Award Announcement
Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) BC Trust was honoured with the Elaben Memorial Award for Best Women‑Friendly Financial Institution for the fiscal year 2025‑26. The award was presented by Sa‑Dhan during its 21st National Conference held in New Delhi.
The Trust employs roughly 41,000 personnel, of which about 29,000 are women. It provides its women staff with regular training, opportunities for career advancement, comprehensive healthcare facilities and an annual health‑insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh. Transfers are arranged based on family requirements and specialised training addresses workplace safety and sexual‑harassment prevention.
Beyond direct employment, SKDRDP supports women’s financial independence through an extensive self‑help‑group (SHG) network. Approximately 3.29 lakh women SHG members have benefited from 6,547 Mahila Jnana Vikas Kendras, and about 42 lakh women have obtained loans facilitated by the Trust to build sustainable livelihoods.
The recognition highlights the organisation’s commitment to gender equality, safe and supportive work environments, and broader financial inclusion, under the guidance of Dharmadhikari Dr Veerendra Heggade and Mathrushri Hemavathi V. Heggade.