A STUDY ON THE SELF-HELP GROUP OF WOMEN AND ITS

CONTRIBUTION TO THEIR SOCIO-ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

(A STUDY OF SHG OF WOMEN IN CHAYGAON, ASSAM)

A THESIS

Submitted to

ASSAM DON BOSCO UNIVERSITY

In Partial of the Requirement for

MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK (MSW)

2017

By

PALLABI SAIKIA

DU2015MSW0045

Department of Social Work

Assam Don Bosco University

Guwahati-781017
 i

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the Thesis titled , “A Study On The Self Help Group of

Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio- Economic Development “,

submitted by Pallabi Saikia , DU2015MSW0045 to the Department of Social Work ,

Assam DonBosco University , Guwahati, during the period of her study in the

academic year 2015- 2017, is a bonafide record of the Research Work carried out

under my supervision and guidance.

Dr. LUKOSE P JACOB Dr. LUKOSE P JACOB

Head of Department of Social Work Associate Professor

Research Guide
 ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This has been a research that led me to be in associated with many good people in the

villages of Chaygaon District. I would like to gracefully acknowledge various people

who have been journeyed with me in these two years as I have worked on this thesis.

As I raise my hand in thanking God for his goodness for the completion of this work .

I wish to place on record my gratitude to Dr. Lukose P Jacob , Head of the

Department, all the faculty members, all my friends and fellow class mates. The work

would not have been possible without their valuable contribution , help and guidance

which served the purpose of my research work.

My deep and sincere gratitude to Dr. Lukose P Jacob , my research guide , for his

personal attention, care and interest shown towards this research.

Last but not the least, heartfelt thanks to my parents, relatives , well wishers and all

the members of the Self Help Group for their constant support, prayers, inspiration,

and suggestion throughout my study.

Date 24th April 2017 PALLABI

SAIKIA
 iii

Dedicated to

God

And

My Beloved Parents
 iv

PREFACE

The Self Help Group method is used by the Government, NGOs and others

worldwide. The movement of SHG has emerged and experienced an explosive growth

as an inclusive and socio- economic movement. Thousands of the poor and the

marginalized population in India are building their lives, their families and their

society through Self Help Group. The major initiative in providing SHG members

with bank credit was introduced in 1992. These initiative with bank linkages appeared

important and added value to the lives of SHG members, their families in general.

The main aim of this research is to examine the role of Self Help Group in making a

contribution in the change of the socio- economic status to the women related to it.

The SHGs have been playing considerable role in not only changing the economical

status of the women but also the social status. SHGs financed by banks and NGOs had

members belonging mainly to socially and economically disadvantaged sections.

The institutions providing Micro finance could play a significant role in facilities

inclusion as they are uniquely positioned in reaching out to the rural poor many of

them operate in a limited geographical area have a greater understanding of the issue

specific to the rural poor and have flexibility in operations providing a level of

comfort to their clientele.

Through the analysis the researcher found that there is less financial assistance in

which the members of the Self Help Group cannot take much loan from the group for

their needs as most of the members of the group are earning a less amount of income.

NABARD has defined micro finance as follows : “ Micro finance is all about

provision of thrift, credit and other financial services and products of very small
 v

amount to the poor in rural, semi urban and urban areas for enabling them to raise

their standard of living”.

As the study is to know the performance of the Self Help Group in Socio –Economic

Development among the women associated to the SHGs in the Chaygaon , Assam.

Therefore, I am highly pleased to present this thesis which can perhaps serve the

reader a clear picture of the functions of the SHGs and promote a better status to the

women .
 vi

LIST OF FIGURES

PAGE NO.

Figure 4.1 Age Group of the Respondent 27

Figure 4.2 Religion of the Respondent 28

Figure 4.3 Caste of the Respondent 29

Figure 4.4 Literacy Status 30

Figure 4.5 Marital Status 32

Figure 4.6 Family Monthly Income 34

Figure 4.7 Family Monthly Expenditure 35

Figure 4.8 Respondent Living in their own house 38

Figure 4.9 Type of House 39

Figure 4.10 Respondent having own Land 40

Figure 4.11 Type of Group 41

Figure 4.12 Community of the Respondent 42

Figure 4.13 Reasoning of Joining SHG 44

Figure 4.14 Savings 47

 vii

Figure 4.15 Respondent applying for Loans 48

Figure 4.16 Source of Loan 49

Figure 4.17 Loans taken from Self Help Group 50

Figure 4.18 Amount of Loan 51

Figure 4.19 Utilization of Loan by the Respondent 52

Figure 4.20 Monthly income before joining SHG 53

Figure 4.21 Monthly income after joining SHG 54

Figure 4.22 Family Support 55

Figure 4.23 Decision making in the Community 56

Figure 4.24 Respondent Status in Community 57

Figure 4.25 Role of Decision Making in the Family 58

Figure 4.26 Contribution either Socially or Economically 59

Figure 4.28 Socio-economic upliftment because of SHG 61

Figure 4.29 Relationship Status 63

Figure 4.30 Problem Solving 64

 viii

LIST OF TABLES

PAGE NO.

Table 4.1 Education Qualification of the Respondent 31

Table 4.2 Occupation of the Respondent 33

Table 4.3 Type of Family 36

Table 4.4 Household size of the Respondent 37

Table 4.5 Membership duration 43

Table 4.6 Decision Making 45

Table 4.7 Frequency of Meetings 46

Table 4.8 Socio-economic contribution of the SHG 60

Table 4.9 Socio-economic Status increased because of SHGs 62

 ix

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Pages

CERTIFICATE i

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ii

DEDICATIONS iii

PREFACE iv-v

LIST OF TABLES vi

LIST OF FIGURES vii

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND 1-4

1.1 Introduction 1-3

1.2 Background 3-4

CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF LITERATURE 5-17

2.1 Concept of Self Help Group 5

2.2 Definition of terms 8

2.2.1 Theoretical Definition Of Self Help Group 8

2.2.2 Operational Definition Of Self Help Group 8

2.2.3 Theoretical Definition Of Economic Development 8

2.2.4 Operational Definition Of Economic Development 9

2.3 Origin of Self Help Group : Internationally and Nationally 9

 x

2.4 Indian Scenerio 10

2.5 Performance Of Self Help Group 12

2.6 Bank Linkage Programme 12

2.7 Growth of SHGs in India 13

2.8 What is Empowerment? 13

2.9 Women Empowerment 14

2.10 Women Empowerment in India 15

2.11 Economic Empowerment 16

2.12 Political Empowerment 16

2.13 Social Empowerment 17

2.14 Development 17

CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 18-25

3.1 Statement of the problem 18

3.2 Rationale of study 18

3.3 Significance of the study 18

3.4 Study settings 19

3.5 Research Question 20

3.6 Research Objective 21

3.7 Hypothesis 21

3.8 Research Methodology 22

3.9 Research Design 22

3.9.1 Exploratory Research Design 23

3.9.2 Descriptive Research Design 23

 xi

3.10 Research Approach 23

3.10.1 Quantitative Approach 23

3.11 Research Methods 23

3.12 Sources of Data 24

3.13 Tools 24

3.14 Universe/ Population 24

3.15 Sample Size 25

3.16 Delimitation of the Study 25

3.17 Ethical Concern 25

CHAPTER 4

ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION 26-64

4.1 Introduction 22-64

CHAPTER 5

MAIN FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 65-69

5.1 Introduction 65

5.2 Findings 65

5.3 Recommendations 69

CONCLUSION 71

REFERENCE 72-73

APPENDIX 74-85
 1
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

The concept of Self Help Groups serves to underline the principle „for the people, by

the people and of the people”. A Self Help Group (SHG)is a village-based financial

intermediary committee usually composed of 10-20 local women or men. These

groups can be either registered or unregistered . Self Help Group approach is a new

paradigm into the field of rural development which main objective are to increase the

well-being of the people, provide access to resources and credit, increase self-

confidence., self –esteem and increase their creditability in all aspects of lives.

Women face a wide range of biases in society , unequal opportunities in education,

employment and assets ownership. Women‟s income is vital to the well-being of

children , women has a greater positive impact on child survival and nutrition than

does additional income in the hands of me. Poverty is the root cause of all evils for the

development of women. Majority of the third world women are involved in the

informal sectors of economic activities. Most of these activities do not yield sufficient

income to eradicate women poverty .

The SHGs today have become a vehicle to pursue diverse development agendas and

even for the profit motive. SHGs are effective in reducing poverty, empowering

women and also development of the rural areas. Micro-finance scenes is dominated

by SHG bank linkage programme as a cost effective mechanism for providing

financial services to the „unreached poor‟. Self- help as a strategy for social
 2
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

development places emphasis on self-reliance , human agency and action. It aims to

mobilize people, to give them voice and build people‟s organizations that will

overcome barriers to participation and empowerment. Central to the idea of self help

is the formation of groups, concepts of a community and the development of

egalitarian relationships that will promote people‟s wellbeing.

The formation of SHG aims for the development of socio-economic condition of the

group, their quality of life and helps to become self dependent, which indirectly

relates to the socio-economic development of the country. SHGs are novel and

innovative organizational setup in India for the women upliftment and welfare. The

SHGs are promoted by the Government as if women in India may not be resourceful

enough to be entrepreneurs. SHGs arrange for enhancing the capacity women in

terms of leadership quality and arranging for the management of the SHGs by

themselves so as to have administrative capacity.

Self Help Group are small informal association of the poor created at the grass root

level for the purpose of enabling members to reap economic benefits out of mutual

help solidarity and joint responsibility. It is a self managed institution of 10-

20members, based on common interest and affinity for socio- economic

improvement of its members. The bound of mutual trust,respect and affection who

support one another and amongst whom exploitative relationship do not exit, form

these group.

The approach towards uplifting the poor women economically should be self help.

Thus Self Help Group is considered as the movement of self development. Self Help
 3
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

Group is the institution setup through which the micro credit is routed by the formal

and semi formal micro finance institution to assist the poor women. (Rao, 2012)

1.2 BACKGROUND

Chaygaon is a town in Kamrup District of Assam situated on the south bank of the

Brahmaputra river. It falls under the western part of Assam and is highly religion

place where numbers of ancient temples are situated. Chaygaon is at National

Highway 37, which is connected to nearby cities and towns with buses and other

modes of transportations.

People residing in this town lives a simple life. They basically earn their livelihood by

either doing jobs (Government or private) or by doing the business of selling battle

nut. Chaygaon is famous for the river Kulsi where the business of river water soil is

carried out either legally or illegally. Most of the time the illegal method is carried out

by the mafias of the business. The men from the villages are mostly associated a the

daily wager in the exporting these soil to the other parts of the state whereas the

women seems to be housewives and takes care of the farming. The people of the

villages in Chaygaon are of mixed community and caste. The tribal caste women of

these villages does the farming, ride bicycle and carry things to the daily market to

sell it. While the men are mostly engaged in drinking and sitting ideal in the houses.

It is in such condition a NGO named Grameen Sahara was set up in the year 2002 .

These NGO deals with lot of projects along with the Mahila Kisan Sasastikaran

Paryojna which aims to establise women farmer with the help of different farming
 4
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

skills trainings provided by the NGO itself. These women are identified by the

establishment of the Self Help Groups in different villages of Chaygaon. These

groups works activity and the women takes up the loan in order to set up their own

business .

Hence , this research is an attempt to find out how SHGs have helped the various

women in India and how this can be of great help to the alleviation of the women in

that particular area of my research study.

 5
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Women are the most vital part of Indian economy, constituting one-third of the

national labour force and a major contributor to the survival of the family. In order to

have a stable and independent position in the society women are mobilized [to

organize into groups for undertaking mutually beneficial social and economic

activities. These groups are basically known as the Self Help Group (S.H.G) which

serves as a small voluntary associations for poor and marginalized women in the

society. They come together for the purpose of solving their common problems

through self help and mutual help. Self help groups may exist separately or as part of

large organizations. The formation of SHG aims for the development of socio-

economic conditions of the group, their quality of life and to help the group to become

self- dependent which indirectly relates to the socio-economic development of the

country.

2.1 Concepts of SHG

Self help groups(SHG) is now a well known concept. It is now almost two decades

old . It is reported that the SHGs have a role in hastening country‟s economic

development. It has now evolved as a movement. SHGs are basically formed by

women for which the participation of women in the country‟s economic development

is improving.
 6
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

1. NABARD defines it as a group of 20 or less people from a homogenous class

who are willing to come together for addressing their common

problems. Generally the Self Help Group is a development group and informal

in nature may consist 10 to 20 persons. In case of areas with scattered and

sparse population and difficult areas like desert and hills, this number may be

from 5-20. The difficult areas have to be identified by the state level

committee and the above relaxation in membership will be permitted only in

such areas. The group shall not consist of more than one member from the

family.The central idea of self-help is: "You alone can do it-but you can’t

do it alone." The SHG method is used by the government, NGOs and others

worldwide. SHG are considered as an important institution at local level.

(www.nabardshg.in)

2. The Self Help group concept is not new to India. The traditional Indian society

functioned mainly on the basis of self help and mutual aid. Moreover ,

mankind has practiced self help since time immemorial in many ways. The

basis of the SHG exists prior to any intervention. A common bond like caste,

sub- caste. Blood kinship, community and the place of congenial atmosphere

links the members. (Fernandez,1995)

3. SHGs are the holistic programme of micro-enterprises covering all aspects of

self employment, organization of the rural poor into self help groups and their

capacity building, planning of activity cluster, infrastructure build

up,technology, credit and marketing. It refers to self – governed ,peer

 7
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

controlled, informal groups of people with same socio-economic background

and having a desire to collectively perform common purposes.

4. According to Ninth Plan Document (1997-2000) Laid emphasis on the

participation of people in the planning process, and the promotion of self help

group. These groups are homogeneous group of poor,women.

5. SHGs are financed by ordinary braches of ordinary commercial banks which

also do traditional banking business with their other customers. The groups

also have saving accounts with their bank. Self help groups are effectively

micro banks, mobilizing funds from different sources and disposing of these

funds as they decide. (Sinha Frances, 2009).

6. NABARD(1995) defines Self Help Group as a homogeneous group of rural

poor voluntarily governed to save whatever the amount they can conveintly

save out of their earnings and mutually agrees to contribute to a common find

to lend to the members for meeting their productive and emergency

consumptive credit needs. (Narayanswamy, Samamta & Gowda, 2011).

7. According to Borbora & Mahanta (2001) in their study of micro-credit in the

generation of income of the poor and asses the role of SHGs in promoting the

habit of saving among the poor and contribution of the programme in social

and economic empowerment of poor in general and of women.

8. Shiralahetti highlight in his article the reasons for joining SHGs. Purpose and
repayment of loan, monthly income, expenditure and saving paten before and

after joining SHGs. He also highlighted opinion of SHGs members regarding

 8
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

increase in power o family decision making. It concluded that there has been

tremondeous progress in the social and cultural environment in India. Women

now participate in all productive ativities and are at par with men.

(Shiralahetti.A.S , 2012)

2.2 Definition of terms

2.2.1 Theoretical Definition Of Self Help Group

Self Help Group are support groups which indulge in mutual help, mutual aid and

supportin each other in the group. Often , facing a common disease or addiction, Self

Help Groups share a common agenda of helping and recovering from their problems.

2.2.2 Operational Definition Of Self Help Group

An organization consisting of women folk who come together to form savings and

credit organization to provide small interest bearing loans to their members for the

solution of the common problem is considered as Self Help Group in this study.

2.2.3 Theoretical Definition Of Economic Development

A branch of economics which deals with economic aspects of the development

process in low income countries and focuses not only on methods of promotion
 9
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

development , economic growth and structural change, but also improving the

potential for the mass of the population, for example through health an education and

workplace condition, whether through public or private channels.

2.2.4 Operational Definition Of Economic Development

Economic development in this refers to the adoption of new technologies , transition

from agri based to industry based economy and general improvement in the living

standard of the women associated with SHGs in Chayagaon town, Assam.

2.3 Origin of Self Help groups: Internationally and nationally

Muhammad Yunus a Bangladeshi social entrepreneur, banker, economist and civil

society leader was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for founding the Grameen Bank

and pioneering the concept of microcredit and micro finance. The main function of

the Grameen bank is to provide loans to the needy and landless poor and marginalized

people specially the women of the society in order to promote self – empowerment.

Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee shortly known as BRAC was establish

in the year 1972 is an important and largest NGO of Bangladesh. It has employed

over 100,000 people, roughly 70% of whom are women . Association for Social

Advancement (ASA) , Shakti foundation for Disadvantaged Women are some other

organizations works for people and women and help them to lead a better life.
 10
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

These organizations not only works on the sector of micro but also runs project that in

the field of health, education, human rights etc. BRAC has worked significantly in the

fields of education, health, nutrition, and other services that serves the humanity. (Das

,2012)

In India , the concept of SHGs could be traced back to the Gandhian Gram Swaraj

movement. Its main concerned with the poor and it is of the people and for the people.

In traditional rural societies, self – help takes various forms. (Narayanaswamy ,

Samanta & Gowda , 2011)

2.4 Indian Scenario

The women folk of the rural areas face a number of problems while accessing credit.

Of instance, collateral security, cultural distance between rural women and banks ,

high transaction cost, restricted and fixed banking hours , inflexibility in quantum and

purpose of credit, inconvenient repayment schedule ,cumbersome procedure and

exploitation by the intermediaries. Dissatisfaction with the result of many provides

affective financial service to the rural people, particularly to the rural women. Taking

a leaf out of the book of developing countries like Bangladesh, Indonesia , Bolivia

and Philippines where the combination of the combine efforts of formal and informal

finances provide sustainable and valuable services to the poor. Few NGOs in India

have started experimenting on innovative schemes of Self Help Group.

 11
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

Characteristics of Self Help Group

Homogeneity in regular meetings

Regular savings

Bank savings

Functions of Self Help Group

In order to achieve the main objectives the SHGs undertakes various activities as

Small savings mobilization - The small SHG should be made in order to

mobilize financial resources. The ideas behind this is to generate the habit of

saving from whatever income is earned in the household.

Arrangements of funds – Funds are arrange in smaller quantity but on time. As

a micro finance institution the SHG should be able to provide credit to the

members. It is also expected that the members returned the money bowered in

time, in full , and with interest.

Records and Account – Records and account is the most crucial aspect of

management of the SHG as well as of conference building among the

members. The SHG has to ensure that all accounts on the books of accounts

are up to date and well maintained to ensured transparency and accuracy .

Training and development activities – SHG needs constant support, assistance,

guidance and advice from the promoters and other development agencies.
 12
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

They need constant monitoring, training and education support in order to help

them prove their working capacities and capabilities.

Linkages with financing institutions – Liaison and linkages with financial

institutions / government organizations and other agencies. The SHG

considers developing relationship with the financial institutions like the co

operative bank or the rural branch of a commercial bank.

(www.conferenceworld.in)

2.5 Performance of Self Help Group

Self Help Groups are small informal associations created for the purpose of enabling

the members to reap economical benefit out of mutual help, solidarity and joint

responsibility. The benefits include basically obtaining savings and credit facilities. (

P.J ,Christabell . 2009)

2.6 Bank Linkage Programme

The problem of linking SHGs with banks was launched by the National Bank during

1992-93 in India. National Bank‟s [towards increasing the access of the rural poor [to

formal banking services through promotion and credit linking of SHGs of the rural

poor gathered momentums in 1995-96.NABARD continues to provide 100%

refinance to banks at an [interest rate of 6.5% per annum. The number of

 13
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

NGOs and Self help promoting institutions engaged in the above program increased

from 718-1030 during 2000-01. The participation of women in the programme is

increased from 85-90% during the year (NABARD 2001) , the loan repayment

performance of the SHGs during the year was reported to be more than 95% in Tamil

Nadu 19032 SHGs were financed by the banks compared to 9959 during the previous

year. (Ravi, Reddy & Venketramana, 2004)

2.7 Growth of SHGs in India

Self Help Group in India has come a long way , since its inception in1992 as during

that time NABARD took real effort to form linkage of SHGs with the banks. It has

made dramatic progress from 500groups in 1992 to some 20,18,456 groups that have

taken loans from banks. The NABARD (2016) said that the micro-finance exhibited a

robust growth with 50% jump in loans disbursed consecutively during last three years

Rs 23682 crore during 2013-14 to Rs 37599 crore and futher to Rs 61860 crore during

2015-2016 (as per data). There was a net addition of 2.06 lakhs SHGs during the year

increasing the number of SHGs having linkage to 78.03 lakhs as on March 2016.

(NABARD, 2016 )

2.8 What is Empowerment ?

Empowerment is understood as an aid to reduce gender gap considerably.

Empowerment would enable women to perfoem social roles, which they cannot

perform without it. In the India situation , this would mean helping women to enjoy
 14
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

their constitutional and legal right to quality in real life. Moreover ., the term

empowerment of women is gaining popularity and a wide usage more often than

terms like w[omen‟s welfare, upliftment and development or giving awareness.

Through the context of women development the word “ empowerment “ is frequently

used, and the term has been undestood preoperly . ( Kumari & Rao, 2005)

In a family with many children, the man will have no problems other than financial.

But he woman has several problems. She loses her health, time, etc., Man works for

earning a livelihood for his family, but she works from morning till evening to run the

home and rear the children. Man‟s labour is counted. Her labour is not taken into

account. She is despised as a parasite by her husband. (Kunnakal,Tom. 2005)

2.9 Women Empowerment

Women‟s empowerment in India is heavily dependent on many different variables

that include geographical location (urban/rural), educational status, social status (caste

and class), and age. Policies on women‟s empowerment exist at the national, state,and

local (Panchayat) levels in many sectors, including health, education, economic

opportunities, gender-based violence, and political participation. The impact of the

patriarchal structure can be seen in rural and urban India, although women‟s

empowerment in rural India is much less visible than in urban areas. This is of

particular concern,since much of India is rural despite the high rate of urbanization

and expansion of cities. Rural women,as opposed to women in urban settings,face

inequalityat much higher rates, and in all spheres of life. Urban women and,in
 15
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

particular,urban educated women enjoy relatively higher access to economic

opportunities,health and education, and experience less domestic violence. Women

(both urban and rural) who have some level of education have higher decision-making

power in the household and the community. Furthermore, the level of women‟s

education also has a direct implication on maternal mortality rates, and nutrition and

health indicators among children . ( http://www.measuredhs.com )

2.10 Women Empowerment in India

India is an agricultural based country. The rural sector in India plays a predominant

role in development of the country‟s economy. If we go back to the scenario during

independence then women were not given the equally rights and position in the

society. But in the present situation the Government of India has introduced many

schemes and policies in order to may the women in society to have an independent

life of their own.

The year 2001 has been declared by the Government of India as “Women „s

Empowement Year” to focus on a vision where women are equal partners like men.

Women of today are not like the early days. Now, they are always ready to come

forward and want more economic independence, their own identity, achievements ,

equal status in the society. Government of India has provided for SHGs to them so

that proper attention should be given to their economic independence. (Narang,Uma

2012)
 16
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

2.11 Economic empowerment

A woman is said to be economically empowered when she gains power as a result of

increased access to economic resources. The means of achieving economic

empowerment are increase income, access to finance, ability to make decision

regarding the utilization of money / credit .

Economic independence or access to an inherited or self generated income is

considered to be the major means of empowerment of women. The contribution of

employment to improvement of women‟s position is largely contributed by the

modern sector and they enable women to move out of their homes to an extended

plane, expressed their ideas, exchange their problems and evaluate their position vis-

à-vis men in many areas of social life

2.12 Political empowerment

A women is said to be politically empowered when she has the power to act with the

rights and the rightful role in society and women in polity. The means of achieving

political empowerment are political awareness, participation in political activity,

membership in political parties, position of power.

In terms of political empowerment a women should cross three hurdles of formal

political structure – a) they should be willing to stand on the election , b) they should

be voter friendly , c) they should be judged suitable be the party electorate which is

“gate keeper” of power .(http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in)

 17
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

2.13 Social empowerment

A women is said to be socially empowered when she has the power to participate in

collective activities in the society . the means of achieving social empowerment are

social status, mingling with others, access to various organizations and social

involvement.

The different organs of UN and the experts n women liberation argue,s for women

education as a basic step in women equality. It has been reported as a crucial factor

for development as it not only helps women to gain knowledge but also provides the

necessary courage and inner strenghth to face the challenges in life. Education plays

an important role in the life of women.

There is a need for encouraging more women to participate in vocational, technical

and professional education. (Mishra & Pandey , 2012)

2.14 Development

According to Basu, A.R (1985:26) Development is not merely an economic

phenomenon rather a societal phenomenon encompassing aspects of human life. As

Exman (1996)pointed that development is the rational process of organizing and

carring out conceived and staffed programs and projects. Colem & Geiger (1962)

development means change plus growth.

 18
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Statement of the Problem

People in rural Assam are affected by poverty as they do not have a clear concept on

saving and credit facilities. The concept of Self Help Group is to promote the strategy

of savings and credit among the people specially women. Therefore, the study was

taken by the researcher to analyze the contribution of self help groups in socio

economic development of women in some village of Chayygaon, Assam.

3.2 Rationale of study

A research plan is a detailed description of a proposed methods, procedure , tools and

technology to be used in a given problem.

It makes one think and focus one to think through every aspects of the study.

It provides guidelines for conducting research.

3.3 Significance of the study

The study was to identify the factors that contribute to the socio economic

development of the particular women who are associated being the members of self

help group.
 19
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

As SHGs plays an important role in the in the societies in today's world the study was

to highlight the present situation of some particular random villages that are situated

the area of Chaygaon Assam in order to know about their SHGs and the participation

of the member in terms of social and economical c changes that have occurred in

their lives after joining the SHGs.

The research methodology carried out by the researcher will throw a light on the

present situations of the SHGs and its member which can help the programmer to give

a proper orientation on palnning and executing the programs help in the group.

The study will help the researcher to get more information as how the SHGs are and

the policies related to them along with the problems and hurdles faced by the

members in terms of social and economic upliftment and rural development . This

will also help the agencies and the policy makers to have a better planning for the

SHGs.

3.4 Study settings

The study was conducted in Chayygaon a village panchayat located in the Kamrup

(R) district of Assam,India. Dispur is the state capital of Chayygaon and it is

surrounded by Shillong, Itanagar , Agartala as the other state capital. The native

language of Chayygaon is local Assamese language along with Bengali, Bodo , Rabha

. There is a combination of all kinds of people consisting of General, ST/SC caste.

The women are mostly engaged in SHGs consisting of minimum 7 -10 members
 20
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

which are associated with different activities in terms of decision making, making

records, conducting and attaining trainings on different skills etc.

The area was selected for the study for the following reasons given below:

As it is a village area so there are enough of SHGs where the members are

getting an exposure to communicate with other people and the outer world.

The researcher was well known with the specific area and the facilities

received by the people or the problems faced by the people in that particular

area.

3.5 Research Questions

1. How long it's been in forming the SHG?

2. Is there any socio-economic change in the life of the members of SHGs ?

3. What are the reasons of joining the SHG?

4. What is the impact of socio-economic development of the members and their

families?

5. How the SHG play a role in terms of promoting women empowerment ?

 21
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

3.6 Research Objective

1. To analyze the income,expenditure and saving pattern of the member of the

SHG.

2. To find out the benefits of the members through SHG.

3. To study the functioning of the group.

4. To study how the SHG put its contribution towards the socio-economic

condition of the women.

3.7 Hypothesis

A hypothesis is an assumption about relation between variables. Webster has defined

hypothesis as "a tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test it's logical or

empirical consequences"

The researcher make the hypothesis as the following :

1. There is no association between age and level of satisfaction with the activities

of SHGs.

2. Active work of the SHGs can make a social change in the society.
 22
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

3.8 Research Methodology

Methodology is the procedure of research techniques 'methodology' means the science

of methods. It is considered as the logic behind the methods which is used in the

context of research study and explained why are we using a particular method and

technique and why are we not using others so that reserch results are capable of being

evaluated either by the researcher himself or by others . (Kothari , 1989)

The study is based on primary and secondary data. The researcher plans to obtain the

required information by using the various methods, methodology, tools and

technology.

3.9 Research Design

The term 'design' means 'drawing an outline' or arranging details. It is a process of

making decisions before the situation arises in which the decision has to be carried

out. "Research design " is planning a strategy of conducting research.

The study on the women associated with the SHGs and its contribution towards their

socio-economic development has gone through descriptive and exploratory research

designs as it was the most suitable one to carry forward the study.
 23
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

3.9.1 Exploratory Research Design

Exploratory research is mostly carried out when there is not any sufficient amount of

information available about the issue to be studied or in other words the researcher

has either no knowledge or a limited amount of knowledge.

3.9.2 Descriptive Research Design

Descriptive research is to describe events, phenomena and situation. Since description

is made on the basis of scientific observation.

3.10 Research Approach

3.10.1 Quantitative Approach

Quantitative research deals in numbers, logic, and an objective answers. Quantitative

research focuses on numeric and unchanging data and detailed , convergent reasoning

rather than divergent reasoning. The data is usually gathered using structured research

instructions.

3.11 Research Methods

The researcher used the methods of interview.

 24
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

3.12 Sources of Data

Data is one of the most important and vital aspect of any research study. Data is

thought to be the lowest unit of information from which other measurements and

analysis can be done. The purpose of data collection is to obtain information to keep

on record etc.

Primary Data - It is an information collected from sources such as personal

interviews, questionnaire or surveys with a specific intension and on a specific subject

and observation and discussion by the researcher himself or herself.

Secondary Data - It is an information that is already available somewhere, whether it

be in journals on the internet, in a company's record etc. It is either published or

unpublished data.

3.13 Tools

Questionnaire is described as a document that contains a set of questions , the answers

to which are to be provided personally by the respondents. During the study the

researcher has used this tool in order to gather enough of information from the women

associated with this study.

3.14 Universe/ Population

The population of the study consists of women who are the members of different

SHGs. These population of women belong to the age group from 18-60 years.

Therefore the universe of the study consists of 130 members of 20 SHGs

 25
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

3.15 Sample Size

A sample size is basically small. In this study 40% of the members are taken as

sample size. A total of 70 respondent , who are the members of the SHGs were

studied. 10 SHG members each from 7 SHG groups would approache for collecting

the research data.

3.16 Delimitation of the Study

Delimitation of a study are those characteristics that limit the scope of the inquiry as

determined by the conscious exclusionary and inclusionary decisions that were made

throughout the development of the proposal. This study is conducted within some

limited SHGs in randomly selected villages of Chayygaon block. Material , time and

location factors are some of the difficulty that was faced by the researcher while

collecting the data or information.

3.17 Ethical Concern

Relating to the objective of the research the ethical concerns are given below :

Confidentiality is preserved

Culture of the people maintained

Ensure that the research should serves the interest of an individual or groups

Photos and recordings are done with prior permission

 26
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

CHAPTER 4

ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

4.1 Introduction

The analysis is the ordering of data into constituent parts in order to obtain answer to

research questions. It is a process of inspecting, cleansing , transforming and

modeling data with the goal of discovering useful information, suggesting

conclusions, and supporting decision-making.

The main objective of conducting this study was to collect the raw information from

the Respondents and to analyze their socio-economic development which can figure

out from the data that is collected. Hence this chapter consist of the data analysis and

interpretation which is collected as a primary source of data collection i.e from the

Self help group .

The data was analyzed with the help of SPSS to ensure accuracy of the data. The

findings were interpreted to answer the research questions.

 27
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

Percent

38.6 37.1

15.7

5.7
2.9

18-25 26-35 36-45 46-55 56-65

Figure 4.1 Age Group of the Respondent

The figure 4.1 shows the distribution of respondent by age group. According to the

figure, 5.7 percent belong to the age group of 18-15, 38.6 percent of belong to the age

group of 26-35, 37.1 percent belong to the age group of 36-45, 15.7 percent belong to

the age group of 46-55 and 2.9 percent belong to the age group of 56-65. Thus it can

be seen that majority of the respondent belong to the age group of 26-35 which can be

assumed that young women are more involved in Self help group.
 28
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

100.0

Percent

0 0 0

Hindu Muslim Christian Others

Figure 4.2 Religion of the Respondent

The figure 4.2 shows the religions of the respondents is 100 percent Hindu. Thus it

can be figured out from this that the majority of the respondent from the villages are

from the hindu community.

 29
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

65.7

46
27.1

19
4.3 2.9

3 2

obc sc st general

Figure 4.3 Caste of the Respondent

The Fig 4.3 shows the caste of the respondent in the particular villages. According to

the figure, 21.1 percent of the total population belong to Other backward classes, 4.3

percent belong to the Schedule caste, 65.7 percent belong to the Schedule tribe and

2.9 percent of the population belong to the General caste.

 30
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

90

80

70

60

50
yes
40 82.9
no
30

20

10 17.1
0 0
yes no

Figure 4.4 Literacy Status

The Fig 4.4 shows the literacy level of the various respondents of the study.

According to the figure, 82.9 percent of the respondent are literate and 17.1 percent of

the respondent are illiterate . From this figure it can be assumed that the literacy level

is high in terms of illiteracy.

 31
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

Educational Qualification Frequency Percent

Illiterate 12 17.1

Primary 16 22.9

Secondary 21 30.0

Intermediate 19 27.1

Degree 2 2.9

Total 70 100.0

Table 4.1 Education Qualification of the Respondent

The above table 4.1 indicates the distribution of the respondent's educational

qualification beginning with primary members of the SHGs then with those

graduated. The table represents that 17.1 percent are illiterate , 22.9 percent are

Primary Education, 30 percent are Secondary Education, 27.1 percent are

Intermediated , 2.9 percent are Graduated. Therefore , it is noticeable that respondents

of all categories are members of SHG. The shows that around 30 percent respondents

have completed Secondary Education. There is also a small percentage of 17.1 falls

under the illiterate section. Does it mean that educated or higher educated women are

less interested in taking part in SHG enrolment.

 32
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

widowed
13%

unmarried
6%
married
unmarried
divorced
widowed

married
81%

Figure 4.5 Marital Status

The figure 4.5 above shows the marital status of various respondents in corresponding

to their enrolment in Self Help Group. Out of 70 respondent, 81 percent are married, 6

percent are unmarried , 13 percent are widowed. Therefore, the above data could be

interpreted as that most member seems to interested in SHG or once they are married.

Even small amount of the member who are single or unmarried are also interested to

get involved with SHG.

 33
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

Occupation of the Respondent Frequency Percent

Farmer 3 4.3

Housewife 47 67.1

Daily wager 7 10.0

Vendor 5 7.1

Service 6 8.6

Others 2 2.9

Table 4.2 Occupation of the Respondent

The table 4.2 indicate the occupation of the respondents 4.3 percent of the members

are farmer, 67.1 percent of the members are housewife, 10 percent of the members are

daily wager, 7.1 percent of the members are vendor, 8.6 percent members are service

holders and 2.9 percent are associated with other works. Therefore , the above data

could be interpreted as that most married respondent seems to be interested in SHG or

once they are married.

 34
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

35.7
32.9
25.7

25 23
18 5.7
4

0-4999 5000-9999 10000-19999 20000

Figure 4.6 Family Monthly Income

The fig 4.6 shows that around 25.7 percent of the respondent family's income is 0-

4999, 35.7 percent of the respondent family's income is 5000-9999, 32.9 percent of

the respondent family's income is 10000-19999, 5.7 percent of the respondent family's

income is 20000 to above.

As it is obvious from the above figure that majority of the respondents measuring

about 35.7 percent are having the least amount of monthly income, we can see that the

family economic condition of the members of the SHG are not well enough.
 35
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

100.0

70
64.3

45

24.3
17
5 7.1 3 4.3

<5000 5000-10000 10000-20000 >20000 Total

Figure 4.7 Family Monthly Expenditure

The fig 4.7 shows that around 7.1 percent of the respondent's family expenditure is

less than 5000, 64.3 percent of the respondent's family expenditure is 5000-10000,

24.3 percent of the respondent's family expenditure is 10000-20000 and 4.3 percent of

the respondent's family expenditure is more than 20000.

Therefore it can be seen that most of the respondent family expenditure is between

5000-10000 and relating to figure 4.6 the monthly income level of the respondent's

family is between 5000-9999 which means the income and expenditure level are same

and there is no savings in the family.

 36
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

Type of Family Frequency Percent

Nuclear 66 94.3

Joint 4 5.7

Total Frequency Percent

Table 4.3 Type of Family

The table 4.3 indicates the type of family the respondents live in. Therefore, from the

above mention table it can be seen 94.3 percent belong to the nuclear family and 5.7

percent belong to the joint family.

.
 37
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

Household size Frequency Percent

2 11 15.7

3 22 31.4

4 25 35.7

5 above 12 17.1

Total 70 100.0

Table 4.4 Household size of the Respondent

The table 4.4 indicates the house hold size of the respondents. 15.7 percent of the

household size is 2, 31.4 percent of the household size is 3 , 35.7 percent of the

household size is 4 and 17.1 percent of the household is 5 or above. Therefore, the

above data could be interpreted as that most of the respondent have a household size

of four members.
 38
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

100.0 %

Figure 4.8 Respondent Living in their own house

The figure 4.8 above represents the respondent living in their own house. 100 percent

of the members live in their own houses which reduces their cost of living. The entire

respondent own their own houses which they proud to express their happiness as in

today's world it is tough for individual own their own houses.

 39
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

37.1 37.1

26 25.7 26

18 Frequency
Percent

Kaccha Pucca Mixed

Figure 4.9 Type of House

The figure 4.9 represents the type of house of the respondents. The data shows that

37.1 percent of the members live in kuccha houses, 25.7 percent live in pucca houses

and 37.1 percent live in mixed pattern of houses.

Therefore, above figure indicates that both kuccha and mixed pattern of houses are

used by the respondents whereas there is less number of pucca houses which also

gives an indication that people do not go for materialistic lives or it in other had they

are economically weak to build a well furnished house.

 40
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

100.0 %

Figure 4.10 Respondent having own Land

The above fig 4.10 represented above shows the respondent having or own[

any piece of land. 100 percent of the members owe their own land where they live.
 41
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

100.0

0 0

female Male Mixed

Figure 4.11 Type of Group

The figure 4.11 above represents the type of group form. 100percent members are

female in the group. It is noticeable that there is no involvement of any male in the

SHGs and women are more likely to get associated or involved with its activities.
 42
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

54.3

Percent
35.7 Frequency

38
25 10.0
7

Assamese Bodo Rabha

Figure 4.12 Community of the Respondent

The figure 4.12 represents the community of the respondent. 35.7 percent of the

respondent belong to the Assamese community, 10 percent belong to the Bodo

community and 54.3 percent of the Rabha. Therefore, from the above figure we can

see that the there are different communities residing together among which Rabha

community has got a high population.

 43
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

Duration of membership Frequency Percent

1-5 50 71.4

6-10 20 28.6

Table 4.5 Membership duration

The above table 4.5 represents the duration of the members with the SHGs. 71.4

percent of the members are associated with the SHG from 1-5 years and 28.6 percent

of the members are associated with the SHGs from 6-10 years.
 44
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

58.6

41

28.6 Frequency
20 Percent
12.9
9

Economic gain Self improvent To Socialise

Figure 4.13 Reasoning of Joining SHG

The figure 4.13 represented above shows the reason for joining the SHG be the

members. 58.6 percent of the members joined it for economic gain, 28.6 percent

joined it for self improvement and 12.9 percent joined the SHG to socialized

themselves,

Therefore a good number of members joined it for financial assistants and economic

gain rather than self improvement or to socialized.

 45
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

Group Decision Taker Frequency Percent

Both 30 42.9

Whole group 40 57.1

Table 4.6 Decision Making

The table 4.6 indicates the decision taker of the Self Help Group on their day to day

functioning. The study shows that around 57.1 percent of the members they make

decision by whole group , 42.9 percent of the decision make by both President and

Secretary.

Therefore it can be seen that from 70 sample taken, the table indicates that there is

57.1 percent respondent takes the decision by the whole group.

 46
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

Meeting Frequency Frequency Percent

Monthly 23 32.9

Weekly 47 67.1

Total 70 100.0

Table 4.7 Frequency of Meetings

The above given table 4.7 represents the frequency of meetings held by the SHGs.

32.9 percent of the meetings are held monthly and 67.1 percent meetings are held

weekly.

Therefore we can see that the members meet and discuss their issues related to the

group often or once in a week.

 47
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

12.9

bank
personal

87.1

Figure 4.14 Savings

The above figure 4.14 represents medium of saving the money of the respondent. 87.1

percent of the respondent save their money in the banks and 12.9 percent of the

respondent save their money personally.

Therefore. it is good sign to see that 87.1 percent of the respondent keep their savings

in the banks which is a safe way of savings. Does it mean that women are knowing

the importance and benefits of saving the money in banks.

 48
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

70
Frequency
Percent
100.0

Figure 4.15 Respondent applying for Loans

The above figure 4.15 represents the respondent applying for loan and from the above

data we can see that 100 percent of the respondent have taken loans or credit.
 49
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

85.7

Percent

10.0
4.3

Self Help Group Bank Micro Finance Institution

Figure 4.16 Source of Loan

The figure 4.16 represents the sources of loan of the respondent. 85.7 percent of the

respondent's source of loan is Self Help Group, 10 percent of the respondent's source

of loan is Bank and 4.3 percent of the respondent's source of loan is Micro finance

institution.

Hence, the figure shows that 85.7 percent of the respondent prefer to take loans or

credit from the Self Help Group.

 50
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

14.3

yes
no

85.7

Figure 4.17 Loans taken from Self Help Group

The figure 4.17 represents the loan taker from the Self Help group. 14.3 percent of

the respondent have not taken loans from the group and 85.7 percent of the

respondents have taken loans from the group.

Hence . the figure show that 85.7 percent of the respondent have taken loan from the

group. This figure can be related to figure 4.16 where it can be clearly seen that a few

percent of the respondent have access loans from banks or any other source.
 51
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

35.7
32.9

25
23

Frequency
15.7
14.3 Percent
11 10

1 1.4

1000-3000 3000-5000 5000-10000 above 10000 none

Figure 4.18 Amount of Loan

The figure 4.18 indicates the amount of loan taken by the respondent from the group.

32.9 percent of the respondent took loan Rs 1000-3000, 35.7 percent of the

respondent took loan Rs 3000-5000, 15.7 percent of the respondent Rs 5000-10000,

1.4 percent of the respondent took loan above 10000 and 14.3 percent of the

respondent did not apply for any loan in the group.

 52
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

35.7

28.6
25
22.9
20
16 Frequency
11.4 Percent
8

1 1.4

Education Medical General Agriculture Marriage

purpose household
exp

Figure 4.19 Utilization of Loan by the Respondent

The figure 4.19 represents the distribution of the respondent's capital on various

aspects. In the first place, 28.6 percent of the respondent utilizes their money in

Education use, 11.4 percent of the respondent utilizes their money in Medical

purpose, 35.7 percent of the respondent utilizes their money in General household

expenditure, 22.9 percent of the respondent utilizes their money in Agriculture use

and 1.4 percent of the respondent utilizes their money in marriage functions.

There is a clear picture of connectively between proper utilization of their money on

general household expenditure and education .Henceforth this figure indicates that

enrolement in SHG have made a better management of the family of the SHG

members.
 53
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

90.0

63

Frequency
Percent

8.6
6
1 1.4

1000-3000 3000-5000 5000-10000

Figure 4.20 Monthly income before joining SHG

The above figure 4.20 shows the monthly income of the respondent after joining the

SHG. 90 percent of the respondent monthly income after joining is 1000 to 3000, 8.6

percent of the respondent monthly income is 3000 to 5000 and 1.4 percent of the

respondent monthly income is 5000 to 10000.

From , the above figure we can see that 90 percent of the respondent monthly income

before joining SHG is 1000 to 3000 which indicates that SHG members are

economically poor.
 54
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

4.3%
5000-10000

70.0% Percent
3000-5000
Frequency

25.7%
1000-3000

Figure 4.21 Monthly income after joining SHG

The above figure 4.21 shows the monthly income of the respondent after joining the

SHG. 25.7 percent of the respondent monthly income after joining is 1000 to 3000, 70

percent of the respondent monthly income is 3000 to 5000 and 4.3 percent of the

respondent monthly income is 5000 to 10000.

As it is obvious from the above figure that majority of the respondents measuring

about 70 percent of the respondent monthly income is between 3000 to 5000.

 55
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

70

100.0% Frequency
Percent

Figure 4.22 Family Support

The above figure 4.22 represents the family support of the respondents. 100 percent of

the respondents family support them to be a member of Self Help Group.

It is a positive sign that the members do not face any trouble in terms of support from

the family.
 56
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

41.4%
yes
no
58.6%

Figure 4.23 Decision making in the Community

The figure 4.23 represents the respondent's role in decision making in the community.

41.4 percent of the respondent said Yes and 58.6percent said NO.

Therefore from the above figure we can see that the there is less participation of the

women in terms of making decision making in the society. Does it mean the women

who are the involve in the group do not get the chance to contribute their opinion in

the community.
 57
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

55.7

44.3
39

31
Frequency
Percent

0 0.0

improved deteriorated same

Figure 4.24 Respondent Status in Community

The figure 4.24 represents out of 70 respondents 55.7 percent of the respondents have

improved their status in the community after joining the SHG and 44.3 percent of the

respondent status have remained the same.

From, the figure we can say that after joining SHG most of the respondents status

have improved and they have gained respect in the community.

 58
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

100.0
95.7

Frequency
Percent

4.3

yes no Total

Figure 4.25 Role of Decision Making in the Family

The figure 4.25 represents respondent's role of decision making in the family after

joining the SHG. 95.7 percent of the respondent said that they make or take decision

in the family and 4.3 percent of the respondent do not contribute anything towards

decision making in the family.

 59
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

70%

100% Frequency
Percent

Figure 4.26 Contribution either Socially or Economically

The figure 4.26 depicts the number of SHG member's contribution either socially or

economically. 100 percent of the member's group contribute either socially or

economically towards the society.

It is very noticeable that the entire respondent are involve in uplifting the society

either socially or economically.

 60
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

Contribution Frequency Percent

Financial assistance 33 47.1

Training and skill development 3 4.3

Women empowerment 11 15.7

Participation in community problem 23 32.9

Total 70 100.0

Table 4.8 Socio-economic contribution of the SHG

The above table 4.8 represents the different factors of socio-economic contribution

done by the SHGs towards the society. In the first place 47.1 percent of the members

said that their group provide financial assistance, 4.3 percent conduct training and

skill development, 15.7 percent promote women empowerment and 32.9 percent of

the members takes active participation in community problems.

Therefore, it is quite obvious that 47.1 percent respondent's group provide financial

assistance to the society whenever there is a need.

 61
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

62.9

44

35.7
Frequency
25 Percent

1 1.4

Very much To some extend Not much

Figure 4.28 Socio-economic upliftment because of SHG

The figure 4.28 represents whether SHGs plays an important role in the socio-

economic upliftment of the respondent. 62.9 percent of the respondent have accepted

it as very much, 35.7 percent have accepted it as to some extend and 1.4 percent have

accepted it as not much.

A good number of respondent have said positively that SHGs plays an important role

in uplifting their socio-economic status.

 62
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

Socio Economic status Frequency Percent

Very much 25 35.7

To some extend 39 55.7

Not much 6 8.6

Total 70 100.0

Table 4.9 Socio-economic Status increased because of SHGs

In the above given table 4.9 represents the increased socio-economic status of the

respondent after enrolment to Self Help Groups. The table therefore shows that

around 35.7 percent of the members said very much , 55.7 percent said to some

extend , 8.6 percent said not much.

The social economic status to some extend have increased after joining Self Help

Group as per the above table.

 63
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

98.6%

yes
no

1.4%

Percent

Figure 4.29 Relationship Status

The above figure 4.29 represent the relationship status of the respondent after joining

as a member of the Self Help Group. The figure shows that 98.6 percent of the

members relationship status have improved or increased where else 1.4 percent of the

members relationship status have not improved or increased.

The relationship status of the respondents has been improved or increased after

joining SHG groups. The group dynamics have reasonably helped the members to

overcome the feelings of low self esteem and lack of self confidence which exist

within them before joining the group.

 64
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

4.3

Percent
95.7

no
yes

Frequency
67

Figure 4.30 Problem Solving

The Figure 4.30 represent the respondent getting involved in solving the problems of

other group members. 95.7 percent of the respondent are involved in solving the

problems of other group members and 67 percent of the respondent are not involve in

solving the problems of other group members.

Hence it can be seen that a large number of the members helped each other at the time

of problems and difficulties and encourage them to overcome their problems.

 65
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

CHAPTER 5

MAIN FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Introduction

This chapter consist of the findings and recommendations, which are extracted from

the collected data. These findings and recommendations are done through research

analysis which the researcher have found out by about various Self Help Group. In

this section the findings and the discussion based on the findings was to enable the

researcher to be more useful for further detailed research study.

5.2 Findings

1. Between the age group of 26-45 years of age most of the respondents seems

to be interested in SHG and they tend to take part in income generating

activities. However the enrollment to SHGs reduces with their increasing age.

2. All the 70 respondents belong to the category of Hindu religion.

3. From the data received it is clear that 61 respondent are literate whereas the

remaining 9 members are illiterate.

 66
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

4. From the findings, 21 SHG members have secondary education , 19 members

have intermediate education, 16 of them have primary education and 2 of them

are graduates.

Through findings it is obvious that the more education the less participation in

Self Help Groups.

5. Out of 70 respondent majority belong to the category of married people.

6. From the data received from the respondent it is clear that 47 SHG members

are house wives.

7. The family monthly income of the respondent or any source is income 5000-

10000. Out of 70 respondent 18 respondent are having the least amount of

family monthly income with less than only Rs 5000/- which indicates that

some SHG members are economically poor.

8. The family monthly expenditure of the respondent is 5000-10000.

9. From the data received 66 SHG belongs to the Nuclear family and the rest

belong to Joint family.

10. All the 70 respondent live in their own house and have their own land which

reduces their cost of living.

11. From the findings it can be seen that 38 of the respondent belong to Rabha

community, 25 belong to the Assamese community and 7 respondent belong

to the Bodo community.

 67
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

12. Out of 70 respondent 50 members are associated with the SHG from 1-5 years

and rest 20 members are associated with the group from 6-10 years.

13. Reason for joining SHG by the members is mainly economic gain and self

improvement and to take active participation in social activities.

14. From the 70 samples taken 40 members perceives that the whole group is

involved in the decision making process while according to the rest 30

members the decision making is done my both President and Secretary of the

group.

15. Most of the SHG meetings are held weekly while some of them conduct it

monthly.

16. All the respondents have taken loan or credit where majority of the members

took loan from the SHG and very few took loan from the bank .

From the findings it can be seen that 47 respondent takes loan amounting to Rs

1000-5000.

17. Out of 70 samples, 25 members of the SHG utilizes their loan money on

education of their general household expenditure and 20 members use the

money on education of their children which shows the importance of

education.

18. From the findings 63 SHG members income was Rs 1000-3000 before joining

Self Help Group and which is not sufficient for the members.
 68
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

19. After joining the SHG the monthly income of the respondent increased to Rs

3000-5000 so, it has been noticed that there is an positive impact on the

members after joining the SHG.

20. Out of 70 respondent 39 of them have agreed to the fact that their status in the

community have increased but they are allowed or able to take any decision in

the community.

21. The respondents have contributed either socially or economically by the group

towards the society.

22. From the data received that SHG provides more of financial assistance as

compared to other services.

23. Out of 70 respondent 44 respondent agreed that SHG plays an important role

in the socio-economic upliftment.

24. Out of 70 respondent 39 respondent said that their socio-economic status have

improved to some extent and since the respondents status is improved and they

gain respect in the community and also increased their public relation skill.

The respondents have been beneficial in some way or the other.

 69
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

5.3 Recommendations

The Self Help Groups in the study area are working in a sucessful manner in the lives

of the women associated to it. But there are certain drawbacks which requires special

attention in order to attain more sustainability, success of the group.

1) The training that are conducted for the self development of the SHG members

inculcate the habit of saving, loan facility, opportunity for entrepreneurial

development and increase the income earning capacity are exposed through

conducting large number of awareness programs. It is the role of the village

headperson or the group leaders to arrange these type of awareness programs.

2) The SHGs are to enlightened on the importance EDP. The participation of

these training program will certainly have its impact on developing

entrepreneurial skill , increasing employment opportunities and generating

income earning capacity.

3) The members who have interest in starting micro enterprises are to be

identified and they should be encouraged in participating EDP.

4) Every members could be given the chance to lead the group so that everyone

gets an opportunity to enhance their leadership quality.

5) It is suggested that Government and Non Government Organization jointly

draw efforts to enlighten the members for proper utilization of loans. Effective

supervision over the utilization of loans should also be done which would be

useful in the long run.

 70
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

6) The SHG should take part in the exhibition cum sale that are conducted by

Government or any other sources inorder to increase their marketing skills.

7) Sense of cooperation and unity should exits among the members in order to

maintain a strong group.

 71
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

CONCLUSION

Self Help Group has somewhat changed the women's status socially and

economically, as they have played an important role in providing financial assistance,

decision making in the family as well as being helpful to the other members of the

group and educating their children which have enable the women in improving the

relationship with the family also. There is a scope for the SHGs to turn into an

effective participatory mechanism to promote socio-economic development. It is true

that the SHGs are organized and are based on principles of self-help in order to

develop conditions for to begin with providing savings and credit service to its

members. The study shows that the SHGs have a minimum contribution in promoting

women empowerment which has to get increased by having collaboration with the

local NGOs and Government agencies.

In the study most of beneficiaries are female belonging SHGs as compared to male.

Study reveals SHGs touched upon lives of particular poor women lived in rural areas.

It is found that the women in the SHGs have gained self confidence for social and

economic self reliance and self sufficient among the members. The women in the

SHGs are less dependent on personal saving sources rather they prefer the banks to

save their saving which is a positive sign in itself. Being a member of the SHG the

women are getting the exposure to have a social interaction with other people.
 72
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

REFERENCE

Das, S. k. (2012) . Best Practices Of Self Help Groups And Women Empowerment.

Fast east journal of psychology and business.

Goto , J. (2014). The impact of Self Help Group Programs : Experimental and survey

Evidence from South India. Hitotsubashi University.

Banerjee , T. Economic Impact Of Self Help Group – A Case Study. Journal of Rural

Development, 451-467.

Kumari , I.Y & Rao ,S. B (2005). Empowerment of Women and Rural Development

.New Delhi: Serial publication.

Narang , D. (2012). Self Help Group – An Effective Approach to Women

Empowerment . International Journal of Social Science And Interdisciplinary

Research.

Mary, S , & Swaminathan , A. (2016). Women Empowerment Through Self Help

Groups; Analyse of comparative Experiences in Maharastra and Tamil Nadu.

International Journal in Social Science.

Self Help Group and Women Empowerment ; A study on some selected

SHGs.(2013). International Journal Of Business and Management Invention.

Sinha , H . (2012). Empowerment of Women in North East India Socio-Economic

Perspective . Concept Publishing Company.

Narayanaswamy , B, Samanta , K.R, & Gowda, N.K .(2011) Self Help Group : Key to

Empowerment of Rural Women. New Delhi: The Word Press.

 73
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

Raheem, A.A . (2011). Women Empowerment Through Self Help Group. New Delhi

:New Century Publication.

Ahuja ,R. (2009). Society In India . New Delhi : Rawat Publication.

Mishra , K.S & Pandey , K.P (2012) Women Status And Empowerment In India .New

Delhi: New Century Publication.

Kothari , C.R (2004) . Research Methodology Second Edition . New Delhi : New Age

International (P) Limited Publisher.

Christabell, P.J. (2009) Women Empowerment Through Capacity Building. New

Delhi: Delhi Publishing Company.

Ahuja, R .(2012) . Research Methods . New Delhi : Rawat Publication.

 74
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

APPENDIX

INTERVIEW SCHEDULE

Questionnaire

A. General Info:

1. Name of the village:

2. Name of the SHG:

a. Address:

b. Village:

c. Block

3. Name of the Respondent:

A. Socio-economic Characteristics:

1. Age:

a. 18-25

b. 26-35

c. 36-45

d. 46-55

e. 56-65

f. Above 65
 75
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

2. Religion:

a. Hindu

b. Muslim

c. Christian

d. Others

3. Caste category:

a. OBC

b. SC

c. ST

d. GENERAL

4. Are you literate?

a. Yes

b. No

5. What is your level of literacy?

a. Illiterate

b. Primary

c. Secondary

d. Intermediate

e. Degree and above

 76
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

6. What is your marital status?

a. Single

b. Married

c. Unmarried

d. Divorced

e. Widowed

7. What is your occupation?

a. Farmer

b. Housewife

c. Daily wager

d. Vendor

e. Service

f. Others

8. Monthly income of family:

a. Rs 0 - 4999

b. Rs 5000-9999

c. Rs 10000 - 19999

d. Rs 20000 and above

 77
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

9. Monthly expenditure of the family

a. Below 5000

b. Rs 5000- 10000

c. Rs10000-20000

d. Above 20000

B. Family Particulars:

1. Type of family:

a. Nuclear

b. Joint

c. Extended

2. Household size:

a. 2

b. 3

c. 4

d. 5 and above

3. Are you living in own house?

a. Yes

b. No
 78
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

4. What is the type of your house?

a. Kaccha

b. Pucca

c. Mixed

5. Do you own any land?

a. Yes

b. No

C. General SHG profile and Economic Empowerment:

1. Name of SHG:

2. Type of group:

a. Male

b. Female

c. Mixed

3. Community:

a. Assamese

b. Garo

c. Bodo

d. Rabha

e. other(Specify)
 79
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

4. Date of SHG formation: Date month Year

______________________________________

5. How long have you been a member of this group?

a. 1-5 years

b. 6-10 years

c. 11-15 years

6. What are the reasons for joining SHG?

a. Economic gain

b. Self improvement

c. To socialise

d. Others

7. Who is the decision taker of the group?

a. President

b. Secretary

c. Both

d. Whole group
 80
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

8. What is the frequency of meetings?

a. Monthly

b. Weekly

c. Fortnightly

d. Quarterly

9. Where do you save your money?

a. Bank

b. Life insurance

c. Post office

d. Personal

e. Micro finance institution

10. Have you ever applied for a loan/credit?

a. Yes

b. No

11. What are the sources of loan?

a. Self Help Group

b. Bank

c. Micro finance institute

d. None
 81
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

12. What is the rate of interest charged?

a. 2%

b. 3%

c. 4%

d. 5% and above

13. Did you take any loan from the group?

a. Yes

b. No

14. If yes, Amount of loan taken from the group:

a. Rs1000-3000

b. Rs 3000-5000

c. Rs 5000-10000

d. Above 10000

e. None
 82
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

15. Where are these loan used?

a. Education

b. Medical purpose

c. General household expenditure

d. Agriculture

e. Marriage

f. Festivals

16. What was your monthly income before joining the SHG?

a. 1000-3000

b. 3000-5000

c. 5000-10000

d. Above 10000

17. What is your monthly income after joining the SHG?

a. 1000-3000

b. 3000-5000

c. 5000-10000

d. Above 10000
 83
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

18. What is the reason behind the change/no change in income?

_________________________________________________

D. Social Empowerment:

1. Are you supported by your family for being a SHG member?

a. Yes

b. No

2. If No, With whom do you find difficulty?

a. Husband

b. Father in law

c. Mother in law

d. Children

e. Others

3. Do you play any role in decision making in the community after

joining SHG?

a. Yes

b. No
 84
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

4. What is the level of change in your status after joining the SHG?

a. Improve

b. Deteriorated

c. Same

5. Do you play any role of decision making in your family after

joining SHG?

a. Yes

b. No

6. Is there any social or economic contribution done by the group

towards society?

a. Yes

b. No

7. If Yes, what are the contributions?

a. Financial assistance

b. Conducting training and skill development

c. Women empowerment

d. Active participation in community problems

 85
A Study On The Self-Help Group Of Women And Its Contribution To Their Socio-Economic Development

8. Do you think SHG plays an important role in your socio-

economic upliftment?

a. Very much

b. To some extend

c. Not much

d. Not at all

9. Do you think your social-economical status have increased after

joining SHG?

a. Very much

b. To some extend

c. Not much

d. Not at all

10. Is there any improvement/increased of relationship after

joining the group?

a. Yes

b. No

11. Do you have any involvement in solving the problem of other

group member?

a. Yes

b. No