A Growing Movement: GJKS Inaugurates 10th SHG as Neighboring Villages Call for Change

They say that success makes noise. In the villages of Ballia, the success of GJKS (Gramin Jan Kalyan Samiti) is echoing loud and clear.

We are thrilled to announce a significant organizational milestone: We have officially established our 10th Self-Help Group (SHG).

What started as a small experiment to bring women together has now blossomed into a robust network of ten disciplined, financially literate, and ambitious groups. But the numbers tell only half the story; the real success lies in the trust we have earned.

The Ripple Effect: Villages are Calling Us

In the early days, our volunteers spent weeks convincing households of the benefits of joining an SHG. Today, the tide has turned.

News of the prosperity and independence of our existing members has spread to surrounding areas. We are now receiving invitations from different villages requesting us to come and set up SHGs in their communities. Women from neighboring areas are seeing the transformation in GJKS members—their ability to save, their new businesses, and their confidence—and they want to be part of this change.

This “pull factor” is the greatest validation of our work. It proves that the GJKS model is not just sustainable; it is desirable.

Financial Trust: Unlocking Bank Loans

Creating a group is the first step; empowering them financially is the second.

We are proud to report that our SHGs have achieved a high level of financial discipline, making them eligible for mainstream banking support. Several of our SHGs have successfully secured loans from formal banks.

This is a massive achievement. For a rural woman who previously struggled to open a savings account, receiving a business loan from a bank is a leap toward financial inclusion.

Fueling Micro-Businesses

These loans are not being used for consumption; they are being invested in production. With the capital secured from banks and the skills training provided by GJKS, our members are launching their own micro-businesses, ranging from:

• Food processing (Sattu, Pickles, Papad)

• Handicrafts (Incense sticks, Candles)

• Goat rearing and dairy

• Retail shops

The bank loans act as the fuel, and the women’s hard work is the engine driving these new ventures.

The Road Ahead

Reaching our 10th SHG is a moment of pride, but the invitations from new villages remind us that our work is far from over. We are committed to honoring these requests and expanding our footprint.

GJKS is no longer just an organization; it is a growing movement of women, by women, and for women.