Formation of SHGs and Women Federation

ARCOD was one of the few NGOs that initiated Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) in a systematic manner in 1988 and in 1990. ARCOD took efforts to federate the Women SHGs in to a cluster level Women Federation. As a result 3 such cluster level federations have been formed in Kelamangalam of Krishnagiri District and 1 in Kangayam of Thiruppur District. The basic idea of these federations was to pool the savings mobilized by the SHGs and lend it to member SHGs.  These federations were able to build office building on their own. 

ARCOD was invited to participate in IFAD programme of Tamilnadu Corporation for Development of Women by the nodal agency MYRADA. ARCOD made use of this programme to strengthen the field and the SHGs.

Micro Credit Program

This program was initiated in the year 1997 with the financial support from Rashtriya Mahila Kosh, New Delhi. Later on ARCOD started partnership with Friends of Women’s World Banking, India.  In the year 2002 the area of operation was expanded to Chengam block of Thiruvannamalai District and Kangayam, Vellakovil and Kundadam blocks of then Erode district. About Rs. 10 crores has been disbursed to about 10000 women in these areas. Life insurance was also promoted among the beneficiaries in association with LIC and other private players.