Twelve women of Basantpada village came forward to form a Self Help Group in June 2005. At first these women showed no interest in saving money regularly. But after continuous dialogue with them, we were able to convince them to come for the group meetings and save Rs. 100/- per month. Within six months they had Rs. 7,200/- in its account.

The group then started inter-loaning among the group members at 15% interest per annum. They started income generating activities like stitching leaf plates and rice husking.

On an average the group members were able to earn Rs. 1300-1700/- per month from these two activities. The group took a loan of Rs. 5000/- from SBI, Lanjigarh and repaid the same in just 10 months. Now the group has taken a loan of Rs. 60,000/- for leaf plate making in mass scale as there is huge demand in the locality. The group members are confident of repaying the loan in 2 years.

Basanti Mali, the president of the group, is a 34 year old lady living with her parents in Basantpada village. With the help of the SHG she has opened a grocery shop which has helped her earn Rs.1500/- on an average every month. Inspired by the benefits of group enterprises other women have come forward to join in. Now there are 3 SHGs functioning efficiently in the village. Basanti says-

"Becoming member of Maa Brindawati group has changed my life. I could never have thought that I would lead such an independent life, as I am living now."