Posted: 08/03/2008
The residents of Savda Ghevra were delighted to welcome Dr. Kiran Martin, the director of Asha, and Mr. R.K Dubey, Zonal Manager of Punjab National Bank on 7th March. Moved by the work of Asha, Mr. Dubey had decided to accompany Dr. Kiran to meet the residents of Savda Ghevra to see if he could help in any way.
After the demolition of their previous slum, Thokar No.8, the 15,000 people who were rendered homeless were relocated to Savda Ghevra. Dr. Kiran and the team from Asha approached numerous political leaders including the Chief Minister, Ms. Sheila Dikshit, and India's former Prime Minister, Mr. VP Singh, in order to make this relocation happen.
Since the residents of Savda Ghevra are new to the area, they are still in the process of constructing their houses, finding jobs and exploring the possibilities of opening small businesses. Though some of them earn a little, many of them are unemployed and are therefore in no position to start a small business.
After Dr. Kiran and Mr. Dubey had had a session with the residents discussing their financial status and their ability to repay loans, Mr. Dubey announced that he would be happy to give DRI (Differential Rate of Interest) loans to the residents starting from Rs - 5000/- @ 4% per annum. These loans will help the residents to buy vehicles for their businesses, open small shops and start new businesses.
Concerned that many residents did not even have an account, Mr. Dubey promised to send tellers to the slum to help them open zero balance accounts through Asha's introduction.
We hope that these loans will ensure a bright future for the residents of Savda Ghevra.
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Getting involved with Asha was a turning point in my life. I became part of the women's group where I realised that there were other women like me, and we can be listened to and our views consulted. The confidence I gained has given me strength to help so many people.
Noorjahan, CHV and midwife, Seelampur
