KOCHI: An Angamaly-based non-governmental organisation (NG), Sevashram, which has several novel projects to its credit, is set to enter a new phase of activity. The NGO, having scores of workers engaged in various self-sustaining schemes in different districts, is planning to form a public limited company for its organic products division.

The organisation moots to raise a capital of Rs.3 crore for the company, to be known as Swasraya Organic Products. The shares are to be distributed among its members and workers associated with various projects undertaken by it. The plan is to offer 30,000 shares of Rs.1,000 each.

The shares can be returned to the company, but they can not be traded. There will be facility for taking loans up to 85 per cent of the face value of the shares. While most companies that raise capital from the market utilise the money raised from the people for launching operations, the new company has begun its activities two years ago, according to Kuriakose Mampilly, chief of Sevashram. A seven-member Director Board will look after the affairs of the company. The new venture will enable all those associated with the present project to have a share in the profit. The dividends will be disbursed periodically, according to him.

One of the successful projects undertaken by the NGO is the Swasrayagram. It encompasses a coconut-based chain of activities. Coconuts are collected by the members and converted into copra by means of coconut dryers. The drying process involves blowing of hot air from a blower. This ensures that the product is free from contaminants such as carbon or smoke. Coconut oil is extracted using expeller, packed and sold. The husk is converted into coir fibre and coir is made on motorised equipment.

The organisation also makes value-added products such as vinegar, chips, jaggery, coconut cream and coconut milk. These products are sold by the organisation's own volunteers.

The direct sales system adopted by the organisation helps the buyer as well as the producer. Buyer-seller meets are also arranged to avoid middlemen in deals.

Sevashram has been successfully making vermicompost from waste materials generated at home. Specially designed containers are used for preparing the compost, which is sold as manure.

Yet another project of the organisation is a home for the aged. The project envisages construction of old age homes at Pullani at a site surrounded by fields and streams. There will be common facilities like library apart from regular medical check-up for the needy.

Sevashram, in association with the Life Insurance Corporation, has been engaged in enrolling people in the `Janasree-Bima Sikshak Sahayog Yojna.' The scheme envisages insurance cover to those who pay an annual premium of Rs.100. The Union Government will remit an equal sum towards the premium. In case of accidental death of the insured, the family will get Rs.50,000. There is also provision for providing education aid to the children.

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