Members of women SHGs turn entrepreneurs at Karaikal port

A total of 107 members of women Self Help Groups have become proud entrepreneurs inside the MARG Karaikal port premises after a livelihoods initiative launched in 2010, a top official said.
Under 'Uzhaikum Karangal', the livelihood scheme launched by MARG Karaikal Port for women SHG members, they have taken up ventures like running coffee shops, photocopy kiosks, mobile recharge and other outlets inside the port premises.
The port provides them space free of cost. Other equipments to run the businesses are being given on rental basis and the women earn well now to support their families, M L N Acharyalu, Executive Director, Marine Infrastructure, MARG Group, said.

The scheme, launched in June of 2010 with 22 members has gained momentum with over 107 women from Keezhavanjore and Melavanjore villages in Karaikal district gaining direct benefits, he said.
A large number of workers, truck drivers, vendors and members of the public visit the port every day and the women SHGs now provide important peripheral services, he added.
"The members of SHGs were quick enough to take up leadership role and pro-actively grabbed opportunities offered to them to improve their family incomes and create alternate sources of livelihood," he said.
K N Ramesh, Chief Operating Officer, said the scheme launched under the Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of the port had proved successful and such activities would be continued for overall development of the local area.