SKDRDP wins Sa-Dhan’s Elaben Award for women-friendly financial institution

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Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project executive director S.S. Anil Kumar (third from left) receiving the Elaben Memorial Award for Best Women-Friendly Financial Institution for 2025–26 in New Delhi on Friday, October 9. PHOTO: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT/The Hindu | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Sa-Dhan, a self-regulatory organisation designated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), conferred the Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) BC Trust with the “Best Women-Friendly Financial Institution for the Year 2025–26 - Elaben Memorial Award” at its 21st National Conference in New Delhi on Thursday and Friday.

SKDRDP functions under the guidance of Dharmasthala Pattadhikari and its president D. Veerendra Heggade and Hemavathi V. Heggade. The award was in recognition of the organisation becoming a model in the country by providing a safe working environment for women, said a release. Project executive director and CEO S.S. Anil Kumar, chief financial officer Shantaram R. Pai, and regional Directors B. Geetha and Dayashila received the award.

Sa-Dhan is an RBI-appointed self-regulatory organisation with 210 financial institutions as members. The award, given in memory of Elaben Bhatt, who made special contributions to women’s empowerment, is a national-level honour for the best microfinance institution.

SKDRDP predominantly employs women, numbering around 29,000 out of a total workforce of 41,000. Besides ensuring a safe working environment, the Project provides them with advanced technology, training, and adequate promotion opportunities. During transfers, women are permitted to work from locations where their families are based under a “spouse joining” concept.

The Project has provided specialised training to key women workers on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The organisation enforces strict safety rules and maintains an effective management system.

Under Ms. Hemavathi’s direction, special care is taken to ensure healthcare facilities for women workers, and every employee is provided with health insurance worth ₹5 lakh annually.

While 3.29 lakh women self-help group members have achieved all-round development through 6,547 Mahila Jnana Vikasa Kendras, about 42 lakh women who availed loans from banks through the SKDRDP BC Trust have built their livelihoods and achieved financial empowerment.

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