The Hindu 21.12.2010
District specialities at SHG expos
Staff Reporter
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Products of 350 SHGs belonging to 32 districts are on display |
— Photo: M. Vedhan
Colourful array:Deputy Chief Minister M.K. Stalin tries a hat at the
exhibition of SHG products at Annai Theresa Women’s Complex near
Valluvar Kottam on Monday.
CHENNAI: Specialities from all districts of the State were brought
together at the two exhibitions of products made by self-help groups,
which opened in the city on Monday.
Deputy Chief Minister M.K.Stalin inaugurated the exhibitions in the
Annai Theresa Women’s Complex near Valluvar Kottam and Thanthai Periyar
Community Hall at Anna Nagar West.
The Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women is organising the
exhibitions that feature products of 350 SHGs belonging to 32
districts. With an enticing assortment of products made from jute,
aloevera fibre, terracotta and palm leaves, the exhibitions offer
eco-friendly choices for visitors.
While the exhibition at Annai Theresa Women’s Complex has 38 stalls, the one at Anna Nagar has 32 stalls.
D.Devi from Karur, dealing in cloth bags and home linen, said “I earn
Rs.150 daily. Joining SHG has made me economically independent. I also
contribute to the family income. Our group makes different items
according to the customers’ demand.” Many SHGs have explored new
concepts and designs, which is evident from the items, including
Christmas tree decorations in jute and palm and bangles made of palm, on
display.
Some of the products featured are powerloom saris, artificial
jewellery, wooden artefacts, soft toys, bags and ceramic items. At Annai
Theresa Women’s Complex, demonstrations of doll making and embroidery
attracted the visitors. G.Valarmathi of Tiruvallur, said, “I learnt
embroidery when I was 10-years-old. Now, I am exporting saris to other
countries such as Nigeria and earn Rs.300 daily. Making embroidery on a
sari would need ten persons’ labour for a day.” Mr.Stalin who launched
exhibition said such exhibitions were being held in districts too.
Members of SHGs must make use of such opportunities to sell their wares.
Officials of the Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women said
the complex at Nungambakkam would soon have a permanent sales showroom
of SHG products. The participants would be given training in marketing
and customer service at the exhibitions. There are nearly 76.67 lakh
members in the 4.86 SHGs created across the State, they said.
Principal Secretary to Rural Development and Panchayat Raj department
K.Alauddin, Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women managing
director K.Gopal and Vazhndhu Kaatuvom project director Dheeraj Kumar
participated.
While the exhibition at the complex near Valluvar Kottam will be on
open till January end, the one at Anna Nagar will conclude on January 18
between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.