Question : COLLABORATION BETWEEN WCD& KVIC

(a) whether the Women and Child Development Department (WCD) in collaboration with Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has chalked out any plan to set up small industries for the rural women and create a market for their produce so as to improve the socio-economic condition of rural women and children living below the poverty line;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the latest position of this scheme;

(d) the number of blocks in which the ‘Swa Shakti Pariyojana’ is being implemented, as on date, State-wise;

(e) whether the Government has any proposal to extend this project;

(f) if so, the details thereof; and

(g) the achievements made so far, State-wise?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI KANTI SINGH)

(a), (b) & (c) Department of Women and Child Development(DWCD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC) on 28th September, 2005 to jointly strengthen the manufacture and marketing of produce of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) formed under the scheme of Swayamsidha. According to the MoU, KVIC will assist in developing brand image for the produce of SHGs, help to market the produce by lending space in its outlets, impart training in marketing and help access their resource centers.

(d) Swa-Shakti Project ended on 30th June, 2005.

(e) &(f) There is no approved proposal yet.

(g) A statement indicating the State-wise achievements made under Swa-Shakti so far is enclosed.