from Wilson D’Souza        
for Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (SM)

Bantwal, Sep 14: Snehanjali Mahasangha, a federation of  of self-help groups sponsored by Canara Organization for Development and Peace ®, was inaugurated at Meramajal, here recently.

Fr Onil D’Souza, director CODP, Kadri Hills Mangalore, presided over the function. Fr Cyril Pinto, parish priest of Omzoor church inaugurated the function. Rukmini Shetty, president of Namana Okkoota was the chief guest.
 
Speaking on the occasion, Fr Onil said “The gap between the richest and poorest people in India is unacceptably large. The rural poor often are unable to save and do not have access to credit to invest in creating assets. As a result, there is overexploitation of natural resources such as water and forests in people's attempts to increase inputs into their agricultural production.”

Chronic poverty is likely to be widespread and should be addressed through tailored policy responses. CODP is focused on strategic interventions through its self-help groups to improve the quality of livelihood opportunities currently available and to provide alternative livelihood opportunities to ensure that poor people in rural and urban areas have adequate resources to sustain themselves, he added.

CODP is working on these issues through research and dissemination of best practices information. It is particularly focused on the empowerment of women as increasing their incomes and assets have tremendous multiplier effects on the socio-economic indicators of their families and communities. Vranda welcomed the gathering and Savita, president, proposed the vote of thanks.