PRACHODANA started its community development activities by forming women Self-Help Groups (SHGs). SHGs are financial intermediary committees of 12-20 members of one local area. Money is saved every week by everyone from their earnings and accumulated and lend to members as a loan. This empowers women and develops their financial sustainability among the poor and needy.
PRACHODANA formed it's first women Self-Help Group at Dudda R.S., Hassan in the year 1994. Then with the support of NABARD we promoted six more SHGs in the neighbouring villages. Initiating this SHG promotion activities, we fostered 1600 Women Self Help Groups totally in two Districts, Hassan and Kodagu supported by NABARD, by Hassan Zila Panchayath, by Kodagu Zila Panchayth, under the SGSY Scheme and with the support of CAPART, Dharwad.
Around 28,800 poor family members became members and benefited from the SHGs. All 1600 SHGs were linked with the local banks and mobilized loan facilities from banks worth of Rs. 50,000 till 10,00,000 three times. Crores amount was saved by the SHG members. They rotate for the credit lending among the members.
PRACHODANA got selected by NABARD for the state award for the best performance in promotion and linkage of SHGs in 2001-2002.