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| Pragathy Computer Prints, Kasargod |
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When 10 young women who were first generation literates belonging to financially backward families hit upon the idea of starting an IT unit at Kasargod, more eyebrows were raised than compassionate glances. But the involvement in the activities of Neighbourhood Groups and Area Development Societies had given them confidence and courage. But it was the computer training provided by Kudumbashree that made them dream of standing on their own legs.
So these women went ahead trying to mobilize resources for their venture. It took them 6 months to get Rs.1.25 lakhs loan sanctioned by Bank of India. Another subsidy of Rs1.25 lakhs was received under SJSRY scheme. The Kasargod Municipality provided them a convenient room located on the second floor of the bus stand even without any initial deposit. They purchased 5 PCs, 1 UPS and 1 Dot Matrix Printer to start the operation. “The D-Day was October 29, 2000, when ex-Minister C.T.Ahmed Ali inaugurated the Pragathy Computer Prints. “With high hopes, expectations and excitement we stepped into our office and started our work,” says Usha Kumari, a team member.
Their first major work was digitization of documents of Registration Department. Soon they entered the training field also. The 1st batch of 40 students fetched them Rs.80000 as well as publicity for further batches. The increasing number of students and work prompted them within 4 months to purchase 3 more PCs, this time with their own hard earned money.
“Though the repayment period of the loan is 5 years, we had repaid almost half of the loan in just one year. Recently their bank manger visited their unit. Impressed by their work, he has promised to spread the word among other banks.
After notching up a turnover of Rs.5 lakhs in the first year itself, the members are cautiously optimistic about the future of the IT based unit.
Courtesy: P.Muhammed Nizar, Small Steps Great Leaps, Kudumbasree, 2001
Contributed by: Administrator
