Making a buck, waging a war: SHGs fight COVID-19 in Himachal Pradesh -Virender Kanwar
With the demand for face masks going up due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 12000 women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) members in 12 districts of Himachal Pradesh are hunched over their machines, sewing tirelessly to contribute to the fight against the virus.
With masks made compulsory while stepping outdoor , The largest women’s movement in the state was started initially in District Una during March 2020 on pilot basis by rural development department where around 400 members of 38 SHGs affiliated to the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), turned its attention to making a natural and breathable fabric masks —for themselves, their families and neighbours , while earning something for themselves.
Training on making medicated and sanitized face masks to SHG women members was provided through virtual mode by rural development department officials under National Rural Livelihoods Mission due to COVID 19.
Special officers were deputed per district to coordinate the SHG members in preparations of Masks said Mr. Virender Kanwar Minister for rural development here today The state govt also roped in Rural Self Employment Training Institutes to provide training to SHG members to meet the growing demand of face masks during first phase of lockdown in March 2020 when sudden surge in demand escalated prices and created big gaps in demand and supply .The SHG started working on a war footing for sewing 3 layer surgical non woven cloth masks as recommended by the Health Department has proved to be an invaluable resource in these difficult times in stabilizing prices and ensuring timely and quality supply of face masks to common people in the state .
Around 12000 women of the 1500 SHGs associated with National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), have produced around 40 lakh low cost masks till August 2021 and the demand has been steadily growing day by day .
An experienced SHG member can produce a 3 layer mask in 5 to 7 minutes, around 300 to 500 masks were produced by the SHG women in a day after finishing their household chores and looking after family affairs .
The raw material for the production of the masks was provided by the HP State Rural Livelihood Mission initially to kick start the project but now SHGs are managing it on a local level.
Proper hygiene is maintained while producing the Masks such as Mask, Head cover, machine sanitization etc. The mask is properly sanitized before delivery .
District administration and DRDAs are helping SHGs in training, transportations, marketing and sanitization of these masks said Sh Virender Kanwar Minister for rural development here today
These face masks were supplied to the health department, Jal Shakti ,Police ,Urban bodies employees and other government departments who were in essential duties and also sold in open markets.
These masks were supplied free of cost to front line workers , MGNREGA workers and other needy people by respective SHG
These are three-layered washable fabric masks as per the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard that keeps out viruses and bacteria.
They are being sold under the brand name “HIM IRA” at nominal prices much below the market rates .
“We are also exploring possibilities to make its availability more in the open market and supplying it to neighboring states said Sh Virender Kanwar Minister for rural development here today
The SHGs, largest networks of women in the state particularly from rural areas, are also going around the villages and creating awareness and countering misinformation about COVID-19 through various means like WhatsApp Groups , and even providing banking and financial solutions to far-flung communities during these difficult times .
With huge numbers of informal workers losing their livelihoods during the lockdown and food supply chains getting disrupted in some areas,Community kitchens have been set up by SHGs/ Village organizations across the state to feed stranded workers, the poor and other vulnerable people during lockdown .
Around 30 Tonnes of ration and food grain has been distributed to laborer and poor people in the state so far by SHGs , which is largest networks of women in the state said Sh Virender Kanwar Minister for rural development here today
The state govt is involving SHG women because of their ability to respond so well in times of need.
Now, more than ever, these women – many of whom escaped poverty through the SHG route and know what it is like to be destitute and poor – are living up to their motto of self-help and solidarity.
SHGs have penetration till village level and roping them in the battle against coronavirus will yield better results.
They are also running awareness drives about coronavirus in their vicinity and informing people about the importance of staying sanitised and maintaining social distancing said Mr Kanwar.
