This programme was begun in 2000 in partnership with the Presbyterian Committee on the Self Development of People (SDOP) USA so as to help the village-based organisations like SHGs to take up their own economic development programmes which the group themselves can control and manage on their own. During this period 2006-07, DPG with the support of SDOP assessed the income generation capacities of 6 groups in 3 States of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala for a total cost of US$ 54475 to initiate activities like chips-making, producing broomstick, manufacturing bicyle pedal rubbers and brake shoes, pig rearing, etc. As per this mandate, the following groups were given the financial assistance to take up income-generation activities identified by them. In total, 225 families have enhanced their income-earning capacities:

Conclusion : SDOP, DPG and the local community as well are happy that with a very small grant, the village-based groups are able to take up income-generation programmes on their own. The income – generation programmes have also contributed to the enhanced well-being of the target families.