Jute Activities in Nadia District
In order to promote Jute Diversified activities under Jute Technology Mission , Suksagar Road Palpara Vivekananda Mission (a cluster development agency ) involved members of WSHGs in the field of Jute Diversified products in the district and finally formed 42 WSHGs among the economically backward women in different jute cultivation areas. Suksagar Road Palpara Vivekananda Mission has sincerely felt to work as a Nodal Agency and came forward to take responsibility to promote livelihood of rural artisans by improving their skill for producing sophisticated products from Jute Diversification, as there is ample scope of supply of raw materials available in the surrounding jute cultivation area. It is worth mentioning that the activity is considered as a prime occupation for a good number of WSHG members/ rural artisans since long. With the introduction of skill based training programme among the WSHGs in the district of Nadia we noticed that it has been possible to cover most of the members in the process of the training programme and equipped themselves with various inputs such as Organizational, Technological, financial support, inventory management, marketing strategies. After completion of 36 months of our engagement in the field of promotion of Jute diversified products among the Women Self Help groups in the District, the economic condition of the WSHGs developed rapidly. The statement of the development study along with all other supporting informations for all the members of WSHGs engaging in the field of Jute Diversified product in the district is annexed herewith.
Kalpataru Mahila SHG - Weaving Dreams.........
Several traditional occupations in India have suffered a setback due to modern approaches. The story of Kalinarayanpur Village, Ranaghat-I Block in Nadia District was no different. Sporadic income did little to improve the socio economic condition of the people of this village. The men involved daily labour basis activities and the women also engaged with their husband for helping them. What they brought home could not ensure basic needs of a family. But the people did not resign to their fate. Though the source of the income of most of the families of this village are based on the unorganized sector, the women of the village stepped up alternative income generation process of defying sporadic nature of income and bringing in a fresh ray of hope. The turning point was on 24-01-2010 when ‘Kalpataru Mahila S.H.G’ facilitated by an NGO, named Suksagar Road Palpara Vivekananda Mission, Palpara, Chakdaha, Nadia. Encouraged by the Facilitator of the NGO, the group consisting of 12 members contributed Rs. 20 per month to start the savings by opening a Savings account (A/c No. 110001011) at UBI- Kalinarayanpur Branch on 02-02-2010. At the same time the members of WSHG came to know that the NGO is taking initiatives to cover all the group members in the modern approach of imparting some training courses on Jute diversified products at Kalinarayanpur under the banner of National Jute Board (NJB) Govt. of India, Ministry of Textiles under Jute Technology Mission. Accordingly within very short period all the members of the group were selected for the Basic Training on Jute Handloom held from 29-03-2010 to 19-04-2010 at Kalinarayanpur and successfully completed the training on Jute Handloom under the patronage of National Jute Board. After acquiring basic knowledge on production of Jute Fabric, the group members also took Advance Training on Jute Handloom sponsored by National Jute Board held from 24-08-2010 to 07-09-2010 to become fully equipped on the sophisticated concept of production of different designs of jute fabric. The training programmes also taught the members of the WSHG, the basics of entrepreneurship and enterprise management .They learnt all that was required to run an enterprise successfully. After successful completion of the Training programme the group members decided to join together and start a group venture in Jute Handloom production with their group Savings. It is a matter of pride that as desired by the members of the WSHG for setting up JDP unit of Jute Handloom with sophisticatedmachineries, the CDA , Suksagar Road Palpara Vivekananda Mission had approached to the National Jute Board authority for providing Handloom machines to the WSHG group collectively.
After considering the proposal of the group the National Jute Board Authorities had sanctioned 2 nos Chittaranjan Handloom Machine at the cost of Rs. 23,100.00 each machine and within in very short period National Jute Board reimbursed the bills of the machines. The Unit has now been working for a period of one year as a successful one including proper maintenance of accounts in a simple manner. It is note worthy to mention that the National Jute Board authorities are playing a vital role to boost up the confident of the group members for running the enterprise successfully. In order to develop the marketing skills as well as for bulk order the WSHGs members are taking continuous support from the National Jute Board authorities and participating different fairs and exhibitions sponsored by National Jute Board like ‘Tex-Trends India 2012’ in Delhi and GiftTex Summer Show from 10-13 February, 2012 at Nehru Centre, Worli, Mumbai under the banner of National Jute Board. It is a matter of pride that in the ‘Gifttex summer show’ the group has received a bulk order on Jute Fabric from different Export marketing companies. Right from the formation of the Women Self Help Group they are practicing Rt. strategies for marketing their products at different corners of India. It is a remarkable achievement of the group that they are receiving bulk orders from different fairs as well as from other business houses and supplying sophisticated multi designed jute fabrics. Presently the earning capacity of WSHG members near about 3,500/-per month individually. Now the Group members say ‘our income has enhanced the economic status and has ushered in a sea change in people’s attitude towards us’. Thus the members of the ‘Kalpataru Mahila SHG’ proved that untiring labour, perseverance and strong determination never go unpaid. WSHG members are also participated In the Design Dissemination Workshop – Development of New Range of Jute Fabric
Under National Jute Board project, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, Organised by - National Institute of Research on Jute & Allied Fibre Technology In association with – Suksagar Road Palpara Vivekananda Mission, Palpara, Chakdaha, Nadia.
Saroda Mahila SHG - Life Take A Turn.........
The traditional view point that a woman’s domain is her home is being changed by the members of the Saroda Mahila SHG of Road Station, Krishnanagar - I Block , Nadia , whose domain has expanded beyond their home. Before formation of the group the most of the members were engaged in the field of cultivation with their husband as marginal labourer. The pecuniary condition of them was below poverty line and it was too much cumbersome for them to maintain the basic requirements of life with their children. In the year 2010 , one day the women inhabitants of Krishnagar heard the news that a survey work is conducting by an NGO, named Suksagar Road Palpara Vivekananda Mission, Palpara, Chakdaha, Nadia (Cluster Development Agency of National Jute Board (NJB) Govt. of India , Ministry of Textiles under Jute Technology Mission) to identify the potential members of the area for the formation of Women self help group for the purpose of imparting skill based training of Jute diversified products in the area of Krishnanagar - I Block. The women members became interested about it and approached the Facilitator of the NGO to get more information about the programme. Having informed about the details of the programme, the women members decided to form the Women self help group consisting 14 members and the group was formed on 12-08-2010 in the name of Saroda Mahila SHG by opening a Bank account at BGVB, Road Station Branch on 10-09-2010 (A/c No. 4537). After formation of WSHG, the members were regularly maintaining books of accounts, holding meetings of the group in a systematic approach. With in very short period they came to know that the NGO is going to organize the Basic Training Programme on Jute Bags supported by National Jute Board at Krishnanagar among the newly formed WSHG members and immediately contacted the Facilitator and obtained detailed information of the programme. They appeared T for the interview for the selection process of the proposed programme and got selected. The Basic training programme was for a period from 14.01.2011 to 03.02.2011.The training module contained management inputs and technical sessions including practical sessions for production of Fancy Jute bags. The members easily picked up the skills in producing Fancy Jute bag items. After successful completion of Basic Training programme they also took Advance Training Programme on Jute Bag for applying sophisticated technology in the production of Fancy Jute bags held from 14-04-2011 to 04-05-2011 under the sponsorship of National Jute Board (NJB), Govt. of India. The training programme made the WSHG members familiar with the procedures of setting up of independent unit and how to manage it profitably. After acquiring adequate knowledge from the training programme for setting up Fancy Jute Bag production unit, the group members made up a plan to set up independent unit for the group by utilizing the group fund. Immediately they got the information from the Facilitator of the NGO that the National Jute Board authority is going to provide Sewing machine for Jute Bags trainee of WSHGs. The members of the Sarada Mahila SHG had taken the opportunity to purchase 1 no 31 K Usha Brand sewing machine at the cost of Rs. 8500.00 by utilizing group savings and after submission of the bill National Jute Board had reimbursed the cost of the machine.
Now they are producing export quality Jute Bags and along with her other group members are participating different fairs and other markets sponsored by National Jute Board. It is noteworthy to mention that the effort of National Jute Board in the field of marketing of SHG products is remarkable. Under the banner of National Jute Board, it has been possible for the WSHG to participate in the various fairs like ‘Karigar Haat’ – 2008 on behalf of WSHGs at Central Park, Salt Lake, Kolkata (14.11.2008 to 23.11.2008) ,‘Industrial Trade Fair and Seminar- Destination – 2009’ at Purulia (20th & 21st February, 2009) and ‘Exhibition cum Sale’ at Lahabazar, Kamarpukur, Hooghly ( 27th February to 11th March, 2009),‘Trade Fair & Seminar, Purulia –2009, at Purulia Club Premises, Organized by Purulia Rotary Club on 20th and 21st February, 2009 ,Poush Mela -2009 23-26 December, 2009 at Biswabharati campus ,Bolpur ,Santiniketan , Krishnasayarer Utsav-2010 held from 1st -10th January, 2010 at Burdwan. From different fairs the group members are taking bulk orders from the business houses and supplying the fancy Jute bag items with joint effort of every member of the group. Now their products has managed to reach the demand to all the section of the society.
Since the demand for the product has gone up, the group members are in the process of upgrading the unit with more machineries. Presently the earning capacity of WSHG members near about 2,800/- per month individually. The members feel overwhelmed by the success that could achieve and is grateful to Suksagar Road Palpara Vivekananda Mission and the National Jute Board for organizing the training.
NJB’s intervention in Murshidabad District
The demand for Jute Diversified Products (i.e. Fancy Jute Sheet Bag, Jute Fiber Bags, wall Hanging, Jute Mats, Jute Yarn. Jute Toys, Jute Garments etc) in the market is increasing day to day. It has also been experienced that the product of such quality has a sizeable demand not only in West Bengal but also all over the country and rest of the world also. The product is absolute environment friendly and easily degraded and decomposed ultimately in the soil. Having specialized knowledge in marketing during the training period, the WSHG members are very much competent to sell the products to the local markets / wholesale market. NATIONAL JUTE BOARD is also playing a vital role to play to provide marketing opportunity of the jute handicraft products produced by the WSHGs.
Jute Sree Mahila SHG - Sound Of Success.......
The living style of people of the village of Dupukuria under Beldanga-II block Murshidabad district was not different from other villages. Most of the people of this village were marginal farmers and also engaged in the field of agricultural activities. With this meagre income they can not afford minimum requirements of life. To meet any financial crisis, they bound to take loan from money lenders with high rate of interest. But Tapati Malakar and other women of this village had a strong desire to lead a fulfilled life. Tapati, Supriya, Pratima and others were prepared themselves for trying too hard everyday to make both ends meet. So when the NGO named, Suksagar Road Palpara Vivekananda Mission, Palpara, Chakdaha, Nadia stepped in with the idea of facilitating a self help group, the women came forward with a lot of enthusiasm. After a few orientation classes conducted by the Facilitator in support of the formation of self help group, the women members were convinced that it would change their life for the better future. Thus ‘Jutesree Mahila WSHG’ was formed in the year 2009 consisted with 14 members by opening a Bank account at Dopukuria SKUS, A/c No - SHG - 003 .In order to know more about functions and T benefits of the group ,they regularly attended the meeting of the SHG members in the presence of the Facilitator of NGO, Suksagar Road Palpara Vivekananda Mission. At the time of formation of WSHG, the NGO assured the members of the group that after a few months all the members to be covered with training programmes on jute Handicraft products under the sponsorship of National Jute Board (NJB) Govt. of India, Ministry of Textiles under Jute Technology Mission at the village of Dupukuria. Accordingly the names of all the members were included to the list of the basic training programme on Jute Handicraft held from 21-10-2009 to 10-11-2009. They took the Basic Training organized by the NGO, Suksagar Road Palpara Vivekananda Mission, in a successful manner and subsequently they have also got the chance of Advanced Training programme held from 16-04-2010 to 30-04-2010 at the village. Having gathered updated skill / technology/marketing concepts/proper maintenance of accounts from the training programme, the
group members had decided to set up a Jute Handicrafts unit with the financial support from the Dopukuria SKUS. At the same time NATIONAL JUTE BOARD (NJB) also extended kind cooperation by sanctioning 1 no. 31 K Sewing Machine for her group for production purpose. WSHG members had taken a vital role in convincing the other members to join the project. The group purchased machineries, furniture etc for the unit. The NATIONAL JUTE BOARD (NJB) authorities and the facilitating NGO always extending their kind cooperation and escort services for the group to ensure marketing of the products of the group. The role of the NATIONAL JUTE BOARD (NJB) in the field of marketing is praiseworthy. Under the banner of NATIONAL JUTE BOARD (NJB) it has been possible for the WSHG to participate in the various fairs like ‘Poush Mela - 2009, 23-26 December, 2009 at Biswabharati campus, Bolpur , Santiniketan, Krishnasayarer Utsav-2010 held from 1st -10th January, 2010 at Burdwan. From this participation they received bulk orders for supplying the Jute Handicrafts products. The group members are today feeling proud and satisfied with the efforts taken by them in achieving success. They say that the group mechanism is most suited for illiterate women as all the members could pool their resources and talents in running such ventures.
Srima Jute Mahila SHG - United We Stand.........
Many times , we have witnessed, when circumstances so demand ,how women have come forward to shoulder greater responsibilities. One such instance is of Purnima Dey, Nilima Mondal, Mithu Mistry …., residing in a small village near Haridasmati, Berhampur Block Murshidabad district. Purnima Dey is a leading character in the process of formation of Women self help group .One day Purnima Dey, Nilima Mondal, Mithu Mistry heard the news that the facilitator of an NGO named Suksagar Road Palpara Vivekananda Mission is motivating the women people in the locality in support of formation of Women Self Help Group. Without delay she and other women people of the locality to the Facilitator and get informed about all the benefits of SHG and within very short period they formed the self help group with 16 members in the name of Srima Jute Mahila SHG in the year 2010 by opening savings account at the BGVB Berhampore Branch (Account No.5076010887588 –Opening date 29-11-2010-Date of formation of group- 15-05-2010). After few months of savings they were taking the benefits of inter lending process. Every members of the group were enjoying the loan facility on priority basis in times of need instead of going to M the moneylender for taking loan at high rate of interest. Meanwhile, the NGO approached the WSHG members to take part in the Basic Training programme on Jute Handicrafts with the support of National Jute Board at that village. Without delay , they had availed the opportunity to undergo Basic Training programme on Jute Handicrafts held from 15-01-2011 to 04-02-2011 under the sponsorship of National Jute Board. After completion of Basic Training programme successfully the group members had taken another training
programme called Advance Training on Jute Handicrafts held from 12-07-2011 to 26-07-2011 for upgrade the design development and other technological support offered by the NGO under the patronage of National Jute Board. The training programme on Jute Handicrafts taught them the basics of entrepreneurship and enterprise management. Equipped with all the support systems from the NGO and the National Jute Board , the women members had decided to launch a unit for production of Jute Handicrafts product by utilizing group fund as well as by taking bank finance collectively. Some of the fund was utilized to purchase plant and machineries and the balance was kept for meeting working capital requirement. With in very short period the group members produced different jute handicrafts items e.g. Cap, side bag, door chain, parts etc. The group members are now getting the advantages from the National Jute Board for marketing their products in different fairs under the sponsorship of National Jute Board. In the fair the group members gathered a lot of experiences regarding marketing of handicraft items. They are now taking bulk order from different business houses and supplying the same within the stipulated period. Purnima and her group members now feel that Jute Handicrafts training has helped them to make the right choice in selecting the activity. The every members of the Srima Jute Mahila SHG is now earning Rs.2,600/- through engaging themselves in the activities of Jute Handicrafts production. Also it has imparted a lot of confidence in the first generation like Purnima Dey, Nilima Mondal, Mithu Mistry ….and others to go ahead and take risk.