the goan I network
VASCO
Mormugao Municipal Council Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes was visibly upset on Tuesday after being informed that Self Help Groups (SHGs) applying for loans under various schemes of National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) were not being entertained by banks.
Fernandes has decided to take up the matter at an appropriate forum to discuss with the banks about loans to the SHGs.
The issue was raised at a one-day capacity building and training programme for SHGs in association with GSUDA at Janta Vachnalaya Hall, here. Bank officials from five nationalised banks were also present along with MMC Chairperson Kritesh Gaonkar and other councillors.
As many as 270 SHGs are registered with the MMC.
NULM Coordinator Celsa Antao said the mission was to ensure livelihood for women since getting jobs were difficult. “We have training in around 46 trades and in Mormugao we are running courses in 16 trades with around 300 beneficiaries. They are not only trained but also given placement under the scheme. SHGs are also given Rs 10,000 as revolving fund to start their own business. Besides this, loans from Rs 2-10 lakh are given to encourage employment,” said Antao.
However, Fernandes said some women had informed him that banks did not entertain loans under NULM. “Anyone who has a bank account can avail loans, but I am upset as I was given to understand that banks don’t entertain them for loans. I will approach the right forum to impress upon banks to help women members avail loans as part of the NULM schemes,” assured Fernandes.
Requesting women to avail the benefits of schemes, he said women empowerment was to be boosted by
providing all schemes at their doorstep.
