Table No 3.4: Awareness of purpose of SHG

SHG Yes NO

Shanti 7 Om 15


Asha 12 Prem Sai 7

Ekta 13 1 Total 72 5

They could also relate the difference between an SHG and a kitty group. All in all the awareness

was more a result of active participation in the SHG.

Institutional Sustainability of the SHGs

One important purpose of the SHG is empowerment of its members. The sustainability of the SHG

involves strengthening of the inner capacities of the group members as well those of the group as a

whole. The aim of a fully mature group is to achieve competence independently in financial and

non-financial matters without even the minimal help of facilitators. For this it is important to see if

the members are active in the SHG activities and have members who have expanded their incomes

while at the same time reduced debt.

SHG Meetings

3 of the SHGs were meeting once a month and the rest were meeting twice a month. Of these the

SOS facilitator was present in one. This meeting would take place at SOS Bawana.

28

Table No 3.5: SHG meetings held per month

SHG 1 Times 2 Times NA

Shanti 7 Om 12 3

Shubh 8 Shiv Shakti 13

Asha 12 Prem Sai 7

Ekta 3 9 2 Total 42 32 2

Some of the meetings were also held in common areas of the neighbourhood like the Chaupal,

mandir or a member’s house with more space. The time of the meetings was fixed and anyone

coming late had to pay a fine. In case of extreme emergency only, a member was permitted to send

the contribution through someone else. In some of the SHGs two meetings were held per month.

One was held by the members alone and in the other one the SOS facilitator was present. This

presence is essential in the beginning to provide the members support till they are fully aware of

the SHG and its functioning. It may be noted that the dependence of the SHGs on the SOS

functionary after 2 years of formation needs to be weaned off. However in this case as the FSP

aimed to take the SHG to the next level from being a micro-credit group to being a micro

enterprise group, this support needs to be continued till the SHGs begins to get viable returns to

their business enterprise.

We find that each SHG needs to train at least 1/3rd of its members in group management related

activities, through learning by doing.

29

Table No 3.6: SHG meetings conducted by

SHG SHGs members SOS Functionary

Shanti 4 3 Om 15




As far as micro credit activity is concerned the groups now are mature enough to be left alone.

They may be peripherally monitored only.

Awareness of rules and regulations

It is interesting to note that each group has democratically ascertained its rules and regulations.

Non – compliance to the rules leads to imposition of fines which is added onto the collection of

the group. All the members were aware of the rules and regulations of their respective groups.

More than the awareness of the rules it is the commitment of the members to uphold the rules in

letter and spirit which shows the strength of the group.

Table No 3.7: Awareness of rules and regulations of the SHG

SHG Yes No NA Shanti 7

Om 15 Shubh 7 1

Shiv Shakti 14 Asha 12

Prem Sai 7 Ekta 10 2 2 Total 72 3 2

30

Along with this majority of the members were also very well aware of their roles and

responsibilities in the SHGs as members and office holders.

Table No 3.8: Awareness of roles and responsibilities of the SHG

SHG Yes No NA Shanti 1 6

Om 15 Shubh 1 7

Shiv Shakti 14 Asha 10 2

Prem Sai 7 Ekta 8 4 2 Total 56 19 2

19 of the respondents said they were not aware of the roles and responsibilities while 2 gave no

response. It is noteworthy as mentioned earlier that though rotational leadership existed in theory,

in the SHGs it did not exist in practice. As most women did not want to take the responsibilities of

office bearers, they were not aware of the details of tasks of and methodology of office bearers,

but they were very well aware that these are responsible positions which require extra effort,

banking knowledge and willingness to interact with others. As was pointed out earlier, mere

awareness is not enough, each of the SHG members needs to gain experience at the three office

bearing positions to develop themselves as well as strengthen the group.

Contribution and Savings

The monetary contribution of all the members per month is 100.00. All the financial transactions

took place during the meeting only. This is very positive because it is indicative of full group

interaction and transparency. The groups were of the opinion that this amount is just right for

contribution as it is well within the means of the members. However, some women did want to

increase the contribution to 200.00. In the group discussion to this proposition was not accepted

as most members found more than Rs.100/- to be unaffordable. Another important observation

31

was that the leadership in the SHGs was not rotational. Though democratic means of voting were

used to designate SHG members to functional responsibilities of president, secretary and treasurer

women who were not literate exercised the power of voting to exclude themselves.

Table No 3.9: Contribution and position in SHG

SHG Rs 100/-pm Yes No Shanti 7 2 6

Om 15 3 12 Shubh 8 3 5

Shiv Shakti 14 3 11 Asha 12 2 10

Prem Sai 7 2 5 Ekta 14 3 11 Total 77 18 60

In this process the group is seeing convenience rather than development of each individual as a

goal by repeating the office bearers again and again. To further the goal of SHG as a reciprocal

model of group work it is imperative that each individual in the group also develops for the

development of the group as a whole. Also, putting responsibility on those who feel they can’t do

it will break their mindsets of underconfidence and motivate them to go for adult education.

Majority of the members in the different groups were pleased with the status quo and did not want

office bearers to change because the work would be an added burden of responsibility. It is

important for the SHG organisers to remove this complacency and aim towards empowerment of

all the group members by insisting on rotation in allocation of office bearing responsibility.

The sustainability of the group also depends on the group’s ability to develop and enhance savings

of the group. The SHGs under this study were able to regularise their savings through the monthly

contributions. The members of the group were largely (67 out of 77) aware of their share of

savings in the SHG.

32

Table No 3.10: Awareness of total savings of self in the group

SHG Yes No

Shanti 6 1 Om 13 2


Asha 12 Prem Sai 7


However, only half of them were aware of the savings of the group. Of those who were aware,

none could differentiate between the savings principal amount and interest earned. The members

said that though the accounts were shared in each meeting and were available for all to see,

understanding and remembering the group’s savings as a whole was difficult. Most of the

members who could recount the group’s savings were the office bearers.

Table No 3.11: Awareness of total savings of group

SHG Yes No

Shanti 7 Om 13 2




The above findings again reinforce that the office bearers’ roles need to be put in rotation to

strengthen the capacities of each and every member. There were two sets of cards of savings and

loan records which were kept. One was with each member and the other was kept at SOS. As the

33

members have only their card and not the consolidated account statement the difference in

knowledge of individual and group accounts of members can be justified.

Loans

One of the parameter’s of group sustainability is its regularity in the activities related to loans.

These include, loan disbursement, repayment and record maintenance.

Table No 3.12: Loan taken from SHG

SHG Yes No

Shanti 6 1 Om 3 12




Of the 77 respondents interviewed in this study 49 had taken loan from the SHG. Some had taken

loan twice also and minimal had never taken any loan. In the group discussion the procedure and

underlying rules for loan disbursement were shared by the respondents. The loan applicant was

required to give a written application for the loan to the group citing the reason for seeking the

loan. This application was then put in front of the group by the secretary of the group. Decision to

permit loan disbursement to the applicant was taken by the group. If more than one application

was received the group made the decision regarding the amount to be disbursed to each and

interest thereon. In case the amount required could not be distributed between the two then based

on the reason for seeking the loan, the group would decide the merit of the case and then disburse.

The groups shared that the reason and urgency of seeking the loan was seen rather than capacity to

pay back in making the decision.

34

Reasons for seeking loans

It is notable to see that the three most frequent reasons for seeking loans were for education of

children, medical treatment of family member and for business. 2 people had taken loan for

marriage of their children, while one had taken it for construction work at home.

Table No 3.13: Purpose of loan

SHG Education Treatment Business Marriage Repay

Debt construction

Shanti 3 1 2 Om 2 1

Shubh 3 2 1 1 Shiv Shakti 9 3

Asha 1 5 3 1 Prem Sai 2 1 1

Ekta 0 3 4 Total 18 14 14 2 0 1

It is however interesting to see that while 30 the respondents had previous debt none of them had

taken loan to repay that debt. Even more significant is the fact that no woman who had become

part of SHG had gone to a professional money lender for loan again. This is an important step in

the emancipation of women. In this sense the SHGs were able to achieve the goals of meeting

credit needs of their members, decreasing the number of members in debt and in increasing the

economic independence of their members. The groups also reported that they had never had any

problem in the recovery of the loan. In case of default the groups had devised their own default

management policy. Defaulters were charged a fine of Rs10/- per month and if persistent default

continued the person was removed from the group and the amount was taken back. So far no such

loan recovery problem was reported by any group.

Mere loan disbursement and recovery is not the only criteria for assessing the empowerment of the

women. Generally women tend to spend more on their families. An issue of concern is that, the

main criteria for deciding the merit of the case for loan disbursement is the purpose cited for

35

seeking the loan, it then becomes imperative to find out if the loan was utilised for the same or was

its use diverted to something else.

Loan Utilisation

We find that out of the 49 respondents who had taken loan majority i.e. 47 had utilised the same

for the actual purpose cited, while 2 had diverted the use.

Table No 3.14: Loan Utilization

SHG For purpose Diverted use

Shanti 6 Om 3

Shubh 7 Shiv Shakti 10 2

Asha 10 Prem Sai 4

Ekta 7 Total 47 2

On in-depth questioning it was found that the loan was sought for investment in business, however

in one case it was utilised for medical treatment and in the other in paying the fees of child. The

permission of the SHG was not sought by the members before change in use, though the same was

reported in the following meeting. The group was generally empathetic towards the member due

to the genuineness of the cases concerned. This shows that unlike banking institutions which are

impersonal and bureaucratic, the SHGs has an empathetic human face and goes beyond economic

support to provide social support to its members in case of crisis and does not penalise its

members for diversion of use of loan.

36

Knowledge of Bank Procedure

As discussed earlier the lack of rotation in leadership within the SHG has resulted in leaving out

some of the members from understanding the Bank procedures regarding the SHG. Of those who

were aware the extent of knowledge was limited and based on hearsay rather than actual practice.

Table No 3.15: Knowledge of Bank Procedure

SHG Yes No No

response

Shanti 3 4 Om 9 6

Shubh 4 4 Shiv Shakti 10 3 1

Asha 7 5 Prem Sai 7

Ekta 10 4 Total 50 26 1

It is once again reiterated that to make the SHGs sustainable rotational leadership needs to be

implemented firmly so that no member is left out of the knowledge and skill process. Further Bank

linkages have been made available to the group and this should be continued.

Conclusion

When we look at the findings of the study we find that on evaluation the SHGs that the SHGs

made under the FSP meet most of the criteria of institutional sustainability. These can be

summarized as follows.

1. The size of the SHGs is between 15 and 20 members.

2. There is at least 90% attendance in the meetings.

3. At least 2 meetings are reportedly held by 4 of the 7 SHGs.

4. There are regular savings in the SHGs of the members.

5. Regular loans are given to the members.

6. There is 100% repayment of loans.

7. Maintenance of records is done by the groups themselves.

37

8. All the members have participated in the formation of the rules and are aware of the rules

and regulations of the group.

9. Bank linkages are available to the groups.

10. The SHGs have multiple sources of income including: interest accrued on loans, penalties

and SOS support.

11. Groups are able pay their own supplies of stationary items such as record registers, pens,

etc.

On the other hand the groups need to strengthen some of their practices, which are:

19. All the members of the SHG need to be trained in group management practices.

20. All groups need to conduct 2 meetings per month.

21. Meetings need to be conducted independently of the SOS functionary who can be present

in the background for support except for the Shubh group which is very new and has

illiterate members. This group needs continued and close facilitation.

22. Members need to be made aware of group savings, earnings and losses if any.

23. Leadership rotation needs to be firmly put in place.

24. Members need to move beyond SOS and themselves and participate in community

activities related to health, sanitation, women support and child protection.

25. SHGs need to link their members to Government programmes and in this case particularly

to mission converges of Delhi Government.

26. SHGs need to tap government grants to increase their incomes.

27. The groups need to meet the travel cost of their members, interest payable on bank loans

and operational costs of other activities.

28. SHGs ready for micro enterprise should be groomed to be ready to contribute capital in

setting up of the micro enterprise.

38

Chapter 4

Role of SOS The formation of the SHGs was part of SOS’s Family Strengthening Programme. The first SHG

was formed in the year 2007. Most of the members of the SHG consisted of widows whose

children were benefiting under the community outreach FSP. When we examine the programme

we find that the SHGs were an outcome of the felt needs of majority of women led families

targeted under FSP. It is noteworthy that the programme could translate the felt needs into an

empowering tool for the women in the form of SHGs. The women were not united into a

purposeful group before the FSP intervention. It therefore is understood that the SOS team had to

start from scratch in building the SHGs. The beneficiaries of the FSP were motivated to form the

SHGs. Though it is very easy to say this, the process of motivation itself is the most difficult and

difficult to describe. Initially women belonging to a specific neighbourhood in Bawana who were

FSP beneficiaries were explained about the concept of micro credit through SHGs. They were

given early training, stationary, economic and social support by SOS functionary in formation of

the group, which is endorsed by 74 of the 77 respondents.

Table No 4.1: Role of SOS

SHG

Group formation

Strengthening members

Leadership program

Savings Bank liaison

Utilisation of Govt

Programs

Shanti 7 7 7 7 7 7 Om 15 15 15 15 15 15

Shubh 8 8 7 8 4 7 Shiv Shakti 14 14 14 14 12 13

Asha 12 12 5 12 9 4 Prem Sai 7 7 3 6 7 7

Ekta 11 11 10 11 11 8 Total 74 74 61 73 65 61

39

Role of Facilitator in Group formation Stage (time taken 0- 6 months)

At first the facilitator from SOS fixed up a time and date for a meeting at SOS Bawana which was

convenient for the women. The members of one group were those residing in the vicinity of each

other. Caste and lingual group considerations were not taken as the groups were heterogeneous on

these criteria on account of Delhi being metropolitan city. The facilitator made effort to make a

group which was a mix of women who were literate and illiterate; confident and meek; working,

self-employed and housewives. Unlike rural SHGs it is not possible for an urban SHG to have

homogeneity of caste, class, occupation, place of origin, language and age. The SHGs at Bawana

exhibited homogeneity of sex, geographical location, and income level. The bonding factor for

most women was that they were heading single parent families. It is important to note that in

deciding the objective of the SHG SOS had targeted empowering of women to help them take

charge of their lives and improve its quality through the means of SHGs. Though SHGs are not

registered as legal entities as this is not needed, however SOS facilitator helped the SHGs develop

all the characteristics of a formal institution which include the following

a) Identity by way of name.

b) Goals and objectives

c) Rules and regulations

d) Books of accounts

e) Books of records and minutes of meetings

f) Saving statement card.

g) Office- bearers

h) Auditing of accounts

Savings started form the first meeting. The group decided the amount, rules and regulations and

each aspect were clarified by the facilitator. Need for opening bank account and linking up with

the bank was done by the facilitator. Further, the group was helped to decide its internal loaning,

policy which included the amount to be loaned, reason for loan, interest rate to be charged,

repayment schedule, procedure on default and need for communication of the same before

disbursement of the loan. Importance of meeting, its process and recording as a democratic

process of decision making and the central place for contribution collection was explained by the

facilitator. This active and minutely detailed facilitation has strengthened the SHGs of Bawana.

Members were themselves maintaining and writing the records in their registers. However, the

40

illiterate members were getting excluded out of this exercise and their inclusion is needed to be

done.

Role of Facilitator in Group Stabilisation Stage (time taken 6-8 months)

The groups were strengthened with the help of the SOS facilitator who helped to stabilise them

along with the peer influences of the group itself. In this stage the facilitator helped the group to

stabilise in group processes and financial matters. In this evaluation it is very clear that the groups

are now well versed in micro credit and need to move forward to livelihood independence. With

that goal achieved SOS can then withdraw and move to other beneficiaries. As expected in the

stabilisation stage the SHGs facilitated by SOS facilitator were able to meet the following

milestones of success:

a) Regular savings of members and group.

b) Inter-lending activities and decisions on rate of interest

c) Timings of loans

d) Schedule of repayment of loans

e) Attendance is above 90% in meetings

f) Default systems are in place.

g) Group members are willing to accept decisions and sanctions of the group.

h) Group has started discussing issues concerning their future, family matters and socials ills.

i) Groups are well linked to financial institutions i.e. bank in this case.

The one important milestone which needs to be achieved is once again the lack of leadership

rotation and universal literacy of all the SHG members. The time taken in this stage was very little

due to the efforts of the SOS facilitator.

Role of Facilitator in Group Self Reliance Stage (time taken 8-24 months)

This is the stage at which all of the groups started in 2007 and early 2008 have reached. With the

help of the SOS functionary the groups have discarded defaulters and inducted new members.

Loan repayments are systemic. Some members have availed of credit facility for more than two

turns also. The group has accrued savings and profits on account of interest on loan repayment by

members. The aspirations of the group members have grown. They do not require facilitation with

the micro finance aspect of their SHG any more. This is where the group has become self reliant.

41

However, the groups’ expectations for facilitation have arisen for total self reliance for livelihood.

It is note worthy, that the SOS functionary has been sensitive to this change and has taken

initiative for need and capacity assessment of the groups for initiating micro enterprise related

activities. Meanwhile the groups have achieved most of the features of this stage independently

with passive monitoring by the facilitator. These are”

a) Loans are disbursed keeping members needs into account.

b) Loans are available at the time of need

c) Savings of the group have accumulated.

d) Inter-lending has stabilised.

e) Members are at ease with functioning of the group.

f) Size of loans has become larger.

g) Idea of micro enterprise has taken root.

h) Women already in business have taken loans to expand their individual enterprise.

i) Group is taking initiative and is itself approaching SOS for support on how to further

develop their group.

Areas of this stage which the groups have not been able to achieve are:

a) The groups have not been able to develop horizontal networks with each other.

b) The groups have not been able to develop a voice in local governance.

At this stage the SOS facilitators have accordingly modified their role. Now the routine functions

are taken over by the group and on the group’s requirement the facilitator is now required to focus

on issues of micro enterprise development, networking, zero illiteracy and SHG sustainability.

All in all the SOS facilitators have been progressing methodically as required professionally along

with the developmental stage of the group. For the last stage of Institutionalisation of the group for

final termination of intervention, the group now requires to achieve the following:

a) Develop horizontal networks

b) Rotational leadership

c) Develop sustainable livelihood activity

d) Participate in local self governance

e) Serve as role model for other unorganised women to emulate.

42

f) Provide support to new groups.

g) Establish linkages to government schemes and bodies.

h) Participate in community level development initiatives and decision making.

The SOS facilitators now need to focus on helping the SHGs to become institutionalised by

achieving the aforementioned targets.

Programmes conducted by SOS

In addition to the early efforts by the SHG facilitator in training the members in the functional

areas of simple book keeping, recording, interest calculation, fund and default management,

organising and conducting meetings, etc; the facilitator also organised some programmes for

awareness and self development of SHGs members.

Table No 4.2: Awareness provided by SOS

SHG

Family

Planning

Immunisation Personal

Hygiene

Adult

literacy

Child

Labour

Elections HIV/

AIDS

Govt

Programmes

Shanti 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 6 Om 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15

Shubh 7 7 8 6 7 8 7 8 Shiv Shakti 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12

Asha 12 11 6 12 9 8 6 5 Prem Sai 7 7 7 6 7 7 7 7

Ekta 12 12 9 12 8 9 8 8 Total 72 71 64 70 65 66 62 61 Most of the members had attended these programmes. Considering that a large number of the

members were widows, some of them expressed that the programme on family planning or

irrelevant for them. Otherwise they benefited a lot from the other programmes on communication

skills, immunisation, personal hygiene, adult literacy, child labour, rights, HIV/AIDS and most

importantly from the one on Government programmes. They wanted more inputs on how

practically they can access government benefits for themselves and their children.

43

The facilitator in the final stage of group development needs to facilitate inputs to the group on

legal literacy, bank linkages, micro-enterprise, and networking and most importantly on

participatory/ self monitoring and evaluation.

Conclusion

The role of SOS as Self Help Promoting Institution (SHPI) is highly appreciated. As is also the

efforts made in providing literacy to illiterate members. It is recommended that more women be

taken under the ambit of this programme so that we achieve the target of Zero illiteracy among the

SHG members. Later this should be extended to all the women and girls of the community.

Perhaps at some later stage it can be made gender neutral and inclusive for all members of the

community of intervention. So far most of the programmes of awareness are targeted at the

beneficiaries of SOS. It is recommended that the same may be extended to the community at large

and the SOS in continuation of the good work done by it in Bawana may set up a community

intervention unit here. Most of the groups of SOS are in the second stage it is recommended that

groups be facilitated for complete independence in the micro- credit activity with full rotation of

posts of office bearers and except for the case of Shubh and Ekta group the other groups need only

be monitored occasionally but be left to run things on their own only for micro-credit activity. For

the micro- credit activity all the groups need to be oriented to be participatory in bearing SHG and

enterprise setting cost which may be supplemented by SOS. In no case should complete

dependence be encouraged by funding the activity hundred percent by SOS. This will go a long

way in making the groups develop a self reliant mentality and facilitate in the ultimate withdrawal

SOS on completion of the target of independent SHG establishment. We must conclude by going

on record to appreciate the hard work and patience of the SOS SHG facilitator at Bawana.

44

Chapter 5

Need Assessment for Micro enterprise

As part of foray into the last stage of intervention with the SHGs i.e. towards making them

institutionalised and totally self reliant, this evaluation of the SHGs was also commissioned to

assess the readiness of the SHGs to enter into micro enterprise. In undertaking this assessment the

main points to be considered were:

Personal and family background in terms of occupation and income levels

Educational backgrounds

Work experience and exposure to work environment.

Readiness to spare time for training and business creation

Analysis of proposed activity

Details of current knowledge and skills

Perception of members regarding support

Most of the women in this case were widows who now from being income supplementers or

external income consumers had to take-up or were forced to take up (due to circumstances of

losing the primary earning member) income generation work. Most of them were limited in

engaging in full time work due to their childcare and household work. The only via media left to

them was to engage in work with flexibility of operation and returns which were sustainable. For

most of them alone engaging in such a venture was not possible. After more than a years

engagement in the SHGs most of the members were keen to move forward with micro enterprise.

Only 8 of the 77 respondents were not interested in engaging in livelihood activity and in being

trained for the same. Of these 5 were working in factories and were not sure if they could give

time for the micro- enterprise as they had only one weekly off and on other days they had to take

care of their children and do household chores as well. Some of the women who were willing to

engage in micro enterprise were already working and had their own business. They wanted to have

additional income. While quite a few who were getting widow pension , felt that the pension

45

amount was meagre and they had to borrow from their relatives, particularly parents, parents-in-

law or brothers to meet day to day expenses, so for them the micro- enterprise was a necessity.

Table No 5.1: Readiness for micro enterprise training and activity SHG Yes No

Shanti 6 1 Om 12 3 Shubh 7 1 Shiv Shakti 14 Asha 11 1 Prem Sai 7 Ekta 12 2 Total 69 8

Of the women who were interested in micro enterprise a substantial number i.e. 50 had no

previous business knowledge. The remaining had knowledge of either one or in case of women

already engaged in business of each aspect of business.

In the group discussion it emerged that, the women who had previous knowledge of the raw

material market and the selling market were willing to share the same with other members. They

however did not want a repeat of no task rotation of the microfinance SHGs to repeat itself.

At least 10 women cutting across different SHGs were familiar with accounts for business. The

members of the Shanti, Shubh and Asha groups were motivated that they are familiar with

Accounting as they maintain their SHGs records. Only women in OM group and Shiv Shakti

group said they had some awareness where to get the raw material from. They cited the Sadar

Bazar, Chandni Chowk and Bawana as the probable purchase markets. Members of Shanti, Om

and Shubh groups were not aware of where their market will be. While members of the other

groups had some idea of what their prospective markets will be. Most of the groups except for the

Shiv Shakti had majority of the members perceived that they were not trained in any skill. It is

46

noteworthy that the Shiv Shakti group is one of the early groups and has matured and is quite self

reliant with regard to micro-credit. This group had zeroed down on their micro- enterprise activity

and were clear that they need training in the same. Most of group members had other skills like

cooking for marriages and parties, knitting, etc.

The main area of training identified from the group discussions common to all the groups is on

learning primary business skills. In addition to this the groups during the course of the group

discussion were facilitated to identify the micro- enterprise that they would be interested in

undertaking unanimously.

The table 5.3 below will shed light on member based preferences. In relation to the micro-enterprise selected by the group concerned, when we see this table we

find that unanimity is expressed only in two groups i.e. the Shiv Shakti and Om groups.

Table No 5.2: Previous Business Knowledge

SHG Accounting Purchase Selling Skill No

Shanti 1 6 Om 3 2 9

Shubh 7 Shiv Shakti 4 3 3 12 2

Asha 2 10 Prem Sai 1 1 5

Ekta 2 1 11 Total 10 5 9 14 50

47

Assessment regarding the other groups:

When we look at the other groups we find that (Table 5.3) most of the members were keen on

learning tailoring skills. All members of the Om group also identified this as an activity. But when

we look at micro enterprise we are looking at an activity which is done together and the group

becomes a whole which is greater than its parts. On deeper inquiry into the matter it was revealed

that tailoring was identified more as an activity ‘which we would like to learn rather than an

activity which can be utilised for micro- enterprise. The gains seen were:

a) SOS will give us machines

b) We can get employment in the garment manufacturing factories in Bawana which are

quite a few in numbers and prefer women machinists.

Though these reasons are genuine and ultimately do reach the goal of economic empowerment.

The focus is the individual and not the strengthening of the group.

When we assess the other groups on factors such as awareness regarding the markets for purchase

of the raw material and marketing of the finished product we find that though the other groups

have not been able to zero down on the micro-enterprise activity some of their members were

aware in general about the markets where the raw material can be sourced from.

Table No 5.3: Preference for micro- enterprise activity

SHG Animal

husbandry Cutting tailoring

Jute Bag Making

Beautician Cooking

Papad making Other NR

Shanti 1 1 1 1 4 Om 15


Asha 8 1 1 1 Prem Sai 5 2

EKta 3 3 6 4 Total 1 38 18 3 2 2 7 8

48

Table No 5.4: Knowledge of raw material market

SHG Yes No Shanti 4 3

Om 9 6 Shubh 0 8


Prem Sai 6 1 Ekta 8 6 Total 37 40

With regard to the selling market most were not clear because they still hadn’t decided the activity

or the product. Those who said they knew where they could sell the choice expressed, identified

the market as that of the local Bawana market.

Table No 5.5: Knowledge of Selling market


Om 7 8 Shubh 0 8



Most of the women were skilled in pickle making, tailoring and cooking. Women had different

skills and they were also ready to share these with other members in their groups. However, the

micro-enterprise activity the various groups were identifying were not tapping these skill bases.

49

Table No 5.6: Skill base of members

SHG Shanti Om Shubh Shiv

Shakti Asha Prem

Sai Ekta Total

Tailoring 7 9 10 8 3 32

Crochet 4 1 4 2 11 Cooking 7 6 1 4 3 7 28

Pickle making 5 6 13 4 2 3 33

Bag making 3 13 3 1 20 Book keeping 1 1

Door to door sales 3 1 4 Mehndi/Tattooing 2 2

Embroidery 2 3 1 6 Knitting 4 3 7

Murabba making 1 3 4 Candle Making 1 2 3 Papad Making 4 7 4 1 16 Jute Products 3 3 6

Beautician 1 1 2 Flower

Arrangement 5 5 Soft Toys 2 2 Sofa cover 3 1 4

Tution 2 2 4 Kirtan Mandali 4 4

Massage 1 1 Creche 1 1

Any other 3 3 6

The SHGs members were interested in those skills that they did not have and wanted to be trained

in them. They were looking to SOS to provide training and tools to them without actually seeing

the activities as potential for micro-enterprise.

With regard to preparedness to participate in the micro enterprise related activities of purchase.

We find that no member of the Prem Sai group was ready to do so while in other groups the same

members who opted for purchase were also the same who opted to go for selling.

50

Table No 5.7: Readiness to go for purchase and selling

SHG

Readiness to go for purchase

Readiness to go for sales

Shanti 4 4 Om 8 8

Shubh 2 2 Shiv Shakti

8 8 Asha 6 6


However, this questioning will have no value till a unanimous conclusion on micro- enterprise

activity by the other groups is reached.

Just as in the case of the Shiv Shakti group the other groups also largely said they had no place

where all of them could be accommodated to learn the skill together. They also identified SOS as

the location where they would like to learn the skill from and also receive a certificate.

Table No 5.8: Readiness of SHG to volunteer place for Training


Om 0 15 Shubh 0 8

Shiv Shakti 12 2



51

We tried to explore whether the SHGs were willing to engage in the micro enterprise activity even

without the spatial backup SOS Bawana. This would also determine to what extent the SHGs were

interested in the micro enterprise.

Table No 5.9: Availability of place for training and micro enterprise


Om 0 15 Shubh 0 8



We found that 12 out of the 14 members of the Shiv Shakti group were willing to volunteer their

own place for learning the activity and later for organising the place for keeping the raw material

and finished product also. Asha group also had 3 volunteers and Shanti group had one. The

important thing is that the Shiv Shakti identified the probable alternatives as a group, they also

explored the alternative of a rented place from their SHG savings. The group was very keen ,

serious and participative in its decision to get training for and then undertaking the micro-

enterprise activity.

Group ready for Micro- enterprise

Shiv Shakti group Back Ground of the group Fourteen members of the Shiv Shakti group were present for the

evaluation. 11 of the members were from the Hindi speaking belt of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar

Pradesh the other three were from Bengal and Assam. All the members were Hindu. The group

refused to respond to the question regarding Caste. They said that in Delhi caste has no

importance, ‘What is important is that, we all are in similar life situation and want to become

realistically economically independent’. All the women spoke Hindi fluently in addition to their

mother tongue. Nine of the women were self employed in the group; two were factory workers

52

and two were Anganwadi workers while one was not working. All the members had an income of

above Rs 1000/- pm of these two had an income of Rs 3000/- to Rs3500/- pm which included

income from rent, dairy farming and widows’ pension. Three women had an income of more than

Rs 2500/- pm but less than Rs 3500/- pm. Sources of income for the women were widows pension,

largely. Those who were self employed wer

soscv at bawana, new delhi - jamia millia islamia · 2014. 7. 21. · soscv at bawana, new delhi...

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