Kalinganagar SHG sets new benchmark

At a time when a cloud of uncertainty surrounds the future of the displaced families of the different mega projects proposed in Orissa, a group of women belonging to the Tata Steel Parivar, an organization consisting of the displaced families of the steel maker's Kalinganagar project, have created a successful business model.

These women belonging to the Dibyajyoti SHG have set a new benchmark in micro-entrepreneurship by creating the 'Maa Pickle' brand which is now a household name in Jajpur.

The SHG started off as Dibyajyoti Griha Udyog in 2008 with a loan of Rs 1.07 lakh from a nationalized bank by 12 women from displaced families.

Presently, the SHG has reached a turnover of Rs 2.3 lakh and has paid off the loan amount, thanks to the initiative shown by these women including Mansi Mahanta, secretary of the group.

Till two years back, Mansi was just another tribal housewife who lived in Kalamatia village. Despite being literate, Mansi's family members never encouraged her to have an independent earning.