Bhagvati Becomes Medium in Formation of 420 Self-Help Groups in 102 Villages

Bhopal: Bhagvati Chandel and her family, residents of village Kamroa of district Shvipuri used to work as labourers in other villages in the past. Today, Bhagvati’s son is earning a monthly income of Rs. 6 to 8 thousand running a shop in his own village. Her husband is working on the post of CLF and is earning Rs. 4 thousand 200 per month. Bhagvati has started tomato farming by taking 2 bigha land in her own village. She now enjoys respect and prestige in the community.

This change has come in the life of Bhagvati after her linking with the self-help group. Despite husband’s opposition, Bhagvati linked herselfwith the Santoshi Self-Help Group of nearby village and started depositing Rs. 10 per week as a member.

After obtaining a loan of Rs. 15 thousand for the first time, she established a shop for her son. Later on she became instrumental in getting job for her husband on the post of CLF. Bhagvati has obtained a loan of total Rs. 6 lakh from the group till now which she is repaying to the group along with the interest. Moreover, Bhagvati after obtaining 5 days training under the Gram Jyoti has now imparted training for the formation of self-help groups in other villages and districts. She has become instrumental in formation of 420 self-help groups in about 102 villages. An income of over Rs. 10 thousand has been earned by her in the form of remuneration towards formation of these groups.

Minister for Public Health and Family welfare and District in-charge Shivpuri Rustam in his visit to the Janpad Panchayat Kolaras praised the hard work and ambitions of Bhagvati and described her as a live example of women empowerment. He also made an announcement of Rs. 11 thousand cash reward for Bhagvati.-Windowtonews