Activities of Department of Commerce

Title: - Impact of Self Help Groups on Socio-Economic Status of Rural Women: A case study of the Self Help Groups of Kawoimari and Chinatoli village under Pub Teok Gaon Panchayat of Jorhat District
Start Date - 2019-04-06   End Date - 2019-08-25   Duration - 150 days.
Nature of the Activity: - Research Project
Summary: -

IMPACT OF SELF HELP GROUPS ON SOCIO-ECONOMI STATUS OF RURAL WOMEN: A CASE STUDY ON THE SELF HELP GROUP OF KAWOIMARI AND CHINATOLI VILLAGE

 UNDER PUB TEOK GAON PONCHAYAT

OF JORHAT DISTRICT

 

Conducted with the Financial Assistance of CKB College, Teok

(During April2019 to August2019)

 

                                                                                     By

Department of Commerce

C.K.B. College, Teok

Jorhat, Assam

Pin-785112

5.1  Major Findings

            The following are the major findings of the study:

v  The data show that except one SHG, all were of medium size having 11-15 members in each group.

v  The data further revealed that the majority (80%) of the groups convened their meeting weekly, where they exchanged their views, made work plans discussed and solved problems and took account of savings and credit.

v  Majority (70%) of the SHGs was linked with banks and president was the leader.

v  Out of these six factors, economic security was expressed as a motivating factor by highest percentage (72%)of members of SHGs, followed by inculcating saving habit (68%) and starting enterprise (56%) (Table 2).

v  Equal percentage (50%) of members expressed special recognition in society and working in groups as the motivating factors for group formation whereas about one fourth of members (28%) expressed getting opportunity for credit and loaning facility.

v  The result also indicates positive impact of SHGs on enhancing the socio-economic condition. In case of non-members the mean scores were negative.

v  The findings of the present study supports the statement that the women as a member of SHGs were able to take more decisions as compared to those who were not the member of SHGs.

v   Most of the women of the SHGs in the study area are belonged to the age group of 21-40 years.

v   The present study revealed that most of the women of the SHG have Secondary and Higher- Secondary level of education.

v   Most of the SHGs members are either unemployed or self-employed in unorganized sector

v   Income of the SHG members is increased after joining the Self Help Group.

v  Most of the SHGs members are highly satisfied with the activities of  SHG in the study area.

5.2 Conclusion and Suggestions

                        From this study, it may be concluded that majority SHGs were of medium size and linked with bank. Large number of the rural women formed SHG for obtaining economic security and inculcating saving habit in them generating income, obtaining loan, increasing their social contact, exposed to various trainings , increased team spirit thus leading to increase in self confidence which on the other hand resulted in empowerment of members of SHGs by enhancing the socio-economic status in comparison to the non member of rural women. However , systematic sensitization of members of SHGs and other rural women (non members)regarding multiple role of SHG on overall development of the community is the need of the hour.

                        Therefore, planners and policy makers should suggest measures for organizing women into groups and take measures for sustainability of the SHGs as the membership in SHG improves not only their position in the society but also helps in improving the economic scenario of the locality and the nation as a whole.

                        Self Help Group is an important tool which helps the rural women to acquire power for their self supportive life and nation building efforts. The empowerment of women through SHGs would lead benefits not only to the individual women but also for the family and community. As a whole these SHGs have collective action in terms of development of the rural economy. Empowering women is not just for meeting their economic needs but also more holistic social development. The SHGs empower women and train them to take active part in socio-economic progress of the nation. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru said, “To awaken the people, it is women who must be awakened; once she is on the move, the family moves, the village moves and nation moves.” Now the women are awakened by the self help groups.