Gayatri SHG is an all women group in a village of Sinapali block of Nuapada district, Odisha, India. The village is at a distance of around 10 kilometers from the branch office of Milaap field partners and the road to the village is under construction. Here I was to meet the above mentioned SHG which had received the Milaap solar energy loan almost a month back to buy solar lanterns. The village has been witnessing daily power cuts of 2 hours especially in the evening. In such a scenario solar lanterns has been the best option considering the expenses associated with the kerosene lanterns and their harmful effects on health and environment. The group members shared their joy over the benefit of using solar lanterns and expressed gratitude for Milaap and its field partner. Solar lanterns have been useful for the group members in their businesses such as for lightning at Kirana store and for traversing to their fields when it is dark. The members have also availed the micro business loan from Milaap field partner and are diversifying their sources of income by investing into businesses such as rearing cows and goats and opening a daily needs shop.
Gayatri SHG
