DMDIC undertook the scheme of Self Help Group (SHG) in the year 1997-98 under Joypur Dev. Block. Since 80% people residing in the operational areas of DMDIC were poor, marginalized, unemployed and economic condition pitiable, so the Organization decided to bring a desirable change in the condition by forming SHG. The people of the referral areas were illiterate, had no idea about SHG and they could never think that employment or income can be generated by forming groups. They were also not in a position to think about bank loan. At first DMDIC decided to create awareness regarding SHG. So, in the year 1997-98, DMDIC created awareness among the people of the referral villages by conducting Awareness Camps and Meetings on SHG and its benefit. DMDIC mobilized and motivated the people to form SHG. It took two years for the Organization to convince the people on Self Help Group. As a result, DMDIC was able to form SHG in its areas in Dibrugarh District in the year 1999. This was before the District Administration took the initiative of forming SHG which happened in the year 2001.

DMDIC was aptly supported and assisted by NABARD in implementing this scheme. DMDIC motivated the people to form SHG. After the formation of SHG, DMDIC register them and provide the necessary document like account pass book, ledger book, agreement papers, open an account in a Bank and provide the linkage with NABARD to avail loan facilities. DMDIC has provided training on various issues like maintenance of record book and account book of SHG, knowledge on carrying activities of SHG and provided training on employment generating trade like – piggery, goatary, poultry, fishery, dairy, handloom, horticulture, food processing etc. DMDIC has also provided yarn to 45 nos. SHG who have undertaken handloom activities in a lower price compared to the market value.

When the District Administration implemented the Scheme of SHG in Dibrugarh District in the year 2001, DMDIC collaborated with them in the process. DMDIC registered the already formed SHG in the Block Development Office. The newly formed SHG were registered under the Block Office and the necessary documents and proceedings were provided by DMDIC. The Organization in collaboration with District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) and Block Dev. Office conducted various trainings to capacitate and empower the members of the SHG.

DMDIC has formed 248 SHG in Naharkatia Branch area under Joypur Dev. Block since 1999. Out of this SHG, 232 are women SHG. These SHG’s have undertaken various schemes like piggery, goatary, poultry, dairy, fishery, cultivation, handloom, food processing etc and are generating employment as well as income.

When DMDIC started the scheme of Self Help Group, the overall economic and social condition of the areas was discouraging. 80% of the people were below poverty line and 75% people were marginal farmers. The people were illiterate, unemployed, divided, deteriorating economic condition and opportunity. The condition of women was more depressing. They were dominated by men, confided to their house, had no say in the decision making process and were never allowed to contribute in the family income. Due to poverty, the people of these areas were not able to avail basic amenities like balanced food, health care, education etc. But after DMDIC formed SHG in these villages the overall scenario changed. After getting awareness on SHG and its benefit, the people of these villages and especially the women came forward to form SHG and change their economic condition. Before the formation of SHG the women never took part in meetings and other activities but after forming SHG these women became very active and their presence in these kinds of activities increased.