The Thrissur-based ESAF Microfinance and Investments Pvt Ltd has been selected as the implementing partner for the project Sanchar Sakthi scheme in Kerala and Tamil Nadu along with Sasken Communication and Technology Group.

The project is a DOT-USOF's ‘Scheme for mobile value-added service (VAS) and information communication technology (ICT) related livelihood skills for women's SHGs in rural India.

In the Vyaparsewa project, which is part of Sanchar Sakthi, products of SHGs in Tamil Nadu and Kerala will be marketed with the help of NGOs in Delhi. The products include food products such as pickles, honey, and medicinal products.

ESAF and Jharkhand

Mr K. Paul Thomas, Managing Director, ESAF Microfinance, said that ESAF has big plans in developing the handicraft skills of Jharkhand artisans. ESAF signed an MoU with Jharcraft (Jharkhand Silk, Textile and Handicraft Development Corporation Ltd.), for working together in training, value adding and promoting craft and related activities in Santhal Pargana region of Jharkhand. 

ESAF will also implement various social security schemes for the two lakh artisan of Jharcraft and an elaborate plan is on the anvil for developing at least 7 craft clusters in the coming financial year and to train more than 2000 artisans in various crafts. These programmes will be supported by Jharkhand Government through Jharcraft. NABARD will also support some of these programmes, a release said.