The Vazhndhu Kattuvom project intends to build on the SHG movement that was a precursor. While the SHG movement had achieved some success, there was vast improvement needed in terms of reaching poorest and vulnerable sections of society (disabled, disadvantaged, widows, destitute and the aged), in terms of increasing credit linkage, in terms of viable micro-enterprise and marketing. The project is envisaged to build on the strong foundation of the Mahalir Thittam and other anti-poverty schemes of the state of Tamil Nadu.

The Project’s key objectives are to improve the livelihoods and empower the target rural poor in Tamil Nadu (particularly women and other disadvantaged groups) through: Developing and strengthening pro-poor local institutions/groups (including village Panchayats); Building skills and capacities of the poor; and Financing productive demand-driven subproject investments. The project is designed to reach 350,000 target families (1.75 million population out of the total population of 6.67 million) in 2480 Gram Panchayats comprising 12185 habitations in 70 backward blocks spread over 15 districts.