SKDRDP which is the pioneer organization in the field of self employment generation programs in the district, has intended to form 2,142 Pragathi Bandhu groups and add 20,206 members to the groups for the year 2011-12, informed Vishwanath Shetty,  Director of SKDRDP Human Resource Development Department.

Developed by SKDRDP, "Pragathi Bhandu" groups are unique models of self-help groups that center around the cultivation of waste lands through labour sharing. Such groups organize and empower small and marginal farmers and laborers through the transference of governance to the village level. By promoting compulsory labor sharing for performing individual and community tasks, each village member works for the other members for one day in a week. This has helped thousands of small farmers to achieve important farm works.

A plan of action has been designed to distribute Rs. 145 crore for the needy under micro-finance business programs and Rs. 631.97 lakh has been earmarked for the expansion and developmental work.