Self help groups (SHG) are formed in the Tsunami affected areas as part of the Livelihood Reconstruction Programme.  SHGs solve various problems themselves, be it social, economical or cultural.  This re-life empowerment programme targets three types of people, namely Women (covering both fishing community and Dalits), Youth and Dalits.

All members of SHGs are given training on Group Formation, Documentation, Government Schemes, Micro-credit programmes, Leadership qualities, Legal awareness Programme, Taking up social issues and various rights like Women, Children, etc.

13 women SHGs were already formed at Nagapattinam and steps are being taken to form another 30 groups.  Currently, there are about 150 women members in these groups.  11 SHGs are already linked with the banks to receive loans from the banks.

In the same way, there are 8 youth SHGs in the Nagapattinam block that belong to Dalit community.  Steps are being taken to form youth SHGs in the Parangipettai block too.  All the 8 youth SHGs are linked to various banks like Canara Bank, Indian Overseas Bank and Indian Bank located in the locality.

Dalit SHGs are being formed to streamline the living conditions of the Dalit community by involving them in the income generation programmes envisaged for the Tsunami affected people.  These SHGs too raise awareness among the Dalits through direct participation about liberation and human rights.  In addition, these SHGs build solidarity among various other such groups.