Sociology || Fall 2017 || Pokhara University

Very Short Answer Questions

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Descriptive Answer Questions

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Case Analysis

Read the case situation given below and answer the questions that follow:

Within a span of three years, Savitri Devi Chaudhary holds important positions in the small business sector— she is an active member of various associations, social networks and a role model for her village. She leads and represents the women entrepreneurs of Sunsari district as the Executive Member of the District Micro-Entrepreneurs Groups Association (DMEGA), the Vice President of Eastern Regional Micro-entrepreneurs Federation (ERMEFN), and also the Executive Member of the National Micro Entrepreneurs Federation Nepal (NMEFN).

Not more than three years ago, Savitri was a simple housewife struggling to meet her basic needs. Her living conditions graded her in the category of the ‘hardcore poor’ section of society. Her husband was a small contractor but often fell ill. Most of the earnings and the little bit of land that they owned were also spent on his treatment. For survival, Savitri began working as a laborer on a daily wage basis.

Life changed for Savitri when she attended the UNDP Micro-enterprise Development Program (MEDEP) week-long training— on skills development and planning small enterprises. The project also provided a month-long technical skills training on weaving jute products. As a result, a group of 10 women started producing jute products. To do all the production works, the women were able to establish a Common Facility Centre, at the total cost of Rs. 165,000 with the support of MEDEP (Rs. 100,000), the Village Development Committee (Rs. 25,000), the community (Rs. 40,000), and the District Development Committee provided in kind support for the construction of the building. In the year 2009, the women were able to make an annual profit of Rs. 300,000 – 400,000 only by selling their jute products.

The members have now increased to 28 from 10 and they formed a Cooperative in February 2010 with Savitri as the Chairperson.

“Last year my monthly income was between Rs. 4,000 – 5,000 and I earned about Rs. 20,000 extra by working as a local trainer for jute products. I would never have thought that I could support my paralyzed husband to get regular treatment, send my children to school, buy food for the family and renovate my house only through this enterprise,” says Savitri. With the awareness brought about by the program, the community values education, and there is one hundred percent enrolment of girls in schools. Savitri too has set an example in the community by sending her daughter-in-law to school.

a)        How was Savitri successful in holding important positions in the small business sector?

b)      Highlight the life situations before she attended the UNDP Micro-enterprise Development Program.

c)       This kind of success story of business entrepreneurship can be an inspiration to many of the youths in our country. There are other areas that can inspire youths to remain inside the country and control brain-drain. What are those areas? Explain them in brief.

d)      Government of Nepal has implemented 14^th Economic Planning from Ashad, 2073/74 – 075/76 which has aimed to reduce population under the poverty line to 17% from 21.6%. Relating to the story of Savitri, can we imagine a mere 17% of the population under the poverty line by the end of this planning? Write your opinion with appropriate reasons.

e)       How do eradication of poverty expand the trade and business in the country? Illustrate with examples.

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