Sl. No

Programme

Duration

(Days)

Bankers

1.

Sensitisation Programme for branch managers/ field officers on SHG Bank linkage

2

2.

Training for bankers to link and upscale SHG Linkage Process

3

3.

Programme on Sustainable SHG-Bank Linkage

3

4.

Workshop cum Training programme for senior bankers on SHG Bank linkage

2

5.

Training Programme for Banks for promotion of SHGs

5

6.

Training programme for branch staff (other than officers)

1 ½ -2

7.

Field visit to SHGs for BLBC members

Half a day

Name of the Programme

Sensitisation of Branch Managers/ Field Officers on SHG-Bank Linkage

Objectives

Creation of greater awareness on SHG concept through attitudinal change and stronger conviction as a business proposition

Target trainees

Branch Managers and filed staff of banks

Expected number of participants

30

Identification of participants

By NABARD, Banks, NGOs/SHPIs, BLBC Meeting,

DLCC Meeting, etc

Duration

Two days

Organised by

Regional Offices of NABARD, Banks, NGOs, other interested agencies

Location

Closer to SHGs and branches

Broad Contents

1. SHG - as an approach to reach the unreached

2. SHG Processes

Stages of group development:

Membership, leadership, framing of group bye-laws, conduct of meetings, conflict resolution, thrift management, internal lendings, accounts management, social impact of SHGs.

3. Linkage methods

Assessment of SHGs, opening of SB A/cs, Types of linkage models viz.

4. Sharing of experiences of NGOs, associated branch managers and SHG members

Experienced NGOs/ SHPIs in the field of SHGs and also practicing bank managers may be invited to share their experience

5. Field visit

Field visit should be undertaken credit linked well functioning groups.

Training Methods

Lectures

Interactions/Interface

Field Visit

Experience Sharing

Sourcing of faculty

From NABARD, NGOs/SHPIs, Practising Bankers/ Government Officials, etc

Reading Materials

Output Indicators

Day

Sessions

Topic

Contents

Day I

I

SHG- an approach to reach the unreached

Definition of SHGs- basic concepts.

Why target -oriented programmes could not give the desired results? How SHG programme with special focus to women differs from others. The benefits accruing to banks out of SHG -bank linkage, i.e. reduction in transaction cost, coverage of more clients and area, associating with new partners, etc.

II

SHG Processes

Stages of group development:

Membership, leadership, framing of group bye-laws, conduct of meetings, conflict resolution, thrift management, internal lending, accounts management, social impact of SHGs.

III & IV

Field visit

Field visits to SHGs/NGOs/ Banks.

II

I

Presentation on Field visit

Reflections on field visits by the participants. Crystallization of key learnings from the field

II

Linkage Methods

Assessment of SHGs, financing, documents etc. Types of linkage models viz.

SHGs directly formed and financed by banks

SHGs formed by NGOs/SHPIs and financed by banks

SHGs formed by NGOs and financed by them by availing loans from banks

III

Sharing of experiences

Experienced NGOs/ SHPIs in the field of SHGs and also practicing Bank Managers would be invited to share their experiences

IV

Wrap- up

Name of the programme

Training for bankers to link and upscale SHG Linkage Process

Objective

Equipping the banker to provide credit linkage to SHGs on sustainable basis and participate in upscaling process

Target

Trainees

Branch managers /Field officers from potential area after careful selection

Expected number of participants

30

Identification of participants

By Banks, NABARD, NGOs/SHPIs, BLBC Meeting, DLCC Meeting, etc

Duration

Three days [residential]

Organised by

NABARD/ Banks in association with NGOs/SHPIs/ Training Establishments

Location

Places with good training infrastructure and proximity to good working SHGs for field visit

Broad Contents

1. Participatory Approach /methodology / techniques

Background about Participatory Rural Appraisal and the tools/ methods/ techniques- Benefits of the PRA method

Rural Credit Scenario

Description of rural scenario and why earlier target -oriented programmes could not give the desired results, participatory strategy

1. Context of micro Finance and exposure to various mF models

1. Evolution of SHG-Bank linkage programme.

2. How SHG programme differs from others with special focus to women.

3. The benefits accruing to banks out of SHG -bank linkage i.e. reduction in transaction cost, coverage of more clients and area, associating with new partners, nearly cent percent recovery, even recovery of old loans, getting future quality clients and also be part of the social development through SHGs may be highlighted

1. Functional aspects of Self Help Groups

Stages of group development- Pre-formation stage, formation of groups, membership, leadership, framing of group bye-laws, conduct of meetings, conflict resolution, qualities of good SHGs, thrift management, internal lendings, accounts management, social impact of SHGs

Financial aspects of SHGs

Regularity in meetings and savings, thrift management, internal lendings, why internal lending is necessary? accounts management, account opening with banks.

1. Role of Self Help Promoting Institutions

Forming of groups, training, guiding, nurturing, supply of stationery, helping in maintenance of accounts, opening of SB a/cs with banks, credit linkage, monitoring and follow up

1. Appraisal & Financing of Self Help Groups

SHGs directly formed and financed by banks

SHGs formed by NGOs/SHPIs and financed by banks

1. SHGs formed by NGOs and financed by them by availing loans from banks, etc.

1. Documentation and other legal aspects

1. Documents as laid down in RBI /NABARD Circulars

Monitoring and close follow up

1. Close liaison with the promoting agency, attending meetings of SHGs once in a while, interaction with the leaders and periodic verification of the books of accounts when they visit branch for transactions.

Future strategies for sustainability issues in financing networks/ microFinance Institutions

How thrift and credit SHGs are more sustainable than other SHGs based only on social agenda. Concept of SHG Federations, withdrawal strategy of promoting agencies. Rating of NGOs/microFinance Institutions

Policy aspects relating to microFinance

NABARD/RBI guidelines. Concept of SHGs in Government programmes

Training methods

1. No formal inauguration /valedictory sessions

2. Lectures

3. Interface/ Interactions

4. Field visit

5. Group discussions and case study [ies]

6. Experience sharing

7. Video show

8. Panel discussions

9. Action planning

Reading Materials

1. Gender issues

2. NABARD/RBI Guidelines

3. Incl. Do’s & Don’ts

4. Group formation & dynamics

5. Best practices

6. Frequently asked questions on procedures

7. Statistics

8. Future growth options

9. Case studies

Output Indicators

1. No. of SB A/cs (change)

2. No. of groups credit linked (change)

3. Quantum of credit (change)

Day

Session

Topic

Methodology

I

1

Inaugural Session & Registration

2

Rural Credit Scenario - Reaching the unreached in the context of micro Finance

Participatory strategies

Lecture

3

Concept of Self Help Groups

1. Formation

2. Functions

3. Management

4. Financing of Self Help Groups

5. Linkage Methods

6. Guidelines

Lecture

4

Role of stakeholders - Interface with NGOs, successful Branch Managers

Interface

II

1&2

Assessment of SHGs and financing them – different credit products. Wholesaling funds through NGOs and assessing / Rating of NGOs

3&4

Field Visit

III

1&2

Field visit report presentation & analysis

3

Monitoring SHGs, Early warning signs, MIS

Case study

4

Operational Issues - Panel discussions

Panel discussion

Name of the Programme

Programme on sustainable SHG bank linkages

Objectives

For equipping the branch managers for management of sustainable linkage and to sort out the operational problems

Target trainees

From branches where 50 or more SHGs are linked

Expected number of participants

25

Identification of participants

By NABARD, Banks, NGOs/SHPIs , BLBC Meeting,

DLCC Meeting, etc

Duration

Three days [residential]

Organised by

Regional Offices of NABARD in association with Banks/ NGOs

Location

Training Institutes

Broad Contents

Introduction

1. Brief overview of the microFinance scenario in the country and developments around the world.

2. Latest policy changes

Sustainable linkage

1. Sustainability of thrift and credit SHGs

2. Training need assessment of SHGs

3. Assessment of SHGs

4. Monitoring and follow up of SHGs

5. Auditing of the books of accounts of SHGs

6. Liaison with the promoting agencies.

Role of different partners

Role of SHPIs, financing banks, NABARD/RBI, SHG members, Government agencies, etc. Coordination of the working among all the partners

SHGs and beyond

1. Stages of development, withdrawal of SHPIs

2. Formation of SHG Clusters and Federations

3. Bulk lending to Federations

4. Rating of NGOs- Networking of NGOs.

5. Graduating from pre-micro enterprises level to micro-enterprises level and beyond, financing of IGAs, financing of members individually

Operational Issues

Group discussions and presentations on the operational problems faced by the branches on repayment, second and subsequent dosage of loans, documentation, collection of data.

SHG as a business proposition

Group discussions and presentations on the impact of SHG lending in the overall performance of the branch.

Interface with practising bankers

Successful branch managers may be invited to share their experiences.

Action planning

Panel discussions- A senior NABARD officer may attend the discussions and clarify the doubts.

Field visit

Since all the managers are having sufficient experience in dealing with SHGs, field visit is not considered essential in this programme. If possible, SHGs developed into micro-enterprises could be covered.

Training Methods

1. Lectures

2. Interactions/Interface

3. Group discussions

4. Experience Sharing

5. Audiovisual clipping / video show on the subject.

Sourcing of faculty

From NABARD, NGOs/SHPIs, Practising Bankers/ Government Officials etc

Reading Materials

1. NABARD/RBI Guidelines

2. Incl. Do’s & Don’ts

3. Group formation

4. Best practices

5. Frequently asked questions on procedures

6. Statistics

7. Success Stories

Output Indicators

1. Increase in outreach

2. Supporting new innovations

3. Formation of SHGs by the branch

4. Efforts at dissemination through training, as guest faculty, etc.

5. Financing of micro- enterprises/ individual financing of SHG members

Day

Session

Topic

Methodology

I

1

Sustainable banking with the poor

Lecture

2

Credit linked SHGs - problems, cases of delayed payments, etc.

Group discussion and presentation

3

Monitoring Of Large Number Of SHGs- Issues and strategies

Lecture

4

Promotion of income generating activities among SHG members- issues and concerns

Lecture and discussion

II

1-4

Field visit

NGOs, SHG & banks

III

1

Field visit - experience sharing

Group discussion

2

Micro insurance- concept, relevance etc

Lecture

3

Financing mFIs & SHG Federations

Lecture

4

Panel discuss on operational issues.

Plan for the future.

Action planning & individual presentation

Name of the programme

Workshop-cum -training programme on SHG bank linkage for senior bankers

Objective

Sensitisation and appreciative enquiry relating to microFinance, particularly SHGs.

Target

Trainees

1. Assistant General Managers / Regional Managers/Zonal Managers of commercial banks

2. Chairmen/ General Managers of RRBs

3. Functional Heads /Priority Sector Divisions of commercial banks at HO.

Expected number of participants

20

Identification of participants

By Banks, NABARD, DLBC/SLBC Meetings, etc

Duration

Two days [residential]

Organised by

NABARD/ Banks in association with NGOs/SHPIs/ Training Establishments

Location

Places with good training infrastructure and proximity to good working SHGs for field visit

Training methods

1. Lectures

2. Interactions/Interface

3. Field Visit

4. Group discussions

5. Experience Sharing

6. Video

7. Case study

8. Action planning

Broad Contents

Macro level- rural poverty,

role of banks ,budget announcements, Govt. Policy

[ States/ Centre]- inputs relating to context

Importance of agriculture and rural development-Incidence of rural poverty- present poverty alleviation programmes- top down approach-

Latest changes in govt. sponsored programmes to implement them through SHG route.

SHGs- conceptual aspects, formation and linkages & policy and procedures

1. How SHG -linkage programme was introduced- reaching the unreached.

2. What is SHG ? Sustainability of thrift and credit SHGs over other groups, features of good SHGs- homogeneity, regularity in savings, meetings, democratic character, maintenance of books of accounts.

3. Formation, monitoring and linking of SHGs.

4. RBI/NABARD guidelines on linkage of SHGs.

5. Financing of SHGs by banks, rate of interest, quantum of loans

6. Rating of SHGs/NGOs

7. Benefits to the banks as a business opportunity - good repayment, quality future clients, coverage of more people and area, reduction in transaction cost

Briefing on field visit

Participatory techniques/ methodology. Description about the location, background, effective rural communications, points to be noted during the field visit. Interviews should not be fully structured. Broad list of items to be seen during field visit given separately.

Field visit to SHGs

Field visit to good working SHGs, bank branches, NGOs

[Can be modified according to the situation].

Reflections on field visit

Group presentation. The concerned NGO/SHPI representative may be present.

Experience sharing with microFinance practitioners

Successful banker practitioners may be invited

Action planning

As per the prescribed format

Output Indicators

1. No. of participating branches [increase]

2. Increase in linkage

3. Operational instructions issued

4. Deputation of staff for training

Day

Session

Topic

Methodology

I

1

SHG -conceptual aspects policy and procedures

Lecture and discussion

2

SHG movement as a business proposition

Lecture and discussion and case studies

3& 4

Field visit to SHGs, NGO, banks

II

1

Reflections on field visit- key learnings

Presentation by participants and discussions

2

Financing of mFIs & SHG Federations- Concept, appraisal, issues

Lecture and discussion

3

Interface with senior banker/s

4

Panel discussions on operational issues Action Planning.

By trainees and presentation to a panel

Name of the programme

Training Programme for bankers for promotion of SHGs

Objective

To impart necessary inputs for promoting, nurturing and facilitating SHG linkage

Target Trainees

Selected staff of banks

Expected number of participants

25

Identification of participants

By Banks, NABARD, DLBC/SLBC Meetings, NGOs, etc

Duration

Five days [residential]

Organised by

NABARD/ Banks in association with NGOs/SHPIs/ Training Establishments

Location

Places with good training infrastructure and proximity to good working SHGs for field visit

Training methods

1. Lectures

2. Interactions/interface

3. Role play

4. Field visit

5. Group discussions

6. Experience sharing

7. Case study

8. Video

9. Action planning

Broad Contents

Expectation planning

Participant interface

Rural scenario

Importance of agriculture and rural development-Incidence of rural poverty- present poverty alleviation programmes- top down approach- Latest changes in govt. sponsored programmes to implement them through SHG route

SHGs- conceptual aspects, formation and linkages & policy and procedures, aspects of group function and nurturing

Role of Rural financial Institutions in rural development- credit delivery- present problems- Characteristics of rural credit needs Rigidities of formal credit structure- How SHG -linkage programme was introduced- reaching the unreached. What is SHG ? Sustainability of thrift and credit SHGs over other groups, features of good SHGs- homogeneity, regularity in savings, meetings, democratic character, maintenance of books of accounts. Formation, monitoring and linking of SHGs. Conduct of meeting, conflict resolution RBI/NABARD guidelines on linkage of SHGs. Financing of SHGs by banks, rate of interest. quantum of loans, rating of SHGs/NGOs- benefits to the banks as a business opportunity - good repayment, quality future clients, coverage of more people and area, reduction in transaction cost etc.

Role of promoters, dos and don'ts, entry to the village

1. Effective rural communication, rural customs, PRA techniques, survey of the village, selection of people

2. Group configuration - grouping norms, membership, leadership, Group process-- framing rules/bye-laws, conduct of meetings, self governance, group control, conflict resolution

3. Group functions- thrift management, loan management, accounts keeping, community issues, training needs assessment of members, imparting training

Briefing for field visit

Description about the location, background, effective rural communications, points to be noted during the field visit. Interviews should not be fully structured.

Field visit

Field visit to good working SHGs, promoting SHPI

Reflections on field visit

Group presentation. The concerned NGO/SHPI representative may be present.

Formation of groups

This may be done as role play

Experience sharing with microFinance practitioners

Successful banker practitioners may be invited.

Action planning

As per the format

Output Indicators

1. No. of groups formed

2. No. of villages covered

3. No. of families covered

4. No. of SB A/cs opened

5. Savings mobilised

6. Level of internal lending

7. Repayment performance

8. No. of training programmes conducted/ arranged for SHGs

9. Change in the attitude of the branch staff in social sector involvement

Day

Session

Topic

Methodology

I

1

Expectations

2

Overview of microFinance sector in India-experience of various NGOs/ SHPIs

Lecture

3&4

SHGs - concepts and evolution, formation & functioning of SHGs

Lecture/ Role play

II

1&2

Stages in Group Development - Savings-need, frequency. Preparation of agenda for SHG meetings, Maintenance of various books, (Minutes book, Attendance Register, Cash Book etc).

Lecture/ Role play

3&4

Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques

Lecture

III

1 to 4

Field Visit

Field visit to SHGs, NGO, banks

IV

1&2

Reflections on field visit

Group discussion & presentation

3&4

How to form an SHG, criteria for selection of SHG members, need for SHG meetings, etc.

Role play

V

1&2

Role and functions of animators/field workers/coordinators in ensuring sustainable groups

Lecture

3

Operational issues- panel discussion

4

Action planning

By participants and presentation to a panel

Broad Contents of Reading Materials

•

Overview of micro Finance sector SHG -

•

Concept & Methodology NABARD/RBI Guidelines on SHGs

•

PRA Techniques

•

Group Development Methods

•

Best Practices in SHGs Programme Management for NGOs

•

Formats of Books of Accounts and Monitoring Reports

•

Training Manuals & Guidelines

•

Frequently Asked Questions

•

Case Studies

•

Success Stories, Bibliography

Out put indicators

Programme revisited for process monitoring every six months for a period of 3 years.

Name of the programme

Sensitisation programme for branch staff (Other than officers) on promotion of SHGs

Objective

To impart necessary inputs for promoting, nurturing and facilitating SHG linkage

Target Trainees

Clerical & Messenger Staff

Expected number of participants

25

Identification of participants

By CBs/ RRBs/ Cooperatives

Duration

One and half day to two days (residential)

Organised by

Banks in association with NGOs

Location

Proximity to good working SHGs for field visit

Training methods

1. Lecture and discussion /Interactions /interface with one or two branch managers working as SHPI

2. Field visit

3. Group discussions

4. Experience sharing

Broad Contents

Expectation planning

Through interface

SHGs- conceptual aspects, formation and linkages & policy and procedures, aspects of group function and nurturing

1. What is an SHG? – Importance of homogeneity, democratic character, regularity in meetings, why and how of their savings, maintenance of books of accounts. Sustainability of thrift and credit SHGs over other groups, features of good SHGs.

2. Formation, monitoring and linking of SHGs. Conduct of meeting, conflict resolution, RBI /NABARD guidelines on linkage of SHGs.

3. Financing of SHGs by banks, rate of interest. Quantum of loans, rating of SHGs - benefits to the banks as a business opportunity - good repayment, quality future clients, coverage of more people and area, reduction in transaction cost, etc.

Role of promoters, dos and don'ts, entry to the village

1. Effective rural communication, rural customs, survey of the village, selection of people

2. Group configuration - grouping norms, membership, leadership, Group process-- framing rules/bye-laws, conduct of meetings, self governance, group control, conflict resolution

3. Group functions- thrift management, loan management, accounts keeping, community issues, training needs assessment of members, imparting training

4. Books of accounts and their maintenance

Briefing for field visit

Description about the location, background, effective rural communications, points to be noted during the field visit. Interviews should not be fully structured.

Day

Session

Topic

Methodology

I

1 & 2

Evolution and Growth of SHGs.

Formation and functioning of SHGs

Lecture

3 & 4

Briefing for field visit & Field Visit

Field visit

II

1

Reflections on field visit – what have they seen, clarification of doubts, roles that they can play

Group discussion & presentation

2

Books of Accounts & their maintenance

Case Study & interface

Broad Contents of Reading Materials

•

Formats of Books of Accounts and Monitoring Reports

•

Frequently Asked Questions

•

Case Studies & Success Stories

Translated version of our publication "A Handbook on forming SHGs" could be used.

The objective of arranging these visits, after completion of the BLBC meeting, is to sensitise the participants, mainly bankers, to the concepts of SHG, its functioning etc in a cost effective manner. It is hoped that such an approach would usher in tangible results by better appreciation of the SHG-Bank linkage programme.

Name of the programme

Field visit to SHGs for BLBC members

Objective

To sensitise bankers and other participants of BLBC meeting about SHGs

Target Trainees

BLBC members

Expected number of participants

20-25

Duration

Half a day

Organised by

LDM/ DDM in association with BDOs

Training methods

1. Interface with NGO/ SHPI

2. Field visit

3. Experience sharing with SHG members

Broad Contents

SHGs- conceptual aspects, formation and linkages, aspects of group function and nurturing.

Participants may also peruse the books of accounts maintained by SHG during the visit.

Post visit meeting could be organised to summarise the learnings from the visit and interface.