The Covenant Centre for Development

Tanga Kalasa Naithal Vaniga Meenavar Federation

The fish vending women of Nagapattinam district were among those who were badly affected by Tsunami. But since they did not have any physical damages to show little relief came their way. CCD was the first and the only organistion to focus on these neglected communities. As a first step a full length survey was conducted across 10 villages to assess the damage and needs of this community. In the relief phase itself the women were formed in to groups to ensure the relief work was conducted efficiently. The groups were then provided with necessary accessories such as bamboo and aluminum baskets and plates.

Each member then contributed to Rs. 100/‐ and a group account was opened in each village. A total of 52 activity based groups were then formed. A revolving fund of Rs 7,56,000/‐ was distributed to 756 members as loan. The interest rate charged was just 1%. CCD also conducted medical camps to ensure basic access to health care in these villages. In the second phase the women were introduced to the concept and benefits of

Federations. Number of meetings were  held across villages with all the groups to answer any questions or concerns about forming a federation. Today there is a formal federation with executive members who were elected from among the community itself. CCD staff only act as facilitator's to this board.

The group members were then provided training in enterprise building. The women were also taken to neighbouring states Kerala and Andhra Pradesh on an exposure visit to understand their business practices. The federation will now be linked with other financial organisations to give them wider access to loans. Linkage to market their produces are also being worked on. Apart from this the federation is also looking at providing value added products other than just fish.