Kolkata, Oct 15 (UNI) The West Bengal Government has decided to give a total of Rs 5,000 crore to self-help groups (SHG) across the State. The scheme has been named ‘Jago’. A theme song has also been created to popularise it. The money would be distributed among the approximately 10 lakh SHGs spread across the length and breadth of Bengal.
Since each SHG has an average of 10 women as members, this scheme would directly benefit about one crore women. Through the efforts of the Trinamool Congress Government, the number of SHGs has increased massively, creating economic opportunities for rural women.
While there were 4.72 lakh groups in 2011, in 2019, the number has increased to 9.69 lakh. Another significant figure is the total loan taken by these groups, which is used for various income-generating activities. While it was Rs 553 crore in financial year (FY) 2011-12, in FY 2018-19, it had gone up to Rs 7,000 crore.
