functions

The Grameena Mahila Arthika Seva Kendra (GMASK) has the following functions:

• To develop a strong organisation of women and empower them in all fields of development through capacity building, financial self-reliance and managerial capabilities in all aspects of rural life including NRM and sustainable agriculture



• To support viable men's Self Help Groups within the ambit of the self help concept



• To pool idle funds of the SHGs at the apex level and revolve it among the needy groups directly or through the federations of groups to benefit the SHGs more effectively



• To mobilise funds from financial institutions, organisations and donors as loans with low interest rates so that the groups do not have to borrow from commercial banks



• To mobilise funds from governmental agencies; anti-poverty programmes; and other development programmes that take up the interest of women in rural areas



• To promote and develop Self Help Groups so as to touch 80 percent of women or marginalised sections of the population in a period of five years



• To take up the role of PRAWARDA in capacity building, building linkages and promoting the concept of NRM for a healthy agro-ecological situation in the area



• To take up any government or NGO programmes that promote the cause of women and child development in the area



• To infuse a higher degree of professionalism in management of SHGs particularly in terms of financial management



• To help ensure periodical distribution of income among the groups



• To be a role model for development of women in all its facets