In alignment with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, FSC collaborated with the
National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) to organize a 3-day workshop
focused on Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Micro-Finance. Held from 19–21 June 2008 in Lucknow,
this programme brought together 25 grassroots NGOs from Eastern Uttar Pradesh, many of which
serve economically weaker minority communities. The initiative empowered local organizations to build
sustainable micro-finance ecosystems.
Programme Objectives
- Raise awareness about micro-credit systems for grassroots development
- Promote SHG formation among community-based organizations
- Strengthen operational and financial literacy of NGO field workers
- Introduce best practices in record-keeping, SHG rating, and bank linkage
Key Highlights
- Inauguration: Mr. K.K. Manchanda (MD, NMDFC) and Maulana Zahir Ahmad Siddiqui (President, FSC)
- Expert facilitators: Representatives from NABARD, SIDBI, PANI, BIRD, SEWA, and Government
- Practical Field Visit: SHG clusters in Kasmanda (Sitapur district)
- Topics Covered: SHG models, NGO roles, financial systems, auditing, and success stories
Outcomes & Strategic Relevance
- Certificates awarded to all participants
- New SHG support network among NGOs formed
- Commitment for SHG scale-up in nearby blocks
- Pathway to community-owned micro-finance institutions
“Self-help begins with self-organization. This workshop planted the seeds for hundreds of future
community-based financial institutions.”
Long-Term Alignment
- Ministry of Minority Affairs’ Livelihood Missions
- NRLM (National Rural Livelihood Mission) principles
- NABARD & SIDBI SHG-Bank Linkage Model
- Sustainable Development Goal 8 – Decent Work & Economic Growth
- Atmanirbhar Bharat – Localized Financial Empowerment
Photo Highlights
