Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 11 April 2025
In a significant step toward promoting women’s financial empowerment and rural livelihood development, the Community Development (CD) Block Ferrargunj organized a two-day Bank Linkage Camp aimed at strengthening financial inclusion and supporting credit access for Self-Help Group (SHG) members. The initiative particularly focused on identifying and empowering “Lakhpati Didis” — women entrepreneurs who are building successful livelihood ventures with the goal of earning at least ₹1 lakh annually.
The camp commenced at the Community Management and Training Centre (CMTC), Ferrargunj, where Block Development Officer Ms. Lalita Tigga welcomed participants and highlighted the crucial role SHG-bank linkages play in uplifting women and boosting grassroots economies.
Branch Managers from the State Bank of India’s Wimberlygunj and Ograbraj branches, along with the Branch Manager of Canara Bank, Ferrargunj, were present to guide SHG members through the bank linkage process. A total of 53 potential Lakhpati Didis from various Panchayats attended the first day of the camp. Of these, eight SHG members expressed intent to expand their livelihood activities by submitting loan applications to the participating banks.
The second day of the camp was conducted at Stewartgunj Gram Panchayat, focusing on financial literacy and the role of bank linkages in scaling income-generating efforts. Twenty-seven SHG members took part in the session.
Bank officials detailed the SHG loan application process, required documentation, and emphasized the importance of maintaining sound financial practices. Additionally, the CRISIL Foundation team held awareness sessions on government pension schemes available to SHG members. Seven women successfully completed the bank linkage process by submitting all necessary documents.
The two-day event marked a meaningful step in empowering women through financial support and capacity building, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development at the grassroots level. (Story Based on PR)