Applications invited for financial aid

The Minority Welfare Department has invited applications for financial aid for a project from registered self-help groups including neighbourhood groups, NGOs and regional units, with at least 70 per cent of women from minority groups as members.

The scheme is for Muslim, Christian, Buddha, and Parsi women. Self-help groups in the areas of agriculture, services and production can apply. Each group must have 20 members. The self-help groups involved in providing additional income to women from minority groups would be given preference. A maximum of 50 self-groups will be selected and each will be provided with 50 per cent of their investment at a maximum of `2.5 lakh.

Five percent of the investment must be borne by the members, and the rest must be obtained from banks. The work will also be monitored by the agency appointed by the commission.

The applications must be sent before September 20 to the Director of the Minority Welfare Commission. Project Officer, 4th floor, Vikas Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram - 33. Phone: 0471 2300523 / 2302090.