Salma (45) is a house wife and her husband is a street food vendor who sells food in a rickshaw. Earlier, there were many situations that her family had to approach private money lenders who charged huge interest and demanded pledge of gold or silver or property. Increasing family liabilities made them unable to deposit even the interest, many times. It sometimes called for penal interests also. Hence they always remained in the circle of increasing needs as well as debts. This was not the story of her family only, but also many of her neighbors.
URIDA’s SHG mobilizer during an awareness session for group formation in her neighborhood identified Salma and motivated her to become a member of Self Help Group. She started contributing her share and the group’s savings account was also opened in Bank of India. Gradually, the SHG started inter loaning as per the need and requirement of individual members, which reduced their dependence on outside money lenders. She never had any hesitation on acquiring loan from the SHG as it was her own money and it was her right to get it in time of an emergency. Salma, now has started her own small business of Tiffin and food service using the savings and loans she raised Through the group and earns Rs.8000/–10000/- a month.