Hand Book for Gaon Burahs and Panchayati Raj Leader

113‣ All members need to be aware that launching of a new incomegenerating enterprise is not the best entry point activity to start a groupwith, due to number of reasons as the failure of the activity may lead tobreakdown of the group as well.‣ Any income generating activity demands development of skill and if thegroup members start concentrating too much on the skill development inthe initial stages of group development, then the process of groupbuilding suffers.o Income generating enterprises are too complex for a newly formed groupto control independently.o Any failure in this regard at the pre-mature stage of the group mayfrustrate the members, as a result of which, group building suffers.o In the event of mismanagement of funds by mistake or due tomanagerial incapacity or otherwise with a fraudulent objective, thedisillusionment and mistrust among members may give the forthcominggroup a setback.‣ Therefore, groups should initially take up united action on non-economici.e. social issue plus economic activities other than that any new incomegenerating activities.‣ A group must not take up any new income generating enterprise beforethe members are placed on a solid base a group.‣ As a thumb rule initial income generation should come through upgradation in traditional skills or taking up low risk small enterprises withsmall saving.HOW CAN THE GROUP TAKE UP ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES?‣ Group must not experience with new project.‣ They should only go for the activities that are feasible in the area andcan generate sufficient income.‣ The activities should not be more than two or three per group dependingupon the interest of the members and their know-how.‣ DRDA and the Block official dealing with SGSY should facilitate andensure that the skill building on these lines are taken up and thetraditional skills upgraded up to the market specifications.‣ The group should ideally cater to the local town or district headquartermarket through supplying essential supplies such as fruits, vegetables,eggs, milk, meat, etc.‣ Group can initiate individual activities for the number of members.‣ The groups can also tie up with the young and unemployed brothers andsisters of their villages to assist the group on a nominalfee/charge/commission for the sale of the produce.‣ As per the activities under the government schemes lay stress on creditto the groups and individuals (rather than subsidy).‣ However, if the savings of the group permit they can opt for no creditneed as well.