These women are on a new threshold

GULBARGA: The Hyderabad-Karnataka (HK) region is all set to witness history as nine former Devadasis at Narona village of Aland taluk who quit flesh trade more than one-and-a-half decades ago decided to switch to agriculture.The nine women have regrouped and formed the ‘Durgadevi Swa Sahaya Sangha’, a self-help group. They will be taking on lease four acres of land in Narona village for cultivating vegetables.When this correspondent met the women in Narona village, they exuded happiness at their new endeavour. One such woman, Kasturibai, with tears of joy, said “We yearned for the dawn of such a day.”She added that the Karnataka Rajya Mahila Abhivrudhi Nigama came forward to provide them loan under a micro-finance scheme.  “The Nigama has already communicated to us that it would provide Rs 45,000 to the nine of us for taking upgroup activities.”The Sangha has identified four acres of land which it will take on an annual lease of Rs 60,000. Kasturibai details that the Nigama would provide them with Rs 45,000 and with the remainder to be pooled in by the nine members. The land agreement is expected to be signed within a fortnight, a copy of which would be submitted to the organisation for obtaining the loan.Kasthuribai adds with conviction: “We would not only grow the vegetables, we will sell them in the market directly; our children and their families, too, will be involved in our efforts, as they must lead a happy life.”In-charge Project Officer of Devadasi Rehabilitation Scheme Renuka confirmed that the Nigama is in possession of the Rs 45,000 that it will pay to Durgadevi Swa Sahaya Sangha. “The money would be released as soon as the copy of the agreement with the land owner is submitted,”  she said.