Convergence is a pivotal idea that has been central to the functioning and priorities of NRLM. It was adopted as a common theme to avoid wastage of human resources and duplication of work at various levels of the governance model. Aruna’s projects also include convergence as a recurring theme in which the collaboration across teams and departments takes centrestage. In order to avoid duplication and increase efficiency, she is working with select departments for capturing convergence requirements and has developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for execution and a policy guide for the entire convergence process. 

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‍Engagement Highlights

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BC Sakhi Policy

It is an unfortunate reality that credit availability especially in rural, low resource communities is still hard to come by. Any lasting change in this arena prerequisites having the backbone of an institutional structure that can ensure equitable access to all who are deserving.  There are a couple of key activities undertaken by Aruna in this regard that put in place the building blocks that can amplify the benefits at the grassroots level.  

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BC Sakhi

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The first is an effort with the financial inclusion team with whose help, a “Sustainable BC Sakhi Guide” has been rolled out. This will help 

leverage the correspondents on ground for enabling the  financial transactions focussed on women borrowers,  potentially creating 6000 women micro-entrepreneurs. 

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SHG Digitisation

The Fellow has done an extensive study on the SHG book-keeping digitisation process and tools, examined the LOK operating system by central NRLM and made recommendations to the state on the adaptation of the same. Currently the Lok-OS platform is being implemented in two pilot districts. 

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Incubation support for rural entrepreneurship

THe Fellow is working on establishment of Sanjeevini Hub for Innovation & Rural Entrepreneurship (SHIRE). SHIRE will facilitate a symbiotic relationship in the region between the incubation centre, the local institutions (technical, agriculture, management, banking, credit) and community institutions such as SHG, CLF, and FPOs. This will lead the incubation of 100 SHGs which will be co-facilitated by the NSR-Cel (the entrepreneurship cell run by IIM-Bangalore)

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Enabling access to formal credit

The Fellow has worked on envisioning a Public Sector Banks alliance to bring together all the public sector banks under one umbrella to facilitate loans at fair rates through selected partners. The Credit infusion reform proposal was moved in key, high level meetings, covered in the Economic Survey and has been accepted for roll out. A government order to this effect has been issued and it has been decided that Canara Bank will play the role of a central anchor bank. Having moved to the execution stage, Canara bank will work with Karnataka State Rural Livelihood Promotion Society- KSRLPS and come up with an implementation plan for the next two quarters up until March 2023.

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Convergence with the Fisheries and Tourism department 

Field visit to Karwar:The overall objective of the visit was to study methods of generating potential employment opportunities for SHG women in the fisheries sector.A list of 7 possibilities that are viable and can be taken to with immediate effect were discussed and agreed by the Field staff.

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