Anandadhara is the West Bengal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (WBSRLM), a flagship poverty alleviation program launched to empower rural households by mobilizing women into Self-Help Groups (SHGs). As of today, it remains the primary vehicle for financial inclusion and sustainable livelihoods for women in rural West Bengal.
Core Objectives & Benefits
- Social Mobilization: Organizing at least one woman from every identified poor rural household into an SHG. These groups are further organized into Village Organizations (Upasanghas) and Cluster Federations (Sanghas).
- Financial Inclusion: Facilitating access to low-interest credit through bank loans and providing government-backed financial support, including:
- Revolving Fund (RF): Initial seed money for SHGs.
- Community Investment Fund (CIF): Capital for starting or expanding small businesses.
- Livelihood Support: Providing training and resources for diverse activities such as organic farming, animal husbandry, poultry, and local handicraft production.
- Insurance & Safety Nets: SHG members under Anandadhara are prioritized for social security schemes like Swasthya Sathi (health insurance) and pension products.
How to Join or Access Services
Official Portal: Updates on recruitment and project details are available on the Anandadhara Official Website.
Eligibility: Primarily targeted at women from rural households listed in the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) or identified through Participatory Identification of Poor (PIP).
Application: Interested women can contact their local Gram Panchayat or the Anandadhara section at the BDO Office to join an existing SHG or form a new one.