Introduction
The Stree Shakthi Swasahaya Sangha initiative, launched by the Government of Karnataka, is a rural women’s empowerment program that organizes women into Self-Help Groups (SHGs). These SHGs promote savings, enable access to loans, foster income-generating activities, and uplift women’s social and economic status. The program has transformed lakhs of women into entrepreneurs and community leaders since its inception in 2000.
Objectives of the Program
The core aim of the Stree Shakthi Sangha is to promote women’s empowerment through collective strength and self-reliance. Key objectives include:
- Promoting regular savings and internal lending.
- Reducing dependency on informal moneylenders.
- Providing access to bank credit and government subsidies.
- Supporting livelihood generation through small businesses.
- Encouraging participation in social and political decision-making.
Program Genesis and Evolution
The program was started in 2000 under the Department of Women and Child Development. It expanded rapidly due to its success in organizing rural women into effective SHGs. Today, it covers nearly all districts of Karnataka and works in collaboration with banks, NGOs, and other government departments.
Group Structure and Functioning
Each Stree Shakthi Sangha consists of 10–20 women, ideally from marginalized communities. Groups meet weekly or monthly to discuss:
- Savings collection
- Loan decisions
- Business activities
- Training programs
- Community issues
They maintain account books, open a joint bank account, and elect office bearers to manage the group’s affairs.
Organizational Levels:
- Village Level SHGs
- Gram Panchayat Resource Centres (PRCs)
- Taluk-level Federations
- District Resource Centres (DRCs)
Eligibility to Form or Join a Sangha
- Women aged 18 years and above
- Belonging to BPL, SC/ST, OBC categories
- Permanent residents of the same village or town
- Not already a member of another SHG
- Willing to participate in regular activities and contribute savings
Registration Process
The registration of a Stree Shakthi SHG involves:
- Gathering 10–20 eligible women.
- Approaching the Anganwadi Supervisor or CDPO.
- Submitting ID and address proof.
- Opening a joint bank account.
- Undergoing initial orientation or training.
- Receiving initial grants or revolving funds from the government.
Key Features of Stree Shakthi Sanghas
- Autonomous functioning with common interest.
- Promotes financial inclusion for rural women.
- Provides access to credit, markets, and training.
- Builds confidence, negotiation skills, and social status.
- Works in synergy with schemes like NRLM, Mudra Yojana, PMEGP, and Kudumbashree.
Types of Assistance Provided
Financial Support:
- Revolving Fund of ₹10,000–₹25,000
- Matching Grant up to ₹10,000
- Interest Subsidy on bank loans
- Access to subsidized loans through various schemes
Non-Financial Support:
- Skill development training
- Entrepreneurship development
- Marketing support
- Exposure visits, awards, and digital training
Skill Training and Capacity Building
The Sanghas benefit from training programs including:
- Tailoring, embroidery, and fashion designing
- Food processing and pickle-making
- Dairy farming and goat rearing
- Sanitary pad and candle manufacturing
- Digital tools, e-payments, and bookkeeping
Training partners include RSETIs, NGOs, NABARD, and CSR foundations.
Micro-Enterprises and Income Generation Activities
Stree Shakthi groups operate a wide variety of income-generating units, such as:
- Catering and mess services
- Garment units and tailoring centers
- Beauty parlors and spa centers
- Retail shops and milk parlors
- Handmade crafts and jute bag production
They are supported in branding, packaging, and selling their products at exhibitions and online platforms.
Digital Empowerment and Technology Use
With increasing digitization, many Sanghas now use:
- Mobile apps for bookkeeping
- UPI and digital payments
- QR codes for payments at markets
- Online platforms for selling products
- Training through digital classrooms and YouTube channels
Bank and NGO Partnerships
SHGs are actively linked with banks for:
- Loans without collateral
- Credit under SHG-Bank Linkage Program
- Easy credit assessment based on group rating
- Collaboration with NGOs for mentorship and social mobilization
Key banks include SBI, Canara Bank, Vijaya Bank, KVG Bank, and NABARD.
Social Impact of the Scheme
The scheme promotes women’s involvement in:
- Village development activities
- Health and hygiene awareness
- Education and prevention of child marriage
- Sanitation and drinking water campaigns
- Prevention of domestic violence and alcoholism
Sanghas often act as change agents in their communities, influencing policy and welfare delivery.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The functioning of the Sanghas is monitored through:
- Monthly meetings and records
- Field inspections by CDPOs and supervisors
- Use of MIS systems to track finances and progress
- Grading and rating of groups for better fund allocation
Top-performing Sanghas are rewarded at the district and state levels.
Challenges Faced by SHGs
Despite the program’s success, some challenges persist:
- Low literacy and lack of financial literacy
- Improper bookkeeping and documentation
- Irregular attendance in meetings
- Male interference in decision-making
- Difficulty accessing markets and raw materials
- Delay in bank loans and fund disbursement
Success Stories of Empowered Women
1. Mandya SHG Dairy Enterprise
15 women formed a group, availed ₹2 lakh in loans, and set up a milk dairy. Within 2 years, they were earning ₹80,000/month collectively and became self-sufficient.
2. Ballari Pickle Unit
A women’s SHG that received ₹50,000 in revolving funds started making pickles and local snacks. Their products now supply stores in multiple districts.
3. Haveri Tailoring Group
Trained under the Stree Shakthi program, the group tailors school uniforms for 10 government schools and hires other women as assistants.
Future Roadmap and Innovations
The Karnataka government plans to:
- Digitize all SHGs for better record-keeping
- Enable online product marketing platforms
- Promote SHG-led export businesses
- Connect SHGs with start-up accelerators
- Include urban poor women under the same model
- Create SHG-based e-commerce apps
- Develop cluster-based manufacturing models
Conclusion
The Stree Shakthi Swasahaya Sangha is more than just a self-help initiative—it is a movement for rural transformation. Through financial independence, group support, and government facilitation, lakhs of women have emerged as community leaders and entrepreneurs. The model serves as a benchmark in India’s mission for inclusive development and women-led growth.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Who can join a Stree Shakthi SHG?
Any rural woman above 18 years, preferably from SC/ST, OBC, or BPL families.
2. What is the minimum number of members in a group?
10 members.
3. Is training compulsory?
Yes, skill and financial training are essential parts of the program.
4. Is government funding available?
Yes, through revolving funds, matching grants, and interest subsidies.
5. Can products made by SHGs be sold online?
Yes, many Sanghas now use digital platforms for e-commerce.
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