SAMVARDHAN Programme (DFID)

The SAMVARDHAN Programme has successfully empowered women slum dwellers in Purnea through collective organization, skill development, and access to resources, leading to improved livelihoods and enhanced community resilience.
Impact Story

Overview

Project Name

SAMVARDHAN Programme

Funding Agency

DFID (Department for International Development, UK) and Government of Bihar

Duration

Completed in October 2013

Target Group/Beneficiaries

Over 70,000 slum dwellers

Implementation

  • Approach: Focused on forming Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Neighbourhood Groups (NHGs) to facilitate collective action and access to resources.

Objectives

To empower women slum dwellers through social development, poverty alleviation, and livelihood enhancement.

Activities and Achievements

  • Formation of Groups:

    • Established 300 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) consisting of 10-20 women each, along with 614 Neighbourhood Groups (NHGs) and 82 Samuhik Vikas Samitis (SVS).

    • Engaged 1,228 Resident Consumer Volunteers (RCVs) to promote consumer awareness and rights.

  • Capacity Building:

    • Conducted training sessions on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and skill development to enhance the economic capabilities of women.

    • Provided access to microfinance and credit facilities to support income-generating activities.

  • Community Impact:

    • Empowered women to become active participants in their communities, improving their socio-economic status and fostering self-reliance.

    • Enhanced awareness of consumer rights and access to essential services, contributing to overall community development.

Support and Interventions

Support from DFID was instrumental in providing the necessary resources and technical expertise for the programme.