Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas (DWCRA)- A Microfinance Success Story in Andhra Pradesh
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Case Code: ECON011 Case Length: 14 Pages Period: 1980 - 2003 Pub Date: 2003 Teaching Note: Available |
Price: Rs.300 Organization : Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas (DWCRA) Industry : Microfinance Countries : India Themes: - |
Abstract Case Intro 1 Case Intro 2 Excerpts
Functioning of DWCRA
In September 1982, the Government of India (GOI) launched the DWCRA program under the Integrated Rural Development Program (IRDP). The program was started in 50 districts (all over India) on a pilot basis. This was the first rural development program which focused entirely on the development of women and children. In addition to implementing welfare schemes for rural women, DWCRA also aimed at involving the women in development activities by organizing them into groups. Besides, it focused on social issues such as health, education, sanitation, nutrition and safe drinking water in rural areas (Refer Table I for objectives of DWCRA).
The administrative set-up of DWCRA involved five levels - village, block, district, state and national (Refer Figure I). At the village level, self help groups (SHGs) popularly known as DWCRA groups were formed. Generally, each DWCRA group had 15-20 women members. Every group chose a leader, called the organizer, who conducted group meetings and maintained the group's accounts.
Initially, the focus of the groups was on saving money. Most of the groups started with the motto - 'save a rupee per day.' Every month, the savings were deposited at the post office or in the banks. The groups also extended credit to needy members from their savings. While in general, DWCRA groups met once a month, some groups got together more often.
At these monthly meetings, groups decided on the targets regarding the amount to be saved, the rules and regulations regarding loans, and the interest rate charged on the loans. A group which successfully achieved its savings target became eligible for availing of credit from the bank for starting income generation activity. Based on their skills, the group members collectively decided on the income generation activity that they would undertake. At the monthly meetings, these women also discussed their problems and tried to find solutions. The state government deployed a gram sevika (village coordinator) for every village to oversee the implementation of the DWCRA program.
The DWCRA program was funded by both the central and the state governments in the ratio of 75:25 respectively. In addition, every DWCRA group could avail of a revolving fund4 of Rs 15,000 to meet its capital expenditure such as purchase of machinery. The total amount of the revolving fund was shared equally by both the central and state governments. In 1994-1995, the amount was increased to Rs. 25,000...
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