A new revolution of economic prosperity and social upliftment is sweeping across the rural areas of Madhya Pradesh. lakhs of poor rural families who earlier depended on loans from money-lenders are now earning Rs 3,000 to Rs 15,000 per month through various livelihood activities. Some families' income has crossed over Rs 1 lakh per annum.
A "lakhpati Mahila Club" has been formulated for strengthening economic status of rural families in the State. Coordinated efforts are being made to include over 10 lakh families in this club in the next 5 years.
So far, over 70,000 self-help groups have been formed in the state under District Poverty Initiative Project (DPIP) and State Rural livelihoods Mission. livelihood activities through self-help groups have brought about pleasant change in the lives of lakhs of rural families.
Apart from efforts for economic upliftment of rural poor families, these groups are also playing important role in all-round development of villages and social change.
A number of rural families have become financially strong with small loans extended to poor women with the help of self-help groups.
Efforts of self-help groups in Madhya Pradesh for empowering rural women have also brought about new changes.
Then rural scenario is changing with presence of large number of women in Gram Sabhas and their effective participation in various decisions for rural development. Women belonging to self-help groups also command respect in government offices and development-related institutions.
Brimming with confidence, these women do not hesitate to talk over issues of village with government officers and public representatives after completing their routine household chores.
For this change, self-help groups have trained and organised rural women. Small self-help groups have been constituted under various livelihood activities. Women members of the groups save their earnings with which loans are extended to other women members in time of need.
linking up of Gram Utthan Samiti, self-help groups obtain loans from banks. Women members of groups also play important role in re-payment of loans in time. Gram Utthan Samitis are undertaking large number of livelihood activities in tandem with community organisations.