November 9, 2018
SHGs in Bangla develop eco-friendly pens made from paper
Various schemes taken up by the Panchayat and Rural Development Department have not only helped the self-help groups (SHG) to become economically independent but also in conserving the environment.
The department has recently released eco-friendly pens. These unique pens are made from paper and have been manufactured by some women associated with an SHG at Para in Purulia district. The use of plastic in the pens is minimal as the State Government is trying to gradually do away with the use of plastic.
The ballpoint pens are priced anything between Rs 5 and Rs 15. They contain a plastic refill while their bodies are made of coloured papers, and they have a beautiful look. The paper has been processed so that the pens can be carried like ordinary plastic-made ballpoint pens.
Each pen contains seeds of palas or simul trees so that after using the pens one can sow the seeds and help in afforestation.
The women associated with many of the self-help groups are doing excellent jobs and many of them are coming up with excellent ideas. Some women of SHGs, for example, are making fly ash into bricks at eco-friendly brick kilns while some in Nadia district have become economically independent by doing pisciculture. The department has helped them by opening brick kilns and digging up waterbodies.
It may be mentioned that the Panchayat and Rural Development Department has earned appreciation from the Central Government for successfully running SHGs and implementing 100 Days’ Work programme excellently in the rural areas.
Source: Millennium Post
