Special livelihood initiative for women SHGs launched in Thoothukudi

Collector K. Elambahavath launched a special livelihood initiative (SLI) scheme and its online platform for women self-help groups (SHGs), a joint programme of Thoothukudi district administration and aHOPE Solutions Private Limited, on Friday.

Speaking at the event, the Collector said that the programme aims to improve rural livelihoods, by engaging SHG’s in sustainable income-generating activities, particularly empowering women through financial assistance.

Under this initiative micro loans are being provided to SHG members for livestock-related business such as cattle rearing and poultry farming. These activities have been carefully selected to ensure quick returns and long term sustainability.

He noted that the scheme, with a funding at an outlay of around ₹170 crore, is being implemented under the leadership of Collector, and the funds will be disbursed through regulated financial channels to ensure complete transparency, accountability and effectiveness up to the beneficiary level.

Furthermore, aHOPE is a fintech company that provides end-to-end technical support for livelihood and financial inclusion projects. For Thoothukudi’s SLI, the company helps to digitally track all the activities of the entire project, from beneficiary registration to generating sustainable income, to marketing of products.

Deputy Collector (training) Magenthiran, aHOPE Solutions Private Limited Chairman Ajit Mathai and other officials were present.