Background

NABARD has been sanctioning financial assistance by way of grant to NGOs for promotion and credit linkage of Self Help Groups. In addition, services of NGOs are also utilized for capacity building of SHGs and other stakeholders. Of late, NGOs, that have promoted a large number of SHGs under SHG Bank Linkage Programme, are expressing difficulties in maintaining proper database of the SHGs under their control. This has led to poor monitoring of the groups and decline in the quality of SHGs in a few areas. Computerized MIS of SHGs is expected to facilitate proper maintenance of database and effective implementation of SHG-Bank linkage programme.

Salient features of the scheme are given below. NGOs, fulfilling the eligibility criteria, may furnish the details in the prescribed format and submit the same to our regional office in the state.

1. Eligibility

To avail of the benefit under this scheme, the following eligibility criteria would be applicable:

• The NGO should have completed three years of operations and accounts should have been duly audited.
• It should have availed of and satisfactorily utilized grant assistance from NABARD for SHG promotion and bank linkage.
• It should have promoted a minimum 500 SHGs.
• It should not have been blacklisted by any agency.

2. Hardware

The following configuration for the PC is suggested.

• Intel Pentium IV, 256 MB RAM, 40GB hard drive, floppy drive, CD writer, CRT monitor, Windows XP preloaded, sound card, speakers, microphone. Only branded PCs will be considered.
• In addition, a laser/dot matrix printer & UPS also to be provided to the NGOs.

3. Software

NABARD has funded the development of customized software for monitoring of SHGs. The same would be made available to all the NGOs assisted under the scheme. NGOs already having computers would also be eligible to receive the software from NABARD.

4. Cost estimate

For the hardware components (one unit-PC + LaserJet printer + UPS) a maximum grant of Rs 50,000/- is available under the scheme. However, assistance would be restricted to the actual expenditure incurred.

5. Sanction of grant

NGOs, satisfying the eligibility criteria, have to submit the applications in the prescribed format alongwith an invoice from the vendor to NABARD Regional office for purchase of PC.

NABARD's Regional office would approve the request and communicate the same to NGO concerned. NGO may then buy the unit from the vendor and submit cash receipt to NABARD R.O for reimbursement of expenditure.

6. Other terms and conditions

NABARD will provide only the hardware and software indicated above. All other infrastructure required like internal wiring, furniture, electricity, computer consumables, AMC etc would have to be borne by the NGO.

NABARD will not be liable if the agency uses unauthorized / pirated software in the PCs.

The software supplied under the scheme should not be used for commercial purposes.