Rural Trading Services: Enabling sustainable livelihood

Local industry and local entrepreneurship are two relevant matters under national economy. Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company has tried to empower women in Sakhi Mandals (women SHGs) of Gujarat. It has made efforts to develop the skills like Knowledge, ideas for new product, skills required for business, level of confidence, optimistic attitude  for  starting business by giving them training and facilities to join in sustainable livelihood.

Women are worried about security instead of taking risk of starting new business. Thus, they are hesitant to start an independent business. GLPC-Porbandar team effected convergence with primary education department under the guidance of hon. District Development Officer and Director-DRDA. Primary education department has allowed selling stationery to children in school premises by Sakhi Mandal member and given an opportunity to earn money.

With this innovative scheme, under taluka pilot project of rural trading services, 127 livelihood was generated by selling stationery. 127 Sakhi Mandal members are connected to primary schools in the district for stationery selling. Schools have given related facilities to Sakhi Mandal member like table and chair for selling of stationery.

With this activity SM member can additionally earn Rs.1000/- to Rs.1500/- per month by giving only 45 minutes per day.

Porbandar district has provided an illustration of livelihood creation by coordination with other government departments with such convergence.

Animal Husbandry: Enabling Gender Equality

It was with the proposal of the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation that a residential training programme was started for women at the Anand Agricultural University. The only criterion set to undergo the training was that women should know to read and write.

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Women, especially in rural areas have traditionally managed their homes alongside taking care of household animals. Only, their contributions have never received economic valuation and due recognition. In Gujarat, however women play a key role in the financial management of the household as well. Their contribution to Animal Husbandry is one such example.

An increase in the number of cattle has increased the state's capacity to  handle growing demands, even co-operative societies have set up vital training sessions which help women  improve  their Animal husbandry skills.  It is these efforts that have seen Gujarat increase its milk productivity by 65%.

“There was a notion that a woman cannot take care of animals, and she would find it difficult to help nurture the growth of an animal. But all this has changed, by inducing confidence  that they can indeed do it.”, said Dr. Ankita Killedar, Research Scientist and Head, Reproductive Biology Research Unit, Anand Agriculture University.

It was with the proposal of the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation that a residential training programme was started for women at the Anand Agricultural University. The only criterion set to undergo the training was that women should know to read and write.

“The direct result of taking care of animals with sensitivity is an overall increase in milk production.”

The training gives priority  to the trainees getting hands-on training in the nitty-gritties involved in animal husbandry.

“These include calf rearing, details on timely breeding of animals and steps to be taken while pregnancy.” explained Dr. Ankita as some of the factors on which the women are given training.

The training also equips women about the feeding habits of cattle; details as to how much and what to feed the cattle, the proportion in which grass is to be cut, clean milk production and tips on vaccination are also given.

The training focuses on the best possible integration of technology into increasing the productivity of milk; this has resulted in positive results.

The Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation with the help of its unions carries out the selection process of the women capable of attending the training programme.

“We train and empower many tribal women from Navsari and Surat Dairies as well.” added Dr. Ankita

The direct result of training women is an increase in Milk production, and now women also understand what it takes to protect and take care of their animals.

Duliben Somabhai Patel, who underwent the training a couple of years ago attributes her ability to  integrate technology into animal husbandry to the training program.

“I take care of 20 cows now. The systematic approach learnt in the training has given us a way to deal with and take care of animals.  Knowing  the feeding habits of the cattle has helped. Importantly, integrating technology has helped in increasing milk production by over 25%,” explained Duliben. 

Amritaben agrees that the training has helped them understand the methods in which animals could be taken care of.

“The direct result of taking care of animals with sensitivity is an overall increase in milk production.” she added.

(The article was originally published in 'The Gujarat'  Quarterly, Issue 11, July, 2013)

'Dress Making' activity changed the life of Jay Parmatma Sakhi Mandal

The case of Jay ParmatmaSakhi Mandal undertaking tailoring  activity in Dhamani village of Dharampur block of Valsad district located at about 51 Km from the district headquarters demonstrates how successful the rural women could be as small entrepreneurs if necessary training and credit are provided to them along with some guidance and encouragement.

Group Formation and Functioning :

Eleven members of Dhamani village came together and formed into a SHG called Jay Parmatma in the year 2009. They met once in a month and contributed savings at the rate of Rs.50 per month. Later, they were provided training for tailoring activity in Dharampur Block office, under SGSY scheme  for one  months during Feb-2011.

All the members of Jay Parmatma possessed un-irrigated agricultural land ranging between one and two acres.They run their families utilizing the income earned by their husbands, who were the sole bread earner of their families. Thus, managing the household expenses was always a major problem. At times, members had to cut down  their  food expenses in order to meet the children's education. Members were in the wake of this severe financial crunch.All women members of this group belonged to ST caste. Eight  members had some education up to 10^th class and three members were illiterate. They were all aged between 20 and 40 years.

Initiation into Tailoring Activity:

During the training which was conducted in 2011-12, they could pick up the skills with much ease as they possessed right aptitude for the task on account of their familiarity with stitching activity earlier. Noticing their enthusiasm, DRDA provided them revolving fund of Rupees Five thousand and also provided an opportunity to make use of the same machine on which they were given training to make dress and stitch the sarees for certain period. Two of them also visited private tailor for advance skills.

Functioning of the dress-making unit :

In convergence with DIC under Manav Kalyan Scheme, SHG were provided with  stitching machines. Also they procured raw manterial i.e cloth worth Rs. 5000/- and other materials/ equipment such as tables, boxes, etc., from Dharampur block of Valsad district,Gujarat. Members stitch products at their own residence and later collect it together.Bank also sanctioned cash credit of Rs. One lakh under Mission Mangalam Scheme,Government of Gujarat

They sell the product at gram haat at retail price and take orders to make  school uniform. They also sell their products based on the customised needs of the clients.

Regarding the main constraints encountered in the trade, they felt that apart from inadequate finance towards working capital requirements, irregular electricity supply is impeding their production. They have to go to different places to sell their products. To overcome the problems in marketing, they are planning to explore options to open a stall  in district headquarter.

Impact :

The manufacturing of dress and stitching activity  has certainly contributed to some addition to their household income in the sense that they could get gainful employment without moving from their village. It has also increased the self-confidence of members and boosted their self-esteem to some extent. They could now interact with the strangers, meet the officials to get the orders and market their products with much ease. They could now proudly proclaim themselves as small entrepreneurs who could succeeded in their collective venture and stand as a model to other rural women interested to pursue such activities. 

The Stage of Bhavai

The elegant art of theater

India is a country known for her rich of art forms. Literature, Music, Dance and Theatre being the foremost forms of artistic traditions combine to form a source of rich story-telling. These art forms were of prime importance to the society as they exhibited not just the people's religious faith but also depicted the ill effects of social stigmas.

Gujarat, a land of immense cultural importance, has its own dance theatres, of which Bhavai is one of the most prominent. The historical importance of Bhavai is established from the fact that it is said to have originated out of a major political event of the time.

Bhavai was started in the 14th Century by Asaait, a scholar in dance and music, with the help of his three sons. The aim of the theatre was to educate people and society while entertaining them. It thus concentrated more on the plots (called Vesh) that were 'popular' and appended a social message to them. Some of the most popular Veshas included the Ram Leela, based on the mythology of Ramanaya and Kaan-Gopi (based on stories of Lord Krishna).

Primarily, Bhavai was dedicated to the Goddess Amba and even today, during the Navratri festival, it is performed at the famous Amba temple near Mount Abu. The connection with the Goddess is in the name 'Bhavai' itself. Etymologically, it contains two Sanskrit words – ­Bhav meaning Universe and Aai meaning mother; and together meaning, Mother of the Universe –Amba. However, it is also said that Bhavai is called so because it is performed through Bhav­­ -Sanskrit word for 'Expression'.

It is said that Asaait produced 360 Veshas, out which, only 60 have survived. The artists are known as ­Bhavaiyaasand Naayaks.  Bhavai more or less retained its original purpose, but one of the branches is said to have off shot to a more contemporary form which focused mainly on entertainment and lost its sheen subsequently. 

One of the most interesting facts of Bhavai is that it is performed only by males – even the female parts. The women are only spectators. The Bhavai artists travel and perform for eight months in a year. The villagers recognise the group when it enters the village and eagerly wait for the sounds of Bhungal (a longer form of Bugle) which signals the start of the performance.

Bhavai is an extremely simple form of theatre when considered in terms of production requirements. It is not dependent on heavy stage, lights and theatrical assistances and is performed in the available open space. Historically, it didn't have rules as such, but with time, certain practices have become common to it. For example, the portrayal of famous historical personalities has become a cult. Thus the Naayaks do not build the characters in the plot as they are recognised by their dresses and props. The only musical instruments used are Drums, cymbals and Sarangi. Thus, it can be said that the brilliance of this art form can be attributed to its sheer focus on acting, which obviously requires tremendous energy on part of the actors.

Colours of Expression: A Bhavai artist getting ready for the show

Through humour, the dance form conveys special social messages, reflecting on social injustice, caste stigmas, etc. The Naayak is the chief protagonist and he is assisted by a Jester. The main humour comes from Ranglo or Ranglee who lights up the audience through his hilarious acts.

Bhavai became popular in the courts of feudal lords and nawabs of the time. During this time, the Naayak – Bhavaiyaas prospered. But with the onset of advanced contemporary theatre, slowly but gradually, Bhavai lost its prime place. The new theatres however owe many of their hit performances to it. It is important to mention here that the Government of Gujarat, recognising the importance of Bhavai as a key cultural tradition, has announced an assistance of `90 lakh for its benefit.

Bhavai is to be seen and not just read about. It is to be understood through its artistic representations. Any amount of writing shall not do justice to its beauty. The very history it originated from, the dedication of Naayaks, and their connect with the folks – the heritage it represents now, shows the strong will of the Bhavaiyyas who have preserved it for over 600 years – no amount of oral or written material can fully represent what Bhavai is, but Bhavai itself.

(The article was originally published in 'the Gujarat' quarterly, October, 2012 edition)

Poshina's Working Women Hostel: Strengthening Social Infrastructure

by,

Ravi Arora, IAS

DDO, Vadodara

With changing times though, rural women (including those from the tribal areas) are increasingly moving out of their houses and villages in search of work. The Government of Gujarat has taken a small but consequential step towards encouraging this positive trend.

Set in the tribal lands of the Arravallis, is a shining example of women’s empowerment and rural and tribal emancipation in Gujarat.

‘Poshina Working Women’s Hostel’ is the first ever rural working women’s hostel in Gujarat. Located in Khedbrahma Taluka of Sabarkantha district with a total area of 25,974 square feet and a built up area of 7007 square feet, this hostel caters to women who work in the rural areas away from their homes.

The idea behind this innovative project was to aid working women in the predominantly tribal areas. Commuting from far off places is an acute problem for women. It is worse when women have to leave their jobs after marriage or childbirth because of the long distances. Unlike urban towns and cities, houses on rent aren’t a common business practice in the rural area. A hostel for working women will thus prevent women from quitting jobs, and it will also serve to provide a hospitable, social environment for these working ladies to thrive.

The hostel has been built in a safe locality, with a local police station situated right opposite the campus. The residents are assured of police protection at all times. There is also a Health Centre and a School on either side of the Hostel campus. This would serve as an added benefit for residents, especially for those with children.

The hostel is two-storeyed, with 16 rooms, the Hostel Office, a Guest Room and a Common Room. It also has a separate kitchen and dining hall. The rooms have been built in accordance with state-of-the-art technology. Fully furnished elegant rooms will be given to the working women on twin-sharing basis, with bathrooms to be shared among few rooms.

The hostel also has facility for female relatives of the residents to stay overnight as guests on the campus. Apart from that, there is provision for all guests of the residents to visit them during the fixed visiting hours.

The running of the hostel will be the responsibility of the residents, without any outside interference in its activities. The kitchen is common where the residents can choose to cook for themselves or hire a cook. This would ideally ensure harmony among the residents, despite being from different castes and communities.

The extensive campus area can be developed into a garden, where the women can conduct meetings, Self Help Groups and other women-centred initiatives of their interest. The common room in the hostel building can also be used as a crèche during the day if the residents wish. If required, an Anganwadi Center can also be opened within the campus. The idea behind this is to develop the Hostel as a hub for rural women’s activities.

This Rs 71 Lakh project in Poshina was conceptualised by Sabarkantha District Panchayat team. 

(The article was originally published in 'the Gujarat' Vol - III, Issue - III, July, 2013)