I am Gayathri from the Mettupatti Branch in Sattur Taluk. I live with my three children. My husband passed away eight years ago; I have been managing my family by doing daily-wage labour. In our village, branch-level meetings are organised by the Semmalar Sangam. I regularly participate in these meetings, where information about Welfare Board registration and the various welfare schemes available to workers is shared. With the support of the Sangam, our village branch also started a small savings account at the post office. We maintain regular records of deposits and withdrawals through this group savings initiative. At my request, the Sangam discussed my needs within the group and provided me with loan assistance of Rs.10,000 for goat rearing. With this support, I purchased goats and started rearing them.

I had also been registered with the Welfare Board for the past eight years. However, my Welfare Board card had become locked. Because of this, I faced difficulties in accessing educational assistance from the Welfare Board for my son and daughter. I informed the Semmalar Sangam about the issue. With the support of the Sangam, I submitted a petition at the Virudhunagar Welfare Board office requesting them to unlock my Welfare Board card. After the card was unlocked, the Sangam helped me complete and submit the applications for educational assistance for both my son and daughter. I have received the educational assistance. I also regularly participate in the monthly meetings and other training programmes organised by the Sangam. Through these activities, I am developing my skills. I thank the Sangam for all the support.

– Gayathri, Viruthunagar