Revised grant-assistance for SHGs

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) has revised guidelines for promotional grants. NGOs, regional rural banks, district central cooperative banks, farmers’ club and individual rural volunteers fall under the purview of this revision.

The government and Nabard are keen on the proliferation of self help groups (SHGs), especially in the hilly districts of Himalayan region.

According to the revised guidelines, grant assistance has been altered to Rs 4,500 for SHGs having 15 to 20 members, from Rs 3,000 for 10 to 20 members. For hilly districts of the northeastern region, it has been increased to Rs 5,000 for SHGs having 5 members and above and for hilly districts of Himalayan region maximum of Rs 5,000 for similar SHGs. A new category of tough district has been introduced where an assistance of Rs 6,000 for SHGs of 15 to 20 members will be provided.