Applications are invited for the Manimekalai awards from exceptionally well-performing self-help groups, panchayat-level federations, block-level federations, village poverty reduction committees, and urban self-help groups among others.
According to the administration, a corpus of ₹2.08 crore has been allocated for the awards. Village and urban SHGs and panchayat-level and block-level federations are invited to submit applications.
Groups will be selected based on the following criteria: periodic SHG meetings; proper use of group savings; availed bank loans; tangible upward mobility of group members; and participation in social welfare activities.
The applications may be submitted by May 12.