Date:27/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/27/stories/2008092759540600.htm

Tamil Nadu

State SHGs serve as role model: Stalin

Special Correspondent

ARIYALUR: The self-help group movement in Tamil Nadu was serving as a model for the entire country and the SHGs have inspired the confidence of bankers through their good track record of repayment, Local Administration Minister M. K. Stalin said here on Friday.

Indian Bank, one of the leading nationalised banks, has advanced Rs.1,824 crore to about 2.57 lakh SHGs across the country till June 30, 2008 and of this, Rs.1058 crore has been advanced to 1.46 lakh SHGs in Tamil Nadu. This was ample proof for the confidence reposed on the SHGs by bankers, he said speaking at a function to mark the distribution of revolving funds to SHGs and the inauguration of various development schemes.

Mr. Stalin laid the foundation stone for the new Collectorate building to be constructed here at a cost of Rs.16.23 crore, laid the foundation stone for the Jayamkondam Combined Drinking Water Supply Scheme to be executed at a cost of Rs.26.06 crore and also launched the e-district project.

The 3.70 lakh self-help groups in the State with over 59 lakh members had a total savings of about Rs.1,826 crore.

Union Minister for Communications and Information Technology A. Raja said Perambalur and Ariyalur districts have been fully provided potable water supply from the Cauvery river.

The government medical college at Perambalur would function next year and the engineering college at Ariyalur has already come up. A new building for the Superintendent of Police in Ariyalur would be sanctioned soon.