Project Sakhi is a transformative initiative operating in the Lanjigarh Block of Kalahandi and Muniguda Block of Rayagada, impacting thousands of lives across 74 villages, 444 SHGs comprising 4,638 SHG women members. Project Sakhi is one of the oldest programs of Mahashakti Foundation, which was started way back in 2015. The Project Goal is to create 1,000 Lakhpati Didis in the inaccessible areas of the Lanjigarh and Muniguda Blocks, creating opportunities, providing handholding support, and facilitating linkages and convergence. The mission of the project is to address pressing challenges within communities through a multifaceted approach, emphasizing the quality of assistance and local engagement.
Project Sakhi expands its operational area to 74 villages of Lanjigarh and Muniguda blocks of Kalahandi and Rayagada Districts respectively. Multipronged strategies and activities, capacity building of SHG women members to undertake various Income Generating Activities and linkages with Govt. schemes resulted in 1,337 new Income generating activities started by SHGs leading to an increase in their monthly average income by INR 9,598.
Shaktimayee Foundation is providing fee-based support to SHG women in the entire value chain which paves inroads for its sustainability.
SAKHI
Social Security Welfare Schemes
In this fiscal year, 3,017 members covered under Social Security Services like Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), E-Shram Card, etc., were facilitated to the SHG members. Project Sakhi plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between government social security schemes and the beneficiaries. Out of the total, 64% of members have used the credits for agriculture-based livelihoods, and 23% of SHG members engaged themselves in dairy farming (agri-allied) as their primary economic activity. Furthermore, 13% of SHG members undertook non-farm activities. This inclusive approach facilitates multiple income-generating activities, driving economic empowerment among women.
Leveraging Government Resources
Project Sakhi strategically leverages government resources and converges with various programs, such as “Kutia Kandha Development Agency,” ICDS, Mission Shakti, Odisha Livelihood Mission, and others. This convergence has led to an increase in social capital, physical capital/assets, and economic opportunities for women. Notably, it has also resulted in sustainable development through the creation of durable assets and enhanced productivity. Out of the convergence effort, 486 SHG members have received INR 37,64,690 from the above-mentioned Govt departments to undertake agri-allied and non-farm business activities.
Training and Capacity Building
After need assessment, capacity building through various training programs is being done successfully. 120 SHG members in poultry farming and 50 fish farmers in improved fish farming techniques have been oriented and trained. Additionally, entrepreneurship development programs had been conducted for 30 Women SHG members, involving line department officials (NABARD, KVIC, DIC Agriculture, etc.) and banks, to enable women to undertake various enterprises for their livelihood.
