DK Kapila The Oracle

Breaking Myths - SHGs Succeed in Punjab Also (This has appeared in the May 2010 issue of the E-Mag of the Chandigarh Management Association pl for which I am thankful to them) Punjab, the name is taken to imply a prosperous state where the concept of Self Help Groups (SHGs) is alien and not required as in the comparatively under developed parts of India. This is a myth; the concept is required, there is a deep hunger for credit and easy access to credit amongst its women and once shown the pathway; the concept is adopted enthusiastically. The only difference, if any, is in the quantum of funds sought for from banks or vide internal loaning as also subscribed to; both are higher than the conventional amounts in most parts of India. Normal subscriptions will often start at Rs 100/- per month per member (Rs 20/- or os in most parts of India); loans from banks or the demand for a loan would also start at a minimum of Rs 25,000/- or so as gainst Rs 10,000/- in most parts of India; but...

The Violence at the Panjab University Campus – The malaise is deeper. The recent and repeated incidents of violence at the Panjab University Campus and at its affiliated colleges in Chandigarh mask a deeper malaise. The attempts to combat violence by students by a law and order approach will not work until and unless parents and society as such join in to control the situation. A law and order approach is certainly required to combat the violence with a firm hand before the university joins the likes of various universities in central & eastern India with a tarnished reputation. Already the university has lost ground and its flagship courses do not attract talent or employers with the same enthusiasm as earlier. The violence if left unchecked due to various factors will simply hasten the process of furthering the slide of the university. Panjab University also seems to be afflicted by a diffused sense of responsibility between the Vice Chancellor and the Senate, in any case a se...