Name: Kiran Devi
Hometown: Hesatu, Ranchi, Jharkhand
Occupation: SP
Interviewer: What is it that you do? Explain the process.
Kiran Devi: The didi’s conducted a workshop, training on how to create a Self Help Group for the village. Once the members were chosen, there were elections for the seat of president and vice-president.
The “Gram Sanghatan” began after the implementation of the pandemic. Till now, the expenditure has been higher than the resources. Thus, there were instructions to use our personal savings, and the same would be reimbursed. However, I am not sure whether they will repay or not, and for the same reason, we are contemplating stopping the work. Nevertheless, we continue receiving assurance of the reimbursement every day.
By collaborating with other SHG’s, we made a ‘Gram Sanghatan’ to help old people without anyone attending to them, widows who do not receive their pension, and others who cannot organise food. There are no employment opportunities here, and it is due to the coronavirus.
‘Gram Sanghatan’ has allowed for the affiliated members to take a loan of Rs. 70,000 or so. We put Rs. 15,000 in the bank, and the bank another Rs. 50,000. The interest was Rs. 1 at first, changed to Rs. 1.50, and now has returned to Rs. 1. It is the savings that are put in the account for loan purposes at a reasonable interest rate.
One of our members works with the bank to grant loans to those with a higher need. We refer to her as the “Bank Sakhi” The banks and ‘Gram Sanghatan’ together allows helping those who wish to invest a small amount on their lands and others who require a large sum of money without exploiting any individual in the process.
