The Hindu 21.12.2010
District specialities at SHG expos
| Products of 350 SHGs belonging to 32 districts are on display |
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.
