The Goa Legislative Assembly witnessed a discussion on the sustainability and performance of women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs), with legislators questioning how many groups that have received financial assistance are actually self-reliant.
Raising the issue during the Assembly proceedings, MLA Delilah Lobo pointed out that a total of ₹468 crore in loans has been provided to Self-Help Groups so far. She questioned how many of these groups are currently active and financially self-sustaining.
Lobo stressed the need for a proper assessment of the functioning of SHGs and called for better facilities to help women market and sell their products through digital platforms.
She said providing access to digital marketing and other market facilities could help women entrepreneurs expand their businesses and become financially independent.
MLA Viresh Borkar criticised the expenditure on events associated with promoting SHGs, arguing that the funds could instead have been utilised to create proper markets and facilities for women.
He questioned whether the money spent on events could have been better used to establish permanent market infrastructure that would directly benefit SHG members.
Responding to the discussion, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said the situation before 2014 should also be considered while assessing the Government’s efforts towards women’s empowerment.
Sawant said the BJP-led Government has taken several measures aimed at empowering women and supporting their economic participation.
