Role of Self-Help Groups in Socio Economic Sustainability- A Study of Punjab Region

Abstract

For sustainable growth, Micro Finance through Self-help Groups promise to deliver poverty alleviation and results in Financial Inclusion. The main purpose of the current study is to answer whether the women who have joined Self-help Groups became more economically empowered as compare to those who are still not the members of any SHG. Self-help group is the homogeneous group of 10-20 members who belongs to same category and of same economic class especially from below poverty line. The members in the group are self selected on the basis of mutual trust, they meet regularly and makes a common fund in which they pool their savings and get loan from that pool whenever needed. The aim of this research is to examine the need and benefits of joining these groups which helps in the socio-economic development of the population below poverty line especially women residing in the rural areas. Also, crosschecked The empowerment status of the women members after being employed by taking help of financial institutions. To meet the objectives, primary data has been collected with personal interview and structured questionnaire in the major districts (with high population) from the regions of Malwa, Doaba and Majha of Punjab, India.