In the tribal heartlands of Jharkhand, women from Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are writing a new chapter of economic independence through the Gutu Galang Kalyan Trust (GGKT).
Founded in 2019 in Littipara block of Pakur district, GGKT derives its name from the Santhali phrase meaning "thread stitching." This women-led enterprise began by producing gunny sacks for the state government's PVTG Dakiya Yojana, a program ensuring doorstep delivery of 35 kg of rice monthly to over 73,000 PVTG families.
With an initial investment of ₹4.5 lakh from the Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS) and a ₹12 lakh working capital loan from the Cluster Level Federation, GGKT established a production facility that now manufactures 75,000 sacks monthly, serving 24 districts.
The Trust's growth has been remarkable: annual sales reached nearly ₹112.46 lakh in FY 2021-22, reflecting a 37% increase since inception, with a net profit of ₹12.51 lakh. This financial success translates into tangible benefits for the community, with 35 PVTG women employed full-time, earning ₹4,500 monthly, and over 1,000 Self-Help Group members engaged across the supply chain.
"Before GGKT, I had never earned money of my own," shares Malti Murmu, one of the core team members. "Now I not only have regular income but also a say in my household decisions."
Building on its success, GGKT has diversified into vendor partnerships under MGNREGA, established a seed bank for traditional crops, and created a processing unit for pulses and millets. The Trust also promotes natural farming and Farmer Producer Organization activities, fostering sustainable agricultural practices and linking farmers to formal markets.
The community-centric model exemplifies how economic empowerment can intersect with preserving traditional knowledge systems while enhancing market access for tribal women.
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