trainer first and foremost". Wider dissemination of training know-

is bit silent on development of values in SHGs. It is difficult to

how through the manual becomes explicit in the Introduction, "We

understand why it did not think fit to devote on this issue in some

welcome any person or institution that comes forward to translate

place.

the material into languages in which the actual training is

The presentations of the modules in general are lucid, to the point

conducted".

and cover various necessary aspects. Some of them need further

The manual does not mention who are the trainees for the

development like, vision building exercise requires specific skills

individual modules except that these are for any new SHG.

of the facilitator. A facilitator trained in vision building exercise will

Reading from the content and other descriptions, one can

be able to conduct the same even without the help of this manual.

conclude that each module is for all SHG members or prospective

For other trainers, the description in the module is inadequate.

members. However, initial modules like about MYRADA (or the

Simplistic handling of a visioning exercise is more likely to bring

concerned SHG promoter), `structural analysis of society',

out the trainer's vision of the SHG rather than the trainees'. All the

`analysis of local credit sources' could have participants like

stories in the manual are quite relevant barring a few. Swamiji's

spouses of the prospective members, other villagers etc.

story is likely to lead to the conclusion that one should be happy

with status quo. In the pictorial story of the Arab and the Horse if

In the module on structural analysis of society, the indicative

the horse is so powerful, why was it carrying the Arab in the first

answers to causes of poverty mentions lack of access, control,

place? The manual has justifiably divided the modules into

opportunities and political contact. While that is fine and should

`essentials' and `discretionary'. However, arguments remain in

be understood, it doesn't mention the lack of initiative on part of

identification of such modules. SHG self-assessment, in a more

those who have remained poor. Similarly, indicative answers

developed form, could have been a part of the `essential' whereas

on resources needed for family's economic development, though

Federation of SHGs could have been `discretionary'. One module

it mentions about confidence, ability to work hard and

on federation is hardly sufficient to facilitate federation building. It

entrepreneurial skill in addition to money, education etc, it doesn't

requires more elaborate treatment (may be, another manual could

mention the will to achieve, which is more fundamental than say,

be developed). The argument, which excluded management of

entrepreneurial skill. As an exercise, the trainees have to identify

micro-enterprises from the manual, holds true here also. Since it

a few families in the village who are poor because they do not

is a trainer's manual, in addition to the `tips for trainer' and `other

have access to some of the above resources. The exercise is

preparations', each module could have annexed a note citing crucial

fraught with danger of diagnosing wrongly and demeaning

situations or cases from actual training experience of MYRADA and

individuals unless facilitated very competently. On the other hand,

how these were dealt with by the trainer.

would it have been better if the trainees undertook an exercise

to identify families who had been poor but have overcome it in

Capacity building of SHGs would require not only training to the

the face of the `structural causes'?

members but also practice (and often, guided practice) by the

SHGs for reinforcement of the training inputs. After each training,

The manual talks very less on financial transactions though it is

the need for competent group facilitation becomes a necessity.

the core of an SHG functioning. Arguably so, because those are

The manual could have made this point explicit instead of leaving

part of another manual. However, when training on how to

it to the practitioners to understand.

conduct an SHG meeting, if the discourse ends with one line

(complete financial transactions related to savings, repayment,

Together, the modules require a training time of 91.5 hours plus

lending etc.), scope remains for serious inadequacy in

two days, the `essentials' taking 54 hours and two days. Since all

understanding about the importance of nitti-gritties of such

SHG members need to undergo the training, an SHG would

transactions. A flow chart of transactions could have been a part

require 1050 trainee-hours (assuming two days are equivalent

of the module or atleast, a mention could have been there to

to sixteen trainee hours and there are fifteen members in an

refer to the other manual. The manual seeks to drive home

SHG). At a minimum of Rs. 10/- per trainee hour, the `essential

points with examples that has bearing on the day-to-day life of

training cost' alone of an SHG stands at a minimum of ten thousand

the trainees. It also discusses issues from the angle of

rupees, not to speak of group facilitation, training for financial

convenience, like, to explain the concept of `sacrificial savings',

management, etc. which are additional. Capacity building of an

it asks participants what would happen if the SHG meeting is to

SHG has a significant cost! If the manual is able to drive home this

be held before they have to go to the market and what if the

point to those for whom `SHG promotion is an easy job', it would

meeting held after they return from the market. Also, while

score an additional point. At the same time, the practitioners also

explaining why a circular sitting arrangement should be followed

need to find out ways to reduce cost. For example, some of the

it asks two participants to sit back to back (in one straight line)

modules may be conducted during group facilitation itself and so on.

and discuss a certain topic. Such exercises surely are very

To conclude, the manual is thoughtfully conceived, well written,

effective. However, the point left out here is the value behind

and presented in a user-friendly way. It is a significant step for

such practice. Sitting in a circle not only is a matter of convenience,

spreading SHG promotion know-how and should act as a

it also infuses the feeling of equality among participants. Similarly,

landmark for future literatures.

participatory decision-making improves the quality of decision

making, such behaviour emerges from the value of equality. On

Main Writer : K. Mamata Krishna

the other hand, any form of authoritarian control violates the

Main Editors : A P. Fernandez, Saleela Patkar & V. Ramchandran

values of autonomy as well as equality in the SHG. The value of

Publisher : MYRADA, Bangalore  Price : (not quoted)

trust is at the core of collateral -free lending. The manual however,

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