Mahakalasm MIS: Management and Information System for SHGs

This project aims to implement a complete and modular Management and Information System (MIS) for village-based savings and lending groups, otherwise known as Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The MIS will allow central tracking of the accounts, financial position, loan repayment performance and related information for a community of SHGs.

The project provides a complete end-to-end system for managing SHG information management and processing needs. It includes the design of accessible paper forms for data entry in the field, a mobile solution for data entry from the field, a software package for management of data at the branch or head office and a detailed report generation package for the oversight and administration of the SHG program. It also includes a training and financial literacy component for empowering SHG members to become more effective financial managers.

ekgaon is researching, implementing and testing the prototype software along with the the Mahakalasm (literally, great vessel, i.e. for communal savings) SHG Federation in Pulvoikarai, Tamil Nadu, promoted by the Covenant Centre for Development (CCD). The next phase of implementation will span across the CEFI network of Community-Based Institutions

We are working currently on this project with the support and participation of the SEEP Network's Practitioner Learning Program and IDRC's PanAsia program.

Project Materials:

• SHG Paper MIS - A complete paper-based system for SHG management.
• SHG Online MIS (coming soon) - Web-based system for on-line SHG management.