A

PROJECT REPORT
“A STUDY ON EMERGENCES OF WOMEN
ENTREPRENEURSHIP THROUGH SELF HELP
GROUP”
WITH REFERENCE TO
TANISHKA FORUM PUNE

SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF REQUIREMENT FOR

DEGREE OF
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION( SY BBA-IB)
BY
PRASAD KEDHARNATH LOHIYA
ROLL NO-
UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF
ANKITA BHATT
THROUGH
SMT.KASHIBAI NAVALE COLLEGE OF COMMERCE
ERANDWANE,PUNE
2018-2019
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Mr. / Miss ___________________ who is a Bonafide student of

Smt. Kashibai Navale College of Commerce, Erandwane, Pune has worked on Project titled

___________________________________________________ and has successfully

completed the project work in partial fulfillment of award of degree of Bachelor of Business

Administration (BBA-IB).

This report is the record of Student’s own efforts under our supervision and guidelines.

________________ _______________________
Project Guide Dr. Srikant Deshpande
Principal
 DECLARATION

I, Mr. / Ms. _________________________________ hereby declare that this project is a record of authentic
work carried out by me during the academic year 2017-2018 and has not been submitted to any other
University or Institute towards the award of any degree.

Signature of the student

PRASAD KEDARNATH LOHIYA

 AKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am deeply indebted to many people for the successful completion of this project.

I would like to take this opportunity and go on record to thank them for their help and
support.

I am thankful to the Smt. Kashibai Navale College of Commerce for all the support provided
for this project.

I express my deep sense of gratitude and sincere feelings of obligation to my Project Guide
ANKITA BHATT who helped me in overcoming many difficulties and who imparted me
the necessary conceptual knowledge.

I wish to thank all my teachers and friends too, for their helpful inputs, insightful comments,
steadfast love and support.
 INDEX
Chapter Particulars Page No.

CHAPTER 1
1.1 Objectives Of Project Work
1.2 Need And Importance Of Project Work
1.3 Project Methodology
CHAPTER 2
2.1 Profile Of Company
2.2 About Firm
2.3 Success Stories Of The Firm
2.4 Working of the firm

CHAPTER 3
3.1 Introduction To Self Help Group
3.2 Meaning
3.3 definition
3.4 Importance of woman self help group
3.5 Challenges faced by the firm
3.4 Future plans of the firm
3.5 Advantages of women self help group
3.6 Disadvantages of women self help group

CHAPTER 4
4.1 findings
4.2 recommendation
 CHAPTER 5
5.1 Conclusion Based On Project
5.2 Conclusion Based On Learning

CHAPTER 6
6.1 Questinnaires
6.2 Biblography
CHAPTER 1
 OBJECTIVES
 To study the factor that determine women empowerment.
 To analyze womens perception on empowerment at the group as well as
individual level.
 To explore their awerness with respect to laws,policies and programmes.
 To find out the impact of self help group on society.
NEED AND IMORTANCE OF PROJECT WORK

1) To get practical experience

2) It ensures there’s a proper plan for executing on strategic goals.
3) It brings leadership and direction to project.
4) Learn about team work, communication skills and responsibilities.
6) Making aware of work situation co-operation, team work, discipline.
7) Preparing psychologically for world of work.
8) It ensures what is being delivered, is right, and will deliver real value
against the business opportunity.
 PROJECT METHODOLOGY
Definition of Research
Research in common parlance refers to a search for knowledge; one can also
define research as scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a
specific topic.

Definition observation
Observation is acquiring knowledge by your basic instinct out of a given
situation. It has made while working of the firm. Many points understood while
observing.
In this case study I have used three methods for data collection.
The fact and figures are raw materials with which I have to work while studying
various methods of data collection. I came across two types i.e primary data and
secondary data.

I have obtained following methods for primary data:

[1]Observation method
[2]Interview method
[3]Questionnaire method

1] Observation method:
Observation has made while working of firm. Many points understood while
observing

2] Interview method:
I asked many questions to the firm owner, and understood the
working functions of a firm.
3] Questionnaire method:
A list of selective questions will be made and given to manager of the
firm who gave the answers which were analyzed and then conclusions were
drawn.

After collecting primary data I have collected secondary data:

1] Library reference
2] Broachers
3] Website of the organisation

1] Library reference:
I have also taken the help of books published by author to collect the
information and to reference about the subject of project work.

2] Broachers:
Broachers, booklets and magazines seeking information regarding of
project are also used.

3] Website of organisation:
I have also used website of the organisation i.e
www.tanishkafoundation.org.com
 CHAPTER 2
ORGANISATIONAL
PROFILE
 110,000 members and growing
 Spread across 35 districts and every block (administrative division) in the state of
Maharashtra
 Over 5,000 inspiring stories of change of grassroots level transformation

Introduction
Women form the core of every society. The Tanishka Foundation is a Global peer to peer
women’s network focused on ensuring the dignity of women at the individual, household
and community level. The network works through fora which provide a universal platform
for women to come together via the formation of structured community networks that are
supported by a multi-stakeholder ecosystem that identifies and resolves core issues affecting
them and ensuring them of a dignified life with emotional, physical and financial security.
This is brought about through the implementation of a unique, multi layered structured
process that results in tangible changes in their lives across all strata of society, empowering
them socially, economically and politically. The Tanishka Foundation stands committed to
assuring women of the respect and dignity they deserve, and ensuring that they are at the
core of Nation Transformation.
The Tanishka Foundation, being a part of the Delivering Change Foundation (forms) a focal
point for women to be at the core of nation transformation through a carefully planned and
thoughtfully delivered Emotional Connect Programme (ECP).
By ensuring social, political and economic empowerment, the Tanishka Women’s Network
aims to embolden women and to build their capacities as change agents to bring about socio-
economic transformation in society. The forum encourages and energizes women with the
ability and problem solving capacity at the community level to speak up, be decision makers,
create visionary change and scale up their efforts to achieve larger impact and realise the full
potential.
We seek to address the very heart of issues confronting women – increasing confidence in
their own voice and convictions, developing life-skills, and improving the ability to identify
paths and resources from within their communities that can eventually contribute to social
transformation of the nation.
 vision
To globally reinforce women as the change-makers of a modern society.

Mission
Tanishka Foundation is a symbiotic network of voluntary forums that works towards
restoring dignity to women at the grass root, through social, physical and financial security.
Tanishka Foundation aims to encourage and energize women with a thought for social good
and a sense of national pride and integrate them as change agents at the ground level. The
distinct feature of the Tanishka Foundation is to place women at the centre point of nation
transformation, thus assuring them of utmost dignity in human society.

7 areas of work
1. Environment
2. Health
3. Education
4. Prevention of Violence in Women
5. Land Rights
6. Livelihood
7. Leadership and participation in governance
Purpose of the Forum
An inclusive woman-to-woman network which encourages rural and urban participation
especially from marginalised and minorities.
To strive for the betterment of women at the socio-economic and emotional level.
 HOW TANISKA FOUNDATION WORK?

Tanishka Foundation envisions a world where women with strong voices become active
leaders.
Each Tanishka Forum is a group of 10-15 members in the age group 24-65 years who meet
on a regular basis in a friendly and trusting environment. The forum is an avenue to freely
share individual experiences and look for local solutions pertaining to physical, emotional
and financial security. The members mutually discuss social issues, which is beneficial for
women and also society at large. The forum also provides avenues for women to be able to
raise these issues at the appropriate levels and bring in a socio economic transformation in
the society.
Key Features of the Tanishka Foundation
 Grass-roots level network
 Spread across each and every district (35) in Maharashtra with representation from every
block
 Currently 110,000 members and growing
 Diverse and inclusive
 Represents minorities, backward and tribal communities
 Represents urban and rural communities
 Operates through groups of 10-15 members called ‘Forums’
 24/7 communication backbone through call centre
 5,000 success stories of grassroots level transformations
 What they do?
introduction
A woman to woman community network that is committed to the cause of upholding
women’s dignity and mainstreaming their role and responsibility in the social and economic
transformation of our nation. Founded on April 11, 2013, this network today has a
membership base of almost 110,000 members and is growing in a robust manner. Currently
the network is based in Maharashtra, India, but is rapidly expanding its global footprint into
other countries such as Mexico. Considering the social and economic profile of women in
India there was a real need to create a platform for women which would mobilize, galvanize
& harness their full potential by addressing three critical areas :
Emotional security
Emotional security involves defining and charting a clear role for women based on an
integration of self-acceptance and self-confidence, social and political understanding. and a
personal ability to take a significant part in decision-making and in control over resources in
the environment. Through the Tanishka Women’s Network women are encouraged to work
in groups and exchange ideas with other groups which help them address issues within their
communities. This process integrated with technology and social media leads to creating
pathways that bring about a social change. Every woman thereby obtains a clear
understanding of her own self-worth, aspirations and a healthy sense of entitlement. This
enables women to individually and collectively identify and address issues thereby paving
the path towards self-fulfillment. A firm sense of emotional security in turn enables women
across strata to come together to formulate goals for personal and societal improvement
thereby actualizing themselves as agents of positive change in society.
Physical security
he Tanishka Foundation provides a platform that facilitates the conferral of fundamental
rights of security at multiple levels for all women. This includes the basic right to life,
gender equality, equal protection under the law, right to be free from all forms of
discrimination and the right to the highest standards of physical and mental health. Most
importantly, the right to complete freedom from abuse at the domestic or community level
and zero level tolerance for any form of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or
punishment. This also implies their right to operate as a part of society on par with men, and
enjoy the same freedoms of choice and decision making thereby charting their own course.
This in turn enables them to operate from a standpoint of courageousness, self-respect and
emboldened action- empowering them to take control of their lives and initiate positive
change
financial security
Tanishka Foundation provides a structured platform, process and methodology that acts as an
positive enabler for the financial security and independence of women, empowering them to
utilize and actualize their inherent abilities to build capacity to generate income, find
innovative livelihood options and have the right to greater access and control of resources.
The Tanishka Women’s Network promotes financial security via empowerment programmes
and helps women to obtain greater market access through which they can get integrated into
an inclusive framework of financial institutions and services. This leads to the greater
participation in multi-level policy and implementation frameworks affecting their lives,
through a process involving negotiation, using influence & exerting control over their
societal ecosystems. Tanishka also emphasizes that in order for women to have a dignified
life and fully harness and galvanize their potential, it is paramount that they have stable
incomes on par with men in their socio-economic strata. In addition, they are provided the
skills and education required to earn secure & continuously enhanced incomes, with rights to
optimal control over land and other critical monetizable resources and equal access to all
entitlements and services available in society, thereby ensuring that they have a stable and
secure base from which to act in the interests of societal and Nation Transformation.
 Success stories of tanishka foundation

SAKAL” QUENCHES THIRST OF KAVTHEMAHAKAL VILLAGE

Categories: Economic Empowerment, Social Development

In some of the villages of Kavthemahakal- Visapur area, the regional plan was halted due to
unpaid bills. In such difficult times, the thirst of the villagers was quenched by the
tremendous efforts of Tanishka Foundation. With the help of Sakal Relief Fund, Tanishka
Foundation removed the sludge of the almost dead pond of Jhurewadi and with the
assistance of Mhaisal Lift Irrigation Scheme the pond was refilled with water.
While the rest of the state was suffering from the heat wave and draught-like situation, the
pond of Kavthyamahakal proved to be crucial in satisfying the thirst of its villagers. The Mr.
Sachin Dongre, Administrator of Nagarpanchayat, thanked Sakal for its help. He said, “The
pond of Jhurewadi supplied water not only to us but satisfied the thirst of nearly about
17,000 people from the nearby villages. The regional plan was halted for 21 days. During
this time we provided almost 84 lakh liters of water to the villagers.”
The water crisis was thus defeated with help of the villagers and Tanishka Platform.
 TANISHKAS FROM SHRIPATRAYWADI SUCCESSFULLY
SOLVE THE WATER-CRISIS

category: Social Development

Once women resolve to do something, they get things done! Inhabitants from Shripatraywadi
recently witnessed this. With the help from local group of Tanishka Foundation, a silt
excavation drive was conducted by the inhabitants. The drive was enormously successful as
the participants ensured that there’s enough water for everyone for the entire year.
Sakal Relief Fund facilitated this dive through a funding of Rs. 1.5 lac. Tanishkas then took
help from villagers and during Wednesday, Sunday mornings initiated the silt excavation and
canal widening process. Women from the age of 5 years to 80 years actively participated in
the initiative. Later, men also joined the movement. The activity which was started in the
month of May with people contributing their efforts everyday. Representatives of different
local organizations also participated in this movement. All this efforts resulted into widening
and deepening of the canal of 2 kms in length. Looking at enormous active participation
from the local people, Manavlok and Mahajan Trust from Mumbai sent one J.C.B and a
Poklen to Shripatraywadi, which were later used to create a plane bottom for the canal in the
area of 40 hectors.
This collaborative effort from Tanishkas and Sakal Relief Foundation has lead to a facility
that can accommodate 1 crore 24 lac litres of water. The population of the village is 800. The
villagers require about 3 crore 84 lac litres of water every year. The village currently has 30
wells, most of which are currently being fixed. For a person, 40 litre a day water can be
considered to suffice. Rest of the water can be used in agriculture.
 TANISHKA MAKE NAVARGAON DROUGHT-FREE

Kurkheda (Gadchiroli): Members of Tanishka Foundation initiated a movement to establish

proper water supply facility in Navargaon. After running behind the local government
officials from the Grampanchayat for 3 hours, water supply was reinstated. At first, the
government officials were not co-operating with the locals, but persistent efforts by Tanishka
members and the villagers finally turned out to be fruitful. Ms. Sarita Nakade, local co-
ordinator, Tanishka Foundation discussed scarcity of water in the region with the villagers
and understood why the issue was ignored by the government bodies for more than 2 years.
Due to this, women in the village had to roam around in the neighborhood in search of water.
In summers, all of wells get dried up, plus with non-functional hand-pumps there’s no option
for usable water. Even when the new pipelines were installed from Navargaon, the supply
wasn’t initiated. All the issues have been tackled now with ample water supply to the village.
TANISHKA FOUNDATION MEMBERS ENABLE
TRANSPORTATION IN SMALL VILLAGES ACROSS SATARA!!

It’s been centuries since Jalagewadi village came into existance and it’s been almost 68 years
since the State Transport came into existence in the state of Maharashtra. However, the
inhabitants of Jalagewadi, a small village situated at the foothill of Patan, Satara had never
seen an S.T. bus in their village.
The local Tanishka Foundation members hence decided to resolve this issue and finally a
state transport bus was welcomed with fireworks by 5 villages in the neighbourhood.
Jalagewadi is a small village that is nestled at a foothill near Chafal. The inhabitants have to
walk for about 5 kms everyday as there are no facilities located nearby. All these years,
students, patients and ladies had to plod through muddy tracks to nearby villages. However,
recently after the construction of dam downhill Chafal at Uttarmand, a road was constructed
between Jalagewadi and Mathnewadi. Villagers demanded to have a state transportation
facility on the same. After following up with local government officials multiple times, the
demands of the villagers were not fulfilled. At last, members of Tanishka Foundation from
Jalgewadi decided that they will figure out this issue once and for all. They constantly got
behind Area Controller, Patan requesting him to process the application. This led to the
inauguration of State Transportation facility between Umbraj, Jalagewadi and Nanegaon.
The bus which leaves at 7:30 am everyday from Umbraj was welcomed by inhabitants of
Jalagewadi, Kavathekarwadi, Chavarwadi, Suryachiwadi and Nanegaon. Mrs. Chhayatai
Fadtare, Co-ordinator, Tanishka Foundation; Mrs. Nanda Fadatare, Sarapanch. Members of
Tanishka Foundation Mrs. Nanda Salunkhe, Mrs. Rani Salunkhe, Mrs. Deepa Jagdale, Mrs.
Chhaya Salunkhe, Mrs. Shamim Patel, Mrs. Sangeeta Salunkhe, Mrs. Vidya Salunkhe, Mrs.
Nirmala Salunkhe and hundreds of women from 5 neighbouring villages were present at the
inauguration of the State transport bus. They felicitated Mr. D. B. Salunkhe, Conductor; Mr.
B. N. Jadhav and Mr. Shrirang Salunkhe, Drivers at the ceremony.
TANISHKA GROUP HELPS START FREE MEDICAL SCHEME FOR
AUTO DRIVERS

Pimpri: Tanishka Women’s Dignity Foundation, Maharashtra Rickshaw Panchayat and

Aditya Homoeopathy Hospital in Pimprigaon have launched a free medical treatment
scheme for autorickshaw drivers.
The scheme was inaugurated at a function held at Narayan Meghaji Lokhande Kamgar
Bhavan in Pimpri on Monday. In attendance were homoeopathy experts Dr Amarsinha
Nikam and Dr Manish Nikam, Maharashtra Rickshaw Panchayat president Baba Kamble, the
Panchayat’s State Vice President Tanaji Masalkar, Arogya Sena State President Varsha
Gupte, Tanishka Women’s Dignity Foundation group leader Asha Kamble, President BR
Madgulkar, Dr Faiji Dalal, Adhyapak Sabha and Ramchandra Jadhav.
Maharashtra Rickshaw Panchayat’s Pune district Vice President Pandurang Jagtap and Pune
city unit Working President Rafiq Shaikh were felicitated on the occasion.
Govind Gholve, Sakal Media Group’s Executive Editor (Political), who was also present on
the occasion, said that the Sakal Media Group has always supported social projects. Dr
Amarsinha Nikam said that the permanent free medical treatment centre has been opened to
help autorickshaw drivers as they cannot bear high expenses related to major illnesses. He
said that efforts would be made to extend the scope of the scheme outside the city to all parts
of the State.
Maharashtra Rickshaw Panchayat President Baba Kamble said that the Panchayat has sought
the introduction of insurance and pension schemes for autorickshaw drivers. The local
municipal corporation should also earmark some funds for welfare schemes for automen, he
added.
Balasaheb Dumbare compered while ‘Sakal’ reporter Omprakash Latpate proposed a vote of
thanks.
TANISHKA WOMEN FROM MALKAPUR START THEIR OWN
VENTURE !

After establishing a self-help group, the members of Tanishka Foundation from Malkapur
have started their own business of selling and repairing sewing machines. This is a living
example of the fact that Tanishka Foundation empowers the women of the society. Mrs.
Swati Dolas, Tanishka Group Co-ordinator created a group of local women and kick-started
with the meetings.
The formation of group helped the women to exchange their thoughts which ultimately leads
to empowerment. After the exchange of thoughts, majority of members in this group came to
a conclusion of starting their own business.
Together, they came up with a plan and started the business of selling and repairing sewing
machines. They also received a grant of Rs. 3 Lakh from the Municipality’s State Civil
Livelihood Campaign. It’s been almost 6 months that the group members are running this
business successfully. Within six months, 22 machines have been sold. The yearly turnover
of the Self-Help group is around Rs 42,000. “Tanishka Foundation has always been a big
support for women in rural areas. This is a great platform that gives strength to start small
business,” said Mrs. Swati Dolas.
CANCER PATIENT AIDED BY TANISKHA MEMBER

SOLAPUR: Firdos Patel, Tanishka Women’s Dignity Foundation member and chairperson
of the women and child welfare committee of Solapur Municipal Corporation has donated Rs
25,000 for the treatment of a cancer patient instead of spending the amount during the
recently concluded Muharram procession at Maulali Chowk area in the city. The cancer
patient, Rizwan Maniar, belongs to a poor family.
A cheque of Rs 25,000 was handed over to the cancer patient some time back this month.
Muharram is observed with religious fervour for the past six decades in Maulali Chowk area.
The traffic square has earned its name from the annual procession. A lot of money is spent
by the devotees on the procession. Rizwan, a resident of Maulali Chowk area, was diagnosed
with cancer a few months earlier. She is a housewife while her husband is employed in a
bakery. The family does not have adequate funds for her medical treatment. Therefore,
Tanishka Women’s Dignity Foundation member Firdos Patel decided to provide her with
some financial assistance. Members of the Yashada Yuvati Foundation also donated some
amount to Rizwan. Those present on the occasion included Tanishka Women’s Dignity
Foundation members Swati Aware, Manisha Udanshiva, Mumtaz Gaur, Dilshad Kaladagi,
Razia Pathan and Shaukat Pathan.
 BAN ILLEGAL SALE OF ALCOHOL

Rajura:
There is a sudden high rise in the sale of alcohol in the city of Rajura. Even after the local
members of Tanishka Foundation held a meeting with the Police officials, no steps were
taken to control this situation. This is when the members of Tanishka Foundation decided to
fight against the illegal sale of alcohol in the region all by themselves.
On 1st April, 2015, the government took a vital step of prohibiting alcohol in the Chandrapur
district. However, even after imposing the ban, several regions including with Rajura started
selling alcohol illegally. The situation in Rajura became even more severe when even the
local pan shop vendor’s started selling alcohol and the local people threw all the empty
bottles on the road. This further resulted into the increase of pollution in the area.
The Tanishka Foundation’s members from this region conducted a meeting with the local
people and decided to consult Mr. Sanjay Dhote, MLA and write an application to the Public
Works Department to carry out repair work and upgrade the quality of road. The efforts
undertaken by the Tanishka Foundation and Mr. Sanjay Dhote were praised by Mr.
Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister, Maharashtra. In addition to this, the Chief Minister also
agreed to give funds for the construction of a marketing mall in Rajura. The members of
Tanishka Foundation involved in this initiative were Mrs. Mata Thakare, Tanishka Head,
Mrs. Lata Sur, Co ordinator, Mrs. Pushpa Kodape, Mrs. Sunita Kumbhare, Mrs. Vaishali
Hingane, Mrs. Manisha Chatap, Mrs. Asha Mande and other members.
TANISHKA FOUNDATION MAKES MALGAON DROUGHT-FREE !

Malgaon is a small village comprising just 600 people in Maharashtra. The village was
facing a scarcityin supply of drinking water. Tanishka Foundation members indentified this
problem and with the help of ‘Sakal Relief Fund’ came up with an initiative to solve this
problem. Tanishka Foundation team cleaned the banks of the river and the entire
embankment. This took the Water Property of the village to 10 Cr Litres. It also enabled
around 50 hectres of land in Malgaon and the surrounding villages to be irrigated.
The initiative was headed by Mrs. Alka More from local Tanishka Foundation and was
executed with the help of Group Coordinators Mrs. Meena Baag, Mrs. Yoja Patil and Mrs.
Rekha Patil. Before this initiative, the village was dependent on water tankers for the last 32
years. However, due to seamless execution of this initiative, the village has till date never
asked for a water tanker. A similar activity was conducted last year by the local Tanishka
team with the help of ‘Sakal Relief Fund’ during the ‘Jalyukta Shivar’ initiative. This
initiative received and overwhelming response from the villagers. The efforts undertaken by
Sakal Media Group and Tanihska Foundation in making villages like Malgaon, Pendgaon
and Bhadgaon drought-free have been appreciated by the villagers. They have expressed
their gratitude towards these initiatives through mass participation in such initiatives.
This year Tanishka Foundation has planned this initiative across four different villages near
Malgaon which will help to improve the living condition of the local villagers. Here are
some quotes from the local dignitaries from Malgaon:
“The Sakal Relief Fund and Mahatma Phule Jal abhiyan will help to permanently curb the
water scarcity in this region.” – Ganesh Misal
“We have not needed water tankers since the banks of the river were cleaned by the Tanishka
Foundation team.” – B. A. Kapase, Tehsildar, Bhadgaon
“With the help of the Tanishka Foundation we have made Pendgaon village Tanker free.
This year we will make Malgaon Tanker free.” – Meena Baag, coordinator, Tanishka
Foundation
“The initiative undertaken by the Tanishka Foundation will help the lake to fill to its capacity
and permanently curb the water scarcity issue in the village.” Alka More, Tanishka Group
Head, Malgaon
TANISHKA MEMBERS COME TO THE AID OF BLIND STUDENTS

Pune : “Problems faced by blind students studying in colleges under the Savitribai Phule
University, Pune will be resolved by carrying out a survey to identify them. Necessary
software required to learn computers will be installed and made available to these students,”
assured the Chancellor, Dr. Vasudeo Gade.
The Tanishka Foundation contributed to this initiative by recording an audio CD to help
blind students studying Arts; which was released by Dr. Gade.
Nandkumar Sutar Resident Editor of Sakal, Dr. Ashok Chaskar Dean Arts Faculty More
College, Dr. Nitin Ghorpade Principal More College and Ranjan Wadke Chief Sub-editor
were amongst few who were also present during the release of these CDs which would serve
as hearing aids to the blind students.
On this occasion, Dr. Gade appreciated and thanked the initiative undertaken by the
Tanishka Group as well as the social programmes being implemented by the Sakal Media
Group.
Dr. Gade said, “Information regarding the blind students studying in colleges under
Savitribai Phule University in Pune, Ahmednagar and Nashik will be gathered through a
survey. Their problems will be identified and resolved at the earliest. Study material for their
curriculum will be made available on CDs.
Members of the Tanishka Foundation such as Dr. Ganpule, Madhura Kulkarni, Sunita
Kulkarni, Madhura Shivapurkar, Harsha Joshi, Dhanashri Lele, Kiran Lakhe, Puja Dalvi, and
Pratibha Kulkarni worked after college hours at night to record lessons and study material for
nine subjects. They put in 400 hours of efforts for the recording to prepare the new
curriculum for Second Year Arts students.
WOMEN TURN ENTREPRENEURS

Pune: “Though we live in the same colony, we used to meet once a week at the local
marketplace and discuss our family problems with each other. Once the household chores
were over, the remaining day was spent watching TV programmes and taking care of our
kids. However, the situation is quite different now; we have taken a big leap towards
becoming entrepreneurs with the help of the Tanishka Foundation”, expressed members of
Tanishka Group.
Right from the beginning, Puja Padwal, Gayatri Wable, Ashwini Bhosale, Harshala Mali,
Pallavi Bhosale, Vandana Padwal, Kamala Jadhav, Ashwini Walimbe, Supriya Mategaonkar,
Chanda Kadu and others wanted to achieve something different than the rest. They also
expressed their wish and willingness to support the entire family through some kind of
activity but lacked a sense of direction and guidance to select the right path.
On learning about the Tanishka movement through a few women in their locality, they got
together and decided to take the lead in empowering themselves by participating in various
activities organised by this movement.
While the newly involved members were able to contribute towards social cause, the
constant urge to set up a business they longed to do kept prodding them. At this point, most
of the women actively participated in weekly meetings that were held to help the group and
guide them. However, they were still not clear and confident about what exactly they should
do.
The problem of non-recyclable garbage and waste is acquiring alarming proportions in Pune.
The increased use of plastic bags which are non-biodegradable, are causing major health
issues for individuals in society. Members of the Tanishka group felt that the problem could
be largely mitigated if paper bags were replaced with the plastic ones in circulation. The
Tanishka Foundation supported their initiative positively and arranged for training sessions
on making paper bags. After the training sessions were over, these ladies would get together
and practise making paper bags late into the night till wee hours.
Once they were able to make good quality bags, all of them shared the responsibility of
marketing these paper bags in the neighbourhood. They distributed samples of bags to
medical and grocery shops, stalls vending eatables and snacks; Shopkeepers also responded
positively to the efforts being taken for keeping the neighbourhood clean and purchased
these paper bags in bulk quantities. Currently, the group sells around a thousand to twelve
hundred bags per day with a total earning of around five hundred rupees per day, depending
on the quantity sold.
Not limiting their hard work and efforts only towards making paper bags, members of the
group have taken a step further towards self-sustenance. They provide around two thousand
small modaks(sweet) that are used as an offering on chaturthsi(fourth phase of moon) to
various mandals in Ranjangaon and in the city.
In addition to this, they have started preparing amla candy for household consumption on a
large scale. The group is now quite active and has actually implemented the old adage
“where there is will, there is way!”.
In this regard, the group leader, Padwal said, “Earlier, we would spend the entire day after
completing our household chores by watching TV serials at home. We were keen on
supporting our families and participating in social work. The Tanishka Foundation has made
this dream come true. This has also enhanced our respect in the society.”
OPERATION ROADSIDE ROMEO STANDING BY OUR
DAUGHTERS – AN EVE TEASING VIGILANCE

LOCATION
Village Mohol, Dist. Solapur
KRA
Deterrence to eve-teasing and controlling gender intimidation in a 3000-student strong
institution, through vigilance and counselling.
Being a senior secondary educational institution in a village situated on the national highway
has its own woes. While it educates 3000 students from faraway villages – some travelling
from as far as 30 kms. – the transport and transit of the teenage girls can be a daunting
experience. There are eve-teasers lurking around and the threat of physical molestation is
looming large. A simple trip to school can be frightening and in some cases, even
threatening.
But for Shaheen Shaikh, a Tanishka Foundation member and the school principal, this came
as a challenge. The work originally started with enrolling all her lady teachers into the
Tanishka Foundation . Working with clockwork precision, almost every batch of girls is
escorted by them to cross the busy national highway, helped to board their state transport
buses, and sometimes even being dropped at their destinations. The return gift is stupendous;
a secure learning environment and no dropouts!
Once a freelancing hoodlum travelling in the buses with the sole purpose of eve-teasing, was
tracked down to his residence and put into place forth his family. All thanks to this elaborate
process that is followed. The college staff is divided in equal batches of 3 – comprising of
two female and one male teachers – and allotted duties along travel routes; all as per timings
of the two shifts that the institute runs. While the lady staff herds the girls together, the sole
male teacher is in charge of whisking the boys away!
SELF DEFENCE WORKSHOP FOR TANISHKA MEMBERS

: Sakal Media Group, Tanishka Foundation , Tanishka Women's Dignity Foundation

Manjri: Members of the Tanishka Women’s Dignity Foundation participated in a workshop
on self-defence, organised by the forum, and took the pledge to work towards women
empowerment.
The workshop was organised in association with the Durgamata Strishakti Pratishthan and
Samarth Stree Charitable Trust. Participants of the workshop were guided by Police Sub-
Inspector Dattatraya Madane, advocate Smita Nikam, Pandharinath Nivgune, Nanaheb
Suryavanshi, group leader Surekha Suryavanshi, Madhavi Gupte and Varsha Medhekar.
Speaking on the occasion, Nikam said, “Women face several problems due to lack of
knowledge about the law and its provisions. Workshops enable women to understand the law
better.”
“Women should be concerned about their safety at home and outside. They should seek
assistance from the police whenever required,” he added.
Members Rohini Kakde, Lata Zende, Chhaya Kudale, Megha Pawar, Pratibha Pawar,
Priyanka Nivgune, Meera Dhumal, Kamala Lavate, Kamla Jagtap, Shobha Pawar, Madhuri
Raut, Deepali Chavan, Rani Yadav, Vandana Sahane, Somnath Yadav, Yuvraj Suryavanshi
and Babam Jagtap had organised the workshop.
 BLANKETS, SWEETS DISTRIBUTED TO NEEDY

Pune: Celebrating the festival of lights at the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue in Kothrud, the
members of the Tanishka Women’s Dignity Foundation distributed blankets and sweets to
the needy.
Besides MLA Chandrakant Mokate, group leader Rashmi Mokate, members Savita
Balkawde, Pallavi Nagpure, Nandu Ghate, Usharani Godbole, Snehlata Ozarde, Uma
Bhosale, Asha Tambe, Prachi BaraskarBaraskar, Vaishali Shinde, Varsha Chademar, Vidya
Zende, Vaijayanti Barbhuvan and Vanmala Shinde were also present.
Meanwhile, Diwali sweets made by Tanishka members in Kondhwa have generated demand
from Canada. Sweets put up for sale on a no-loss no-profit basis by Tanishka members near
NIBM were sent to Canada by local resident Manisha Aulkar. The sweets were liked so
much by the recipients that a second batch of sweets had to be sent.
At the same time, Tanishka members have been assured of a fixed income throughout the
year, following residents of housing colonies like Kumar Colony, Bramha Estate, Manish
Park and Saroday Society have booked orders for sweets during different festivals
throughout the year.
The initiative was launched with the help of local corporator Tanaji Lonkar, Popat Lonkar,
the police patil and Rahul Lonkar. Led by group leader Pushpa Nikam, the initiative was
successfully launched by members Sunita Patil, Sunita Mahajan, Vaishali Babar, Chhaty
Gote, Suvarna Pawar, Vaishali Thopate, Shantabai Lipare, Lakshmi Lonkar, Kiran
Mahamuni, Sneha Gujar, Nailni Lonkar, Mangala Lonkar, Snagita Lonkar and Savita Pille.
 TANISHKA GROUP TO FOCUS ON TOILETS FOR WOMEN

Solapur: A meeting of Tanishka Women’s Dignity Foundation group held at Mangalwedha

town in Solapur district has decided to take up the issue of lack of toilets for women in the
town.
The meeting was presided over by group leader Kavita Khadtare-Gawali.
The women who attended the meeting have decided to seek improvements in the conditions
of toilets for women in various offices. It was decided to submit memorandums to the
respective offices to seek steps to solve the problems faced by women.
The group’s president Kavita Khadtare-Gawali commended the initiative of Solapur Zilla
Parishad President Dr Nishigandha Mali. The zilla parishad president has said that she will
try her best to end the custom of open defecation in the district and will work to ensure
construction of toilets. Khadtare-Gawali said that Mali’s resolve needed to be strongly
defended. Her suggestion was unanimously supported at the meeting.
Speaking at the meeting, Rohini Pawar said that the condition of women’s toilets was very
bad in rural as well as urban areas. Tanishka members will make efforts to see that the
benefits of the government’s Nirmal Gram scheme reach all sections of society.
A memorandum was also submitted, pointing out there were no toilets for women at various
government offices in Mangalwedha town. This caused hardships for women coming to the
town from other areas, the memorandum said.
The meeting has demanded that the heads of various government offices take steps to
construct toilets especially for women.
The meeting has also demanded drinking water facility for people visiting various banks.
ZP chief’s initiative lauded
The group’s president Kavita Khadtare-Gawali commended the initiative of Solapur Zilla
Parishad President Dr Nishigandha Mali. Mali has said she will try her level best to end the
custom of open defecation in the district and will work towards construction of toilets.
CHAPTER 3
What Is A Self-Help Group?
A self-help group (SHG) is a voluntary association of men or women in similar economic
conditions. The members of the group make small savings for a duration of time until they
have enough capital in the group to start their own lending process. These funds can then be
utilised for lending purposes (to members or other people). In India, many SHGs are linked
to banking institutions for the delivery of micro-credit.

Self-help groups are popular and famous in India and South-East Asian countries. In
Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus developed this concept (along with those of micro-credit
and micro-finance) for the poorest of the poor, who were ignored and shunned by banks
when it came to lending tiny sums of money.

In India, SHGs first emerged within the Mysore Resettlement and Development Agency
(MYRADA) in 1985. Here is a quick timeline of the journey of SHGs in India:

1. 1987: The National Bank for Agriculture And Rural Development (NABARD) provided
MYRADA with a grant of ₹1 million to enable it to invest resources in identifying affinity
groups, building their capacities and matching their savings after a period of 3-6 months.

2. 1990: RBI accepted the SHG strategy as an alternative credit model.

3. 1992: NABARD issued guidelines to provide the framework for a strategy that would
allow banks to lend directly to SHGs.

4. 1992: SHG-Bank Linkage Programme was launched.

5. The Tamil Nadu Women’s Empowerment Project, an IFAD-supported project

implemented through the Tamil Nadu Women’s Development Corporation, was the first
project in the country, around 1990, to incorporate the SHG concept into a state-sponsored
programme. Since then, SHGs have been associated with women.

Meaning of Self-Help Group (SHG):

SHG is a holistic programme of micro-enterprises covering all aspects of self-employment,
organization of the rural poor into self Help groups and their capacity building, planning of
activity clusters, infrastructure build up, technology, credit and marketing.

It lays emphasis on activity clusters based on the resources and the occupational skills of the
people and availability of markets.
Self-Help Group refers to self-governed, peer controlled, informal group of people with same
socio-economic background and having a desire to collectively perform common purposes.
Here poor people voluntarily come together to save whatever amount they can save
conveniently out of their earnings, to mutually agree to contribute to a common fund and to
lend to the members for meeting their productive and emergent needs.

SHGs have been able to mobilize small savings either on weekly or monthly basis from
persons who were not expected to have any savings. They have been able to effectively
recycle the resources generated among the members for meeting the emergent credit needs of
members of the group.

SHG is a group formed by the community women, which has specific number of members
like 15 or 20. In such a group the poorest women would come together for emergency,
disaster, social reasons, economic support to each other have ease of conversation, social
interaction and economic interaction.

A SHG is an informal association to enhance the member’s financial security as primary

focus and other common interest of members such as area development, awareness,
motivation, leadership, training and associating in other social inter-mediation programmes
for the benefit of the entire community.
Need of Self-Help Group (SHG):
The very existence of SHGs is highly relevant to make the people of below poverty line
hopeful and self-reliant. SHGs enable them to Increase their income, improve their standard
of living and status in society. It acts as a catalyst for bringing this section of society to the
main stream.

Ultimately, the nation reaps the advantages of socialism.

The Government of India and various state Governments have been implementing various
programmes for rural upliftment. However, rural poverty and unemployment still persist in
the country. This problem is becoming severe and acute. The available latest statistics
relating to the Indian Economy indicates that about 26% of the total population in the
country belongs to the rural poor.

Considering the gravity and intensity of the problem, many Voluntary Development
Organisations (VDOs) have come forward with different programmes for the rural poor in
the country. These agencies undertake various innovative programmes and schemes to
address the issues of poverty and unemployment prevailing in our country.

Among the various programmes “Swarna Jayanti Grama Swarojgar Yojana” (SGSY) is an
important one. This programme was launched on 1st April, 1999, at 75: 25 costs sharing
between Central and State Governments.

The main objective of this programme is to bring the beneficiaries above the poverty line by
providing income generating assets to them through bank credit and government subsidy.
The Self-Help Groups (SHPs) are the major component of this scheme.

Women are a vital part of the Indian Economy, both at the national and the household levels.
They make one-third of the national labour force. Compared with their menfolk, Indian
women contribute a much larger share of their earnings to basic family maintenance with the
result that women’s earnings positively and immediately affect the incidence and the security
of poverty.
Despite all this, social conventions and gender ideology deprive them of the access to, and
control over, the resources which would enable them to increase their productivity. Women
form the backbone of agricultural operations and majority of agricultural labourers are
woman. Seventy to eighty percent of the field work is done by women.

Most post-harvest and processing tasks are their sole responsibility. They are heavily
involved in animal husbandry, particularly small livestock. About 85 percent of persons
engaged in dairy production are women. Since independence, government’s policy on
women’s development has taken varying types of emphasis: from the initial welfare oriented
approach to the current focus on development and empowerment.

The planning commission, with the aim of converging the benefits in the social and
economic development sectors for women in the Ninth plan, envisaged “inclusion of an
identifiable women component plan in the programmes of the respective ministries right
from the planning process, and to monitoring and implementation of programmes to ensure
the reach of benefits to women”.

The Ninth Plan Document (1997-2000) also laid emphasis on the participation of people in
the planning process, and the promotion of self-help groups. Self-Help Group (SHG) is a
homogeneous group of poor, women. This group is a voluntary one formed on areas of
common interest so that they can think, organise and operate for their development.

SHGs function on the basis of co-operative principles and provide a forum for members to
extent support to each other. It is considered is a means of empowerment. SHGs organise
very poor people who do not have access to financial system in the organised sector. In
groups, normally transparency and accountability are lacking.

However, in a group like SHG, they are ensured through collective action of the members.
This scheme mobilises the poor rural people especially women to form groups for mutual
benefits. SHGs play a crucial role in improving the savings and credit and also in reducing
poverty and social inequalities.
Objectives of SHG:
1. To inculcate the savings and banking habits among members.

2. To secure them from financial, technical and moral strengths.

3. To enable availing of loan for productive purposes.

4. To gain economic prosperity through loan/credit.

5. To gain from collective wisdom in organising and managing their own finance and
distributing the benefits among themselves.

6. To sensitize women of target area for the need of SHG and its relevance in their
empowerment.

7. To create group feeling among women.

8. To enhance the confidence and capabilities of women.

9. To develop collective decision making among women.

10. To encourage habit of saving among women and facilitate the accumulation of their own
capital resource base.

11. To motivate women taking up social responsibilities particularly related to women

development.

12. It acts as the forum for members to provide space and support to each other.

SHGs are considered as one of the most significant tools to adopt participatory approach for
the economic empowerment of women, SHG is a group of people that meets regularly to
discuss issues of interest to them and to look at solutions of commonly experienced
problems. The group may or may not be promoted by Government or non-Government
institutions.
The SHG is group of rural poor who have volunteered to organise themselves into a group
for eradication of poverty of the members. They agree to save regularly and convert their
savings into a common fund known as Group Corpus. The members of the group agree to
use this common fund and such other funds that they may receive as a group through a
common management.

Generally all members of the group should belong to families below the poverty line (BPL).
However, if necessary, a maximum of 20% and in exceptional cases, where essentially
required, upto a maximum of 30% of the members in a group may be taken from families
marginally above the poverty line (APL) living continuously with BPL families and if they
are acceptable to the BPL members of the group.

This will help the families of occupation groups like agricultural labourers, marginal farmers,
and artisans marginally above the poverty line, or who may have been excluded from the
BPL list to become members of the SHG. However, the APL member will not be eligible for
the subsidy under the scheme.

The group shall not consist of more than one member from the same family; a person should
not be a member of more than one group. The BPL families must actively participate in the
management and decision making, which should not ordinarily be entirely in the hands of
AIM, families. Further, APL members of the SHG shall not become office bearers (Group
Leader, Assistance Group leader or Treasurer) of the group.

The group should devise a code of conduct (Group management norms) to bind itself. This
should be in the form of regular meetings (weekly or fortnightly) functioning in a democratic
manner allowing free exchange of views, participation by the members in the decision
making process. The group should be able to draw up an agenda for each meeting and take
up discussions as per the agenda.

The SHGs broadly go through three stages of evolution such as:

I. Group formation.

II. Capital formation (through the revolving fund).

iii. Skill development and taking up of economic activity for income generation.

As SHG are formed under the Swarna Jayanti Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY), for SHGs subsidy
would be 50 percent of the project cost subject to a ceiling of Rs. 1.25 lakh or per capital
subsidy of Rs. 10,000 which-ever is less. There is no monetary ceiling on subsidy for minor
irrigation projects for SHGs as well as individual swarojgaris (self employed).

The SHGs may consist of 10-20 members and in case of minor irrigation, and in case of
disabled persons and difficult areas, i.e. hilly, desert and sparsely populated areas, this
number may be a minimum of five. Self Help Groups should also be drawn from the BPL
list approved by the Gram Sabha.

Since the inception of the programme of SGSY (1st April, 1999) 22.52 lakh self-help groups
have been formed covering 66.97 lakh swarojgaries. These include 35.54 lakh members of
the SHGs and 31.43 lakh Individual swarojgaries who have been assisted with a total
investment of Rs. 14403.73 crore. Out of total swarojgaries assisted, SCs/STs were 45.54
percent and women 47.85 percent. During 2006-07, the central allocation scheme Is Rs. 1200
crore.
Why Are They Needed?

Let’s look at the poverty circle. Women have always been given a secondary status – be it at
home or in society. Women still remain poorest of the poor and can never break free from
this cycle. Above all, a poor woman is vulnerable, insecure and lacks knowledge.
Why Are Women Not Empowered?
They lack four basic things:

1. Knowledge

2. Finance

3. Power

4. Opportunity

Self-help groups fulfil the four criteria cited – thereby making them financially stable and also
granting them a sense of empowerment.

Here, I would like to share another excerpt from Dr Yunus’ book:

“Women experience hunger and poverty in much more intense ways than men. If one of the
family members have to starve it is an unwritten law that has to be the mother.

A poor woman in our society is totally insecure – insecure at her husband’s house… She is
insecure in her in-laws’ house for the same reason she was in her parents’ house…”

She has nothing to call her own. She cannot read and write and it is possible that she has never
been allowed out of her house to earn money, even when she wanted to. So, when she is given even
the smallest opportunity, she struggles extra hard to get out of poverty to build up her financial
security.

Let me share a real-life story with you.

She worked as a sweeper and used to clean the area around a bank. She saved a very small amount
of money (₹10) in the same branch every day for 11 years. Her persistent approach ensured that
she had savings for the bad days. Today, she has her own house in Pune, with savings worth ₹11
lakh.

This is the story of Anuradha Tai. More importantly, we also want a million other empowered
women in rural India to have such a story.
Advantages of SHG

◆Regular Attendance Increases Self-Efficacy:Self-efficacy is the belief that people have in

their own ability to achieve goals.

◆Provides Participants With Social Contact:Living in recovery can be quite isolating,

especially in early recovery. It is not healthy for people to continue to have relationships with
the friends they had when they were drinking or using who shared that lifestyle. It is simply
too tempting to slip into old habits again.

◆Decreases The Odds Of A Relapse:Attending group meetings, getting support from other
members, and seeing for themselves that a sober lifestyle can be achieved over a long term in
spite of life stresses is inspiring to members.

◆Open To Everyone:No special preparation or knowledge is required to attend a self help

group. They welcome anyone who suffering and is in need of help. It doesn’t matter if a
participant in the group has had a setback or relapse. Group members can come back and
start again.
 DISADVANTAGE:

-♂You may lack the perspective to properly understand the nature of your issues. Your
ability to help yourself will only be as good as your ability to be objective and clear about
what the nature of your issues is. It is notoriously difficult to sort out, on your own, what
your issues are really about. You may lack enough objectivity and perspective to make a true
and accurate assessment or judgment concerning your own issues at this point.
♂You may lack the knowledge of how to fix your issues. Even if you are able to be objective
and accurate about the nature of your issues, you are still faced with the challenge of figuring
out how to solve them.
♂ You may lack the motivation or will-power to stick to a self-help plan. There is a final
issue as well. Even if you know what to do to solve your problem, you aren't always able to
stick to your plan and follow through well enough to benefit from your plan. Creating and
maintaining the motivation necessary to stick to a self-help plan can be a very difficult thing
to accomplish.
CHALLENGES FACED BY ORGANISATION
Women play an important role in society. Inspite of the fact that their contribution to the
country’s development is equal to that of men, women still face a number of challenges that
averts them from utilizing their full potential. Currently, women in India face a multitude of
health problems, which ultimately affect the aggregate economy’s output. While addressing
the gender, class and ethnic disparities that exist in healthcare, the Tanishka Foundation is
working towards providing better medical and healthcare facilities; which will further
contribute to the economy by creating quality human capital and increased levels of savings
and investment.
 CONCLUSION BASED ON PROJECT

To conclude, I recapitulate that I undertook this project with the following

objectives
To study the factor that determine women empowerment.
To analyze womens perception on empowerment at the group as well as
individual level.
To explore their awerness with respect to laws,policies and programmes.
To find out the impact of self help group on society
The exercise of undergoing this project work has only resulted in academic
fulfilment of my objectives but it is also resulted in my acquiring the first hand
experience about women empowerment.

Its designing, developing operation usage and advantages as well as various

difficulties faced problem scenario and steps taken to overcome them.