Social Mobilization & Institutional Development (SM&ID)
The Assam State Urban Livelihoods Mission strongly believes that for the mobilisation of urban poor households to form their own institutions is an important investment for an effective and sustainable poverty reduction programme. The Mission envisages mobilisation of urban poor households into a three tiered structure with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) at the grass-root level, Area Level Federations (ALFs) at the slum/ward level and City Level Federations (CLFs) at the city level.
Formation of SHGs
SHG is a group of 10 to 20 urban poor women, formed with an objective of doing credit and thrift among themselves, income generation and manifold social activities. Normally, women SHGs will be formed, however male SHGs of ‘differently-abled persons’ will be allowed to form. The ground rules for every SHG is to follow the ‘PANCHASUTRA’ as under:
Regular Meeting
Regular Saving
Internal Lending
Timely repayment of loan
Maintenance of Books of record
Revolving Fund (RF) to SHGs
The Mission will provide RF amounting Rs. 10,000/- to SHGs to form the corpus of the group. The basic eligibility for getting RF is that a SHG should be functional for a period of at least three (3) months and thereafter, SHGs will be graded on the basis of ‘PANCHASUTRA’.
Area Level Federation (ALF)
It is an association/federation of 10 to 20 SHGs located in the same ward/locality. The objective of ALF is to support member SHGs, their capacity building, bank linkage, convergence with various agencies for support etc. The ALF will be registered under Assam Cooperative Societies Act, 2007. Registered ALFs will receive Rs.50,000/- as revolving fund.
City Level Federation (CLF)
All ALFs in a city and town are to be represented at the CLF and it will work with ALFs, member SHGs, line departments and financial institutions to ensure social and economic empowerment.
City Livelihoods Centre (CLC)
City Livelihoods Centre (CLC) is a platform for the SHG members whereby they can offer their goods and services in an organized manner to the potential buyers. The urban poor can access information and business support services as when needed. The ULB will be required to allocate space/ premises (Minimum 1000 sq. ft.) for establishing the CLC. Initially, 1 (one) CLC will be established in each 25 HQ towns/cities.