Members of the Self Help Groups (SHG) in Ranchi are realising their strengths and making their presence felt in the city. A first of its kind, SHG Bakers, solely run by members of a SHG from Nagri block of Ranchi, was inaugurated in Nucleus Mall of Ranchi on Sunday.
The counter was inaugurated by Ranchi MP Sanjay Seth and Hatia MLA Naveen Jaiswal, Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Rai Mahimapat Ray and women members of the SHG were also present for the inauguration ceremony.
Managed by Shanta Khalkho, the kiosk located at the third floor of the mall will have bakery items like cakes, chocolates, lollipops and biscuits infused with flavours of rural Jharkhand.
Seth who was the first customer at the counter praised the efforts of the Sakhi Mandal, Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS) and the district administration. Khalko also tied a rakhi to the Ranchi MP on the occasion who further instructed the Ranchi DC to ensure full cooperation in increasing such outlets in the city.
At the inauguration, Jaiswal also bought various products from the counter and appreciated the efforts of the SHG members.
The district administration and JSLPS have been supporting the SHG bakers from the beginning and arrangement for training the members of the Sakhi Mandal was also ensured by the administration. Trainers from Mumbai imparted training to 11 women of the Sakhi Mandal for seven days in making various bakery items. These counters will have products like coconut biscuits, chocolate peanut butter cookies, chocolate cookies, laddo, arsa (a tribal sweet made of rice), lollipops and other bakery items will also be available. With Raksha Bandhan approaching, the counter will also have attractive rakhis and various handmade gift items.
“Presently the kiosk is being operated by 11 women who also took loan from the SHG and contributed Rs. 15,000 each. We expect support from the district administration and JSPLS in the future as well,” said Khalko.
After the launch, Ray interacted with the members of JSLPS and Sakhi Mandal. SHG members told the DC that they require a freezer and a microwave oven at the counter and the DC has assured to provide it to them at the earliest. The space for the counter at the mall has also been provided by the district administration.
