What is a HELPO Bachat Gat?
Women SELF HELP GROUP
A Bachat Gat is a small group of (10-15) individuals (generally women) living in close proximity who undertake income generating activities. This is achieved through their own meager savings deposited into a common bank account which then enables them to borrow bank loans on a very nominal interest rate. Their collective bargaining power with banks helps them to undertake bigger projects and gain better income in course of time without collateral security.
HELPO Bachat Gat Training
Ananda Jamble's Tailoring Unit
Mostly uneducated, undereducated and illiterate womenfolk need to be adequately trained in the concept of Bachat Gat formation and maintenance. A series of grass root level trainings are imparted by trained HELPO volunteers and field workers. The trainings include conduct and participation in monthly meetings, regular savings bank operations, record maintenance, selection of businesses and marketing ventures.
Chaya Dhawale's Bangle Shop
HELPO also imparts training in around 25 trades (professions). As a result, Bachat Gat members have started businesses and other income generating activities in a wide range of areas such as agriculture, dairy products, horticulture, animal husbandry, food processing, tailoring, telephone booths etc.
HELPO Bachat Gat: At a glance (as of Sept. 2010)
| Number of Bachat Gats | 5000 |
| Villages Covered | 450 |
| Talukas Covered | 7 |
| Districts Covered | 2 |
| Direct Beneficiaries | 60,000 |
| Indirect Beneficiaries | 500,000 |
| Banks Involved | 12 |
| Loans Disbursed | Rs. 20 crores |
| Bachat Gat Savings | Rs. 36 crores |
| Bachat Gat Interest Earned | Rs. 15 lakhs |
| Bank Savings Interest Earned | Rs. 10 lakhs |
| Bachat Gat Training Imparted | 25 trades |
