Self Help-Groups can creat Revolution :Goa MP

Mr. Shantaram Naik M.P. said that Self Help Groups are going to bring in a mini-revolution in the country and, if Mahatma Gandhi was alive today, he would have been very happy to see their functioning.

Mr. Naik who was participating in a discussion on Self Help Groups in the Rajya Sabha last week said that a Self Help Group is broadly defined as a registered or unregistered group micro entrepreneurs, having homogenous, social and economic background, voluntarily coming together to save small amounts regularly through mutually agreeing to contribute to a common fund to meet their emergency needs on mutual help basis.

Mr. Naik said that it is satisfying to note that Self Help Groups record, as regards re-payment, is to the extent of 70%, and hence, quite satisfactory.

Mr. Naik said that these Self Help Group, through which crores of rupees are transected should be compulsorily registered under a common law enacted for the purpose.

Mr. Naik said it is most likely that in near future, anti-social elements are likely to enter the Self Help Groups, and hence, lending institutions have to take necessary steps.

Mr. Naik said that through Self Help Group leadership qualities get developed, and it is learnt , that most of the members of the Self Help Group entering elections arena, turn out to be victorious.

Mr. Naik said that the government should train the Self Help Groups to spread literacy and Health programmes, which work, they will be able to do effectively.