Nearly 300 members of 50 women self-help groups from Modakurichi, Vadugapatti and other rural parts submitted a petition to the district administration on Monday complaining about what they described as harsh means to recover dues.
Due to the decline of income-generation activities after demonetisation, the schedule of repayment could not be kept, they acknowledged, but resented the intimidatory and offensive approach of creditors in a piquant situation.
They sought a moratorium for repaying the dues ranging from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 50,000 they had obtained for income-generation activities.
SHG representatives said the onus was on the district administration to prevail upon creditors to exercise restraint.
They also urged the authorities to provide monthly financial relief for the duration of drought and increase in the number of work days from the present 100 per year under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme.
