Puducherry, Sep 14 (KNN) Navratna Mahalir Self Help Group has emerged as one of the largest suppliers of paper cups and plates in Karaikal district situated in the Union Territory of Puducherry.

The group was formed by Pushkala and Sasikala along with seven other women of Karaikal Kothalampet locality four years ago.  They began with a capital of Rs nine lakhs given as loan by an Indian Bank, under Prime Ministers Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) scheme.

With amount of Rs 6.5 lakhs they purchased the paper cup machine from Sivakasi and invested the rest of the money on raw materials.  The group which consists of small entrepreneurs received a subsidy of Rs 2.75 lakhs.  

Under the brand name Karaikal Paper Cup, the group is currently catering to the needs of Karaikal port besides being the wholesale cup dealer in the area. It supplies cups to the coffee shops in and around the town.

"Now that the business is expanding…. we are planning to procure another paper cup making machine," said M Thiruvalar Selvi, a member of the group.

With people like Pushkala and Sasikala setting an inspiring example, Indian Bank-the leading bank of the district is receiving more enquiries related to PMEGP nowadays.
“It is the women who are the flag bearers of such government schemes,” said the chief manager of Indian Bank Dharmalingam.

Within four years they managed to repay about 6.5 lakh rupees of the loan amount. Apart from paying rent, electricity and other expenses, these women manage to take home around Rs 1, 500 per month from their profits.  

Though commerce graduates, B Pushkala and Sasikala were like any other housewife in the locality doing their day to day household chores. But when they grouped themselves under a self-help group powered, these women became role models for entrepreneurs in the country.

No doubt, these women whose cup of joy is full, have truly shown the way to many others. (KNN/PIB)