16

Sa-Dhan Patrika

Volume 6

Issue 2

Transparency

village, thanks to the financial

assistance of Dhruva and the Regional

Proper documentation is ensured to keep

Rural Bank which supported the

the transactions transparent both at

purchase of milch cows. Ravjibhai was

Dhruva's level and at the GVM level.

unanimously chosen as the secretary

of this village-level cooperative.

Each GVM has a Hisabnis ­ a field

Ravjibhai says he considers this an

functionary, usually a member of the

honour and a recognition of his services

GVM, trained as an accountant- who

to the community.

maintains the records of the GVM, which

provides the required transparency and

People from other villages also

Ravjibhai

adds to the smooth functioning of SVY.

approach Ravjibhai for advice on

received his

The Hisabnis also handles all the cash

schemes, bank systems and liaison with

formal training for

transactions of the GVM. Dhruva

government departments. Despite his

record-keeping of

provides regular capacity-building

busy schedule, Ravjibhai continues to

GVMs through

training both to the Hisabnis and the

be helpful, reminding his people to

Dhruva's Hisabnis

members of the Ayojan Samiti (planning

deposit

savings,

make

loan

training

committee) of the GVM who have

instalments and avail of new schemes

programme.

important roles in the SVY programme.

that may be useful to a particular

For the Hisabnis, the training is quite

individual. Ravjibhai is now trying to

intensive with initial classroom training,

build the capacities of the youth in

followed by on-the-job and refresher-

the community, by appointing two

training. The Hisabnis are given grades

accountants at the cooperative level

on the basis of the quality of their work.

who are being trained under his

Additional training is based on the

supervision.

grades, with advanced training for the

more capable.

Govind Gram Vilas Mandal, Karjun

Members

108

For further transparency, Dhruva's team

Cumulative credit

Rs.24.99 lakhs

of accountants check the books of the

availed from Dhruva

GVMs regularly and ensure that the books

Repayment rate

99.96%

are updated with proper supporting

documents and that the rules and

regulations of the GVM are adhered to.

From an initial slow start, SVY has picked

up over the past two years. This was due

to an increased awareness of the people

Ravji Budha Bhoya

of the credit schemes and the simple

Hisabnis, Govind Gram Vikas

procedures to access them. Additionally,

mandal, Karjun village

Dhruva's comprehensive development

programme is building the capacities

Ravjibhai is a shining example of the

and confidence of the people to avail

central role GVM accountants can

of credit for their livelihoods. Some of the

play in the development of  their

GVMs have also established linkages

villages. Though schooled up to class

with the banks for meeting their credit

VII, Ravjibhai's financial knowledge

requirement.

and ability is remarkable. Ravjibhai

received his formal training for record-

keeping of GVMs through Dhruva's

Hisabnis training programme.

As a village accountant, Ravjibhai

maintains

all

records,

shares

information on all loan schemes,

discusses  repayment  schedules

during  Ayojan  Samiti  meetings,

counsels individuals interested in

Over the seven years of implementation,

schemes, helps fill loan applications,

SVY has emerged as an important tool

ensures adherence to the rules and

of development. It is in a position to deal

regulations and handles the funds of

with the challenges of the post grant-

the GVM.

based programme needs of the people.

Dhruva's microfinance programme is not

In addition to playing a central role in

a race for numbers but is focussed on

creating

improving the quality of life of its

a credit movement in the village,

beneficiaries. The SVY programme plays

Ravjibhai

an important role in helping the

represents  the  village  at  the

disadvantaged but enterprising sections

cooperative (apex) level.

of the rural populace transform into

progressive,

community-based

A  milk  cooperative

has

been

entrepreneurs.

established in Karjun