Micro-Entrepreneurship @ Sanjay Nagar, Dewas

Usha Sharma lives with her husband and two sons in Sanjay Nagar, Dewas. Two decades back, her husband worked as a factory labourer. Her house was not properly constructed and susceptible to waterlogging during rains. She used to stitch blouses to meet the family expenses. But did not receive proper remuneration due to imperfections.

In 2004, when SNSF started forming self help groups with NABARD, Usha took keen interest and gathered 10 women and formed Sharada SHG. This was one of the first SHGs formed by SNSF in Dewas

Usha took an initial loan of ₹ 15K through SHG, purchased a sewing machine and improved her tailoring skills. She started readymade garments business and initially earned ₹ 2K-3K per month. From time to time she took loans from the SHG and purchased 7 sewing machines, and provided employment to other women in the community. Now 8-10 women work in shifts at Usha’s production unit

Now all of Usha’s family members are involved in the  garment business and the family has a monthly income of ₹ 60K from an earlier ₹5K (1100%).

The journey of Usha and her family from struggling to make ends meet to becoming one of the prosperous families in their area is a testament to their resilience, hard work, and they are thankful to SNSF for all the facilitation.