The Hindu Business Line : DWCRA: Significant growth in two decades

WHEN corporate majors and banks turn to DWCRA (Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas) to expand their business and political parties come to them to secure votes, they do know that the formidable force of 65.40 lakh women spread across the State would fit well in their plans.

But the making of that force has not been an easy task. It took two decades.

From 4,000 groups in 1993 to 4.75 lakh groups covering 65.40 lakh women in 2004 with a corpus of Rs 1,747 crore, DWCRA's growth has been phenomenal. In the last two years, products worth Rs 100 crore were sold in DWCRA bazaars held at various places.

The corpus consists of savings, Government assistance and loans from banks. It is expected to cross the Rs 2,000-crore mark this year.

"Bankers were reluctant to give loans to the groups in the beginning. They used to say that these groups were not self-help groups," Ms C.S. Ramalakshmi, Commissioner of Women Empowerment and Self-Employment, told Business Line.

The situation has changed since then. "Now, bankers are happy to give loans to DWCRA groups because their experience proved that they are a safe bet."

Speaking on the evolution of the DWCRA movement, she said that when it began in 1983, it covered a few blocks in the Srikakulam, Adilabad and Kadapa districts. "The movement spread to other districts in the next 10 years. Initially, it took up health, educational and social campaigns."

A survey conducted by socio-economic survey of self-help groups in different districts indicated that the scheme helped women earn additional monthly incomes ranging from Rs 1,500 to Rs 1,800.

Benefits are beyond pecuniary and intangible. "Now they are a confident lot. They are making trips to expos in other States and abroad. Even their families are happy too, because their earnings prove to be handy in times of need. They can express themselves. They can lead, plan and guide other DWCRA members," Ms Ramalakshmi said.

The power of many brings in a whole lot of things, including 20 lakh LPG connections under the Deepam scheme and 37,000 houses under the Gruhini scheme.

"We have approached banks and National Housing Bank for offering lower interests rates for the Gruhini scheme," Ms Ramalakshmi said.

After 20 years of existence, DWCRA groups are likely to form a federation and get representation from every habitation in the State. "We are also working on a plan to turn some of these groups into small-scale units. Now they are on their own. They don't need hand-holding any more."

Emami offer: Corporate major Emami has agreed to hone the selling skills of DWCRA women.

"We have approached Emami for training the women in marketing skills. They have agreed," Ms C.S. Ramalakshmi, Commissioner of Women Employment and Self-employment (Govt of AP), told Business Line.

Hindustan Lever Limited (HLL), the first corporate to join hands with DWCRA, would advise them in how to package and brand their products better. "Also, HLL will help them in finding newer markets," she said.

Expanding its cooperation with DWCRA further, HLL launched a programme called i-connectivity. "The company will give computers to the DWCRA groups with Telugu content on education, health and inputs on agriculture extension.

Philips, Godrej, Colgate, Nagarjuna Fertilisers and IFFCO too have decided to use the DWCRA force.

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