A two-day exhibition-cum-sale of women Self-Help Group (SHG) products began at the Nehru Auditorium near Old Bus Stand here on Monday.
Organised by the City Municipal Corporation in association with the zonal municipalities and urban livelihood mission, 37 stalls were put up by the SHGs displaying saris, dress materials, cosmetics, ornaments, footwear, hand bags, home needs, eatables and other items. Also, products on display include food items made from herbs, readymade garments and bedspreads.
Officials said that individual loans to the tune of Rs. 4.67 crore with a subsidy of Rs. 62.27 lakh were given in 2012-13 to 780 beneficiaries. In 2013-14, the loan was Rs. 4.01 crore and the subsidy was Rs. 54.79 lakh given to 710 beneficiaries. The revolving fund to the members of 176 SHGs was Rs. 31.13 lakh to 1,763 beneficiaries in 2012-13 and Rs. 22.83 lakh to 168 SHGs in 2013-14. Officials said that as the National Urban Livelihood Mission is implemented from 2014-15, street vendors survey is being conducted and a separate market will be established for them soon.
Earlier, Mayor S. Soundappan inaugurated the exhibition-cum-sale in the presence of Corporation Commissioner K.R. Selvaraj, Deputy Mayor M. Natesan, Zone chairmen, councillors, Corporation employees and others.