Date:24/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/07/24/stories/2006072416650700.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Aspiring entrepreneurs to be given micro credit

Staff Reporter

Arya Vysya Sabha to provide financial assistance to students

The Tamil Nadu Arya Vysya Maha Sabha past president Hari Prasad; chairman of GRT Group G. Rajendran; chairman of the Sabha's Madras district unit R. Murali; and State president G. Kasthuri Rangan at the office-bearers' installation function in Chenna i on Friday. — Photo: R. Ragu

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Arya Vysya Maha Sabha will extend micro credit facility to aspiring entrepreneurs, said R. Murali, chairman of the Madras district unit of the sabha. He said this was one among the several projects to be taken up by members this year.

Speaking at the office-bearers' installation ceremony held here on Sunday, Mr. Murali said financial assistance in the form of interest-free loans and scholarships would be provided to engineering and medicine students.

The sabha would set up an employment exchange and conduct health camps frequently. "We also plan to place over a 100 hundis at prominent places to collect funds," he said.

Members also proposed to organise cultural shows, picnics and sports meets on a regular basis.

Established in the early eighties, the sabha has been involved in social welfare activities.

State president of the sabha G. Kasthuri Rangan said more persons from the community had to get involved in politics and civil services. "We should also try and get our community listed as one among the backward communities," he said.

He urged women to actively participate in the various projects of the sabha.

GRT group chairman G. Rajendran, who was chief guest, lauded members for conceiving innovative projects.