Shri Dharmasthala Siri Gramodyoga Samsthe is a Section 8 nonprofit organization, established in 2004 with support from the Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project. Owned by over 2,000 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Dakshina Kannada, it operates under the leadership of Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade and guidance of Mathrushree Hemavathi Heggade, focusing on rural women’s empowerment. The organization enjoys tax exemptions under Sections 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act.
Mission and Impact
SIRI empowers marginalized women through skill development, enabling them to manufacture quality products, contribute to family income, and gain social dignity. The organization also addresses rural unemployment by helping youth establish retail outlets and engage in self-employment.
New SIRI Industrial Park
The newly established SIRI Industrial Park, spread across 7 acres with a built-up area of 1.5 lakh square feet, stands as a remarkable achievement in a small Taluk headquarters. Despite its location away from metro cities, the facility rivals industrial setups in major urban centers, housing state-of-the-art machines for food and garment production is built with a total project investment of ₹100 Crores.
Product Range and Operations
SIRI produces Garments, Agarbattis, Millet-based foods, Bakery items, Pickles, Chikki, Pushti, Kokam squash, Chemicals, and Rexin products. A millet processing unit at Dharwad adds value to millet-based. It houses major production units, a hostel for 200 women, a creche for 50 children, canteen, Canara Bank ATM, Guest Houses, bus facilities, and public access amenities.
Road Ahead
SIRI aims to expand production, diversify products, and create employment for 1,000 women. Emphasis will remain on skill development, sustainable livelihoods, and strengthening rural economic growth while continuing to champion women’s Shri Dharmasthala Siri Gramodyoga Samsthe empowerment across Karnataka.
Key Achievements
- Employment for 500 SHG women; plans to double.
- Turnover of ₹40 Crore; vision to reach ₹100 Crore.
- 13 company-owned outlets, 146 distributors, 8,600 retail points, and “Shop on Wheels”.
- Comprehensive welfare facilities including hostel, crèche, transport, PF, ESI, and gratuity.
- Popularity of millet-based and other products across Karnataka.
