The Atul Uttara project adopts a holistic approach to empowering rural women by combining financial inclusion with livelihood development. At its core, the program uses the self-help group (SHG) model to create strong, community-led institutions that support women in building both economic stability and social confidence.

The project strengthens financial literacy and practices at the grassroots level. Women come together in SHGs to contribute small, regular savings, creating a shared fund managed through a group bank account. This pooled resource serves as an accessible credit system, allowing members to take loans at mutually agreed, low interest rates. The process encourages financial discipline, builds trust within the group and reduces dependence on informal and often exploitative sources of credit.

The need for this initiative is rooted in the realities faced by rural women like irregular, informal employment, limited involvement in household financial decisions, low literacy levels and minimal exposure to formal financial tools, which further restrict their participation. Over time, this integrated approach not only improves access to savings and credit but also enhances women decision-making power and economic independence.

2025-26 highlights

• formed 126 SHGs with 1,334 women participants
• supported collective savings of ₹ 101 lakh
• secured cash credit limits of ₹ 153 lakh for 49 groups from banks in 2025–26
• conducted financial literacy, leadership and record-keeping trainings for 608 SHG members
• empowered 57 micro-entrepreneurs to enhance their livelihood

Savings for independency

‘I did not get scared for my finances when my son was admitted to a hospital due to an emergency. Instead, I approached my group and withdrew a loan from our savings without any tedious paperwork. With my savings, I could help provide a timely treatment for my son,’ shares Pratibha Vishwakarma, a member of the Amli faliya self-help group.