Our Key Initiatives

Sakh-Se-Vikas (SSV)

Launched by Tata Trusts in 2003, the SAKH-SE-VIKAS (SSV) initiative focuses on promoting Self-Help Groups (SHGs), clusters, and federations to address the savings and credit needs of marginalized communities in Rajasthan. These community institutions, known for their financial sustainability and strong governance, achieve self-reliance within 4-5 years.

As the nodal agency, the Centre for Microfinance (CmF) provides technical support to implementing partners and SHG federations, fostering partnerships with banks to enhance credit flow. Since 2013, through the Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojna (MKSP), CmF has expanded its focus to agriculture and dairy development, improving livelihoods for SHG members.

With the advent of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), SSV federations have partnered with the State Mission, leveraging over ₹22 crores in seed capital and livelihood funds. As of March 2016, SSV reached 98,721 members across 7,682 SHGs, 582 Village Organizations, and 29 federations in 27 blocks of 8 districts, with ₹57.9 crores in SHG savings and ₹63 crores in bank loans.

Key Achievements:

• Agriculture Outreach: Reached 26,641 women farmers (Kharif) and 13,638 farmers (Rabi), surpassing targets.

• Krishi Sakhis: Trained 820 community cadres to demonstrate improved agricultural practices and conduct farmer schools.

• Collective Procurement: SHG federations facilitated Agri-input procurement and distribution through 428 Krishi Pathshalas, equipped with tools for rent.

Impact:

• Adoption Rates: Over 85% adoption of recommended practices by women farmers.

• Yield Increase: 25-60% higher yields in crops like pearl millet, maize, wheat, and mustard.

• Third-Party Validation: Crop yield assessments by Maharana Pratap University confirmed significant improvements.

• Community Cadre: 52% Krishi Sakhis and 60% Pashu Sakhis rated in the top category for knowledge and skills, with many now serving as trainers under NRLM.

SSV has transformed rural livelihoods, empowering women farmers and strengthening community institutions for sustainable development.

MPOWER- Mitigating Poverty in West Rajasthan

In September 2008, the Government of Rajasthan (GoR) and Tata Trusts signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to replicate the successful practices of the SAKH-SE-VIKAS (SSV) initiative under the MPOWER project, funded by the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), Rome. Since 2009, the Centre for Microfinance (CmF) has provided technical support to MPOWER, focusing on microfinance, livelihoods, knowledge management, and monitoring & evaluation.

CmF began with a baseline study in 2009 and focused on capacity building for 13 NGO partners across six districts of the Jodhpur division. The vegetable cluster approach, piloted in 2012, saw significant success and was expanded into a livelihoods cluster approach for agriculture, horticulture, and goat-based livelihoods. In 2012, CmF developed Sakh-Darpan, an online accounting and MIS software for SHGs, which became fully operational by 2015.

As of March 31, 2016, MPOWER covered 48,384 households organized into 4,608 SHGs (81% from Below Poverty Line families) and 428 Village Organizations. SHG savings and own funds totaled ₹16.54 crores, while bank loans and revolving funds amounted to ₹41.04 crores.

Focus in 2015-16:

• Village Organization (VO) Development: Conducted workshops and training to strengthen governance, operations, and integration with Panchayati Raj Institutions.

• SHG Audits: Completed audits of 4,410 SHGs by trained Community Resource Persons (CRPs).

• Livelihood Clusters: Expanded to include 19 new agriculture and 14 goat clusters, benefiting 13,168 households.

• Credit Mobilization: Facilitated ₹8.8 crores in bank credit and disbursed ₹6.85 crores in revolving funds to 829 SHGs.

• Capacity Building: Trained 266 SHG women as internal CRPs to strengthen 979 weak SHGs.

• Market Linkages: Developed connections for goat-based livelihoods and introduced diversified crop practices in drought-prone areas.

• Knowledge Sharing: Organized state-level workshops to scale up the livelihoods cluster approach under NRLM.

Impact:

• Women’s Empowerment: SHGs improved women’s decision-making abilities, mobility, and family standing, especially in conservative areas like Baitu.

• Crop Diversification: Introduced multi-crop practices in desert blocks to mitigate drought risks, benefiting 8,073 SHG members.

• Community Cadre: Refresher trainings enhanced the skills of book-keepers, Krishi Sakhis, Pashu Sakhis, and implementing partners.

MPOWER has significantly improved livelihoods, empowered women, and strengthened community institutions, paving the way for sustainable development in West Rajasthan.

Internet Saathi

An initiative by Tata Trusts and Google, implemented by the Centre for Microfinance (CMF) in collaboration with Manjari (Dholpur), Ibtada (Alwar), and Saheli Samiti (Dausa), the Internet Saathi Initiative aims to bridge the digital divide in rural India, particularly empowering women through digital literacy.

With over a billion people offline in India, rural areas face significant challenges in internet access, with only 11% penetration compared to 44% in urban areas. This digital exclusion limits access to information, markets, education, and government services, further marginalizing rural communities.

The initiative proposes a solution through Internet Carts—mobile units equipped with internet-enabled tablets—and Internet Saathis, local women trainers who educate communities on using the internet. Over four to five months, these carts and trainers provide hands-on training, enabling women to access information, improve livelihoods, and connect with opportunities.

The project is designed in phases, with each cycle monitored for learnings and improvements. Key outcomes include increased digital literacy, awareness of rights and entitlements, and community adoption of the internet as a vital resource.

By fostering digital inclusion, the Internet Saathi Initiative not only empowers women but also stimulates demand for internet services, paving the way for scalable and sustainable rural development.

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