In an effort to boost self employment, the Tiruchirapalli City Corporation (TCC) has decided to allow setting up of Aavin booths in parks owned by it. The booths would be operated by community groups.
V.P.Thandapani, Corporation Commissioner, who held a detailed discussion with the General Manager of Aavin, Kamarajar, and Lead Bank Manager Prabakaran on urban livelihood mission, told The Hindu on Tuesday that the programme would be implemented based on the guidelines of National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM). It was aimed at reducing poverty and vulnerability of poor urban households by enabling them to get access to gainful employment. It would ultimately result in appreciable improvement in their livelihood status through sustainable grassroots-level institutions. As many as 11 parks, including Rajan Park, Thillai Nagar Park, Ibrahim Park, Thiraviyam Park, and Parangiri Velupillai Park, have been identified for the scheme. Before identifying progressive and qualified community groups, the civic body would provide training to members of various groups to make them eligible for participating in tenders. The right of running the milk booths would be decided based on tender.
Mr.Thandapani said besides selling milk products, the groups would have to maintain the parks. They would also be given the responsibility of collecting user charges.
The Corporation would give Rs.1, 000 for each member of the group for six months. It would also facilitate the groups to avail loan to a maximum of Rs.3 lakh, for investment, with 35 per cent subsidy.
He said there were about 1.74 lakh households in the city. A self-help group federation formed in the city would network with the SHG members. Creation of complete database was on progress.
Listing the skills of SHG members such as carpentry, masonry, electric and electronic repairs, two-wheeler mechanism, floor cleaning, and interior decoration, Mr.Thandapani said that opportunities would be created to use their skills effectively. The SHG member could also be used for distributing notices and pamphlets of the civic body to the members of the public.
