Abstract
The present study is an attempt to analyse the role and performance of SHGs in promoting women's empowerment in Tiruvannamalai District of Tamil Nadu. The broad objective of the study is to analyses the operating system of SHGs for mobilization of saving, delivery of credit to the needy, management of group funds, repayment of loans, in building up leadership, establishing linkage with banks and examines the social benefits derived by the members. In order to collect and gather primary data, field observation and structured questionnaire survey methods were employed. In addition, information was also collected through discussions and interviews with local NGO’s and government's grass roots level workers. The study reveals that SHG’s had set a new agenda for financial intermediation by banks in the form of micro-credit. By the formation of SHG’s, credits are demanded for various purposes (domestic, health, festivals, repayment of old debts, investment, etc.). Similarly different economic activities are undertaken by the SHG members after joining the group. Habits of savings, economic independence, self- confidence, social cohesion, asset ownership, freedom from debt, additional employment, etc. benefits are derived by the SHG members. Thus, SHG’s have served the cause of women empowerment, social solidarity and socio-economic betterment of the poor for their consolidation. Microfinance programs like the Self Help Bank Linkage Program in India have been increasingly promoted for their positive economic impact and the belief that they empower women. However, only a few studies rigorously examine the link between microfinance and women’s empowerment. This paper contributes by arguing that women empowerment takes place when women challenge the existing social norms and culture, to effectively improve their well being.
Key Words: Self-Help Group, Woman Empowerment, Rural Empowerment, Shantiniketan, Self-Reliant Village Economy, CDP, Direct Attack on Poverty JEL Classification Code: ROO
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