SKDRDP BC Trust ® had organized a profit distribution programme for self-help group members at Amruthavarshini Hall, Dharmasthala.

The Union Finance Minister Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the programme and said when the government and facilitators, such as Shri Kshethra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project Trust, come together, SHGs gain access to resources, credit, decision making and earning legitimate profit. Dharmasthala has been a pioneer in rural development activities in India. The trust’s initiatives had helped in empowering rural women in Karnataka. Some of the rural development initiatives tested here had been adopted by State governments across the country.

Chairman of NABARD K.V. Shaji said NABARD has been working with SKDRDP on various projects since 1982. The NABARD’s banking correspondent model of reaching credit to SHGs using SKDRDP as a credible partner has been hugely successful. The NABARD intends to emulate this model in other parts of the country.

Rev. Shri.  D. Veerendra Heggade, President of SKDRDP, said the profit distribution programme is a proof that if all the groups work in discipline, it will be beneficial. 62% of the 55 lakh members were women.

The profit earned by SHG members range between Rs. 26,000 and Rs. 10,000. The 12 members of Dhanyashree SHG from Belthangady received a cheque for Rs. 1,90,108, while 13 members of Shrinidhi SHG from Kundapur received 1.3 lakh. The 11 members of Shankara Sangha SHG from Hospete received Rs. 61,840, 12 members of Apoorva SHG from Anekal received Rs. 50,820, the 10 members of Ahad Sangha SHG from Kanapur received Rs. 71,420, and members of Roshan Sangha SHG from Hassan received Rs. 69,367.

Matrushree Hemavathi V. Heggade, President of Jnanavikasa, Capt. Brijesh Chowta, MP, Harish Poonja, Belthangady MLA, and Pratap Simha Nayak, MLC, Sri. Anil Kumar S S, Chief Executive Officer of SKDRDP BC Trust ®, Regional Directors, Directors and Project Officers, Staffs of SKDRDP and more than 5000 SHG members were present in the programme.