SFT has been working in Chhota Udepur area since 1995. Hundreds of Self help Groups have been formed under various projects over the years. Some groups have done well and are linked to different income generation programs to suit their needs. But some have also been found not doing well for various reasons. SFT felt that these groups need to be strengthened by lending the kind of support they need at each level, so that finally they are able to function on their own.

70 such groups were identified which needed support to become independent. During the year, intensive work was done with 44 groups. 13 groups were met with on one to one bases and efforts were made to regularize them. They were given Rs. 84,785/- loan for seeds, manure, medicine, and children’s education. The same groups were also helped to make bank loan recovery of Rs. 2, 42,000/-. 17 other groups were helped with Rs. 4, 16, 575/- bank loan recovery. 40 groups were trained through 4 training programs in saving, internal lending and bank loan recovery. The input for strengthening of SHGs is paying off as their income and savings are increasing.