SHGs deliver over 10 crore masks, 2 lakh protective gears for front line workers in fight against Covid-19

NEW DELHI: Quietly working behind the scenes putting their tailoring skills to use, women from the villages of rural India have been steering the fight against Covid-19 through Self Help Groups since mid - March. What has now acquired the proportions of an enterprise spread across 29 states AND union territories, over 2 lakh women associated with Self Help Groups have manufactured over 10 crore masks. Besides this around 4000 women in 12 states have produced over 2 lakh pieces of protective gear for front line workers.
The data is being regularly updated by the union ministry of rural development (MoRD) through state missions under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission.
On the directions of the state and district administration the women involved in manufacturing of protective gear have been making a wide range of products including aprons, gloves, caps, shoe covers, gowns and face shields. For both masks and protective gear, the women are following the guidelines set-out by the ministry of health and the ministry of rural development.
Infact, MoRD officials point that it has been clearly laid out that protective gear should not be confused with personal protective equipment required for those dealing with COVID-19 to prevent confusion. The protective gear is being manufactured by SHGs on the orders and directions of the state and district health authorities.
The SHGs have also manufactured over 3 lakh litres of hand sanitiser and have been running community kitchens in various states.
To ensure that that the SHGs are able to do their work without an difficulty, the MoRD has released the first instalment of the central funds allocated under NRLM to the states and the chief secretaries have been informed about the same. In the letter put out on the MoRD website it is clearly stated that the first installment has been released in April as a step to provide liquidity and ensure sustainable credit to encourage thrift and economic activities by SHGs.