CHAPTER I
1.8 Methodology
1.10 Pre-test
1.1 INTRODUCTION
nations all over the world in recent years especially in poor and developing
Self Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as the most successful strategy in
SHGs in India have become successful in bringing women in the main stream of
decision-making. SHGs are also a viable organized setup to disburse micro credit
to the rural women and encourage them to enter into entrepreneurial ventures.
2
programme. Under SGSY, poor families are organized into Self Help Groups
through the process of social mobilization. Self Help Groups are not a new
1989 in a small way with the assistance of International Fund for Agricultural
Development (IFAD). The success of IFAD project led to a new project called
Mahalir Thittam which was launched in the year 1997-1998 with the State
Government fund. Now, the SHGs Movements have grown into a movement
covering all districts of Tamil Nadu and motivating poor families and the
One has to believe that the progress of any nation is inevitably linked with
the social and economic plight of women. Participation in SHGs can bring
in the development activities like savings, credit and income generation and
thereby ensure economic independence. The basic principle which underlies the
and enhance her status. Thus, the SHGs can be an effective instrument socially
and economically.
(BPL). They are doing their traditional work, and they are not able to come up
because of their financial crises. Even after independence, there has been no
proper banking system to meet the credit needs of the poor. Co-operative banks,
nationalized banks and other commercial banks offer credit to institutions but not
4
to the poor persons. But in recent years, Self Help Groups are emerging as an
alternative mechanism to meet the urgent credit needs of the poor through thrift.
This study deals with women empowerment through Self Help Groups in
Tuticorin District.
for the development of any country. The role of women in the economic and social
Reforms and Rural Development in 1979. The conference focused on the need for
equal opportunities for women in the social, the economic and the political
(1975) and the Decade of Women (1976-1985) by the United Nations helped to
highlight the crucial issues of women and the need for their empowerment.
During the first part of the 20th century, it was believed that Industrial
development. But the benefits of development did not reach women, and the
development plans failed to consider their welfare. The second part has witnessed
major improvements in women’s health and education, but the progress has been
slow and uneven. India is no exception to this. The declining sex ratio, female
work participation rate and the like reveal the poor status of Indian women. After
5
equality. Different plans and policies as well as the constitution have laid stress on
women empowerment.
The formation of Self Help Groups in the rural areas has created a through
awareness among women about social issues and emboldened them to take up
their cause with the authorities. The SHGs also have instilled confidence into
women to work with in unity for their economic emancipation. Therefore, it is true
that the concept of SHG has resulted in a silent revolution at the village level.
The popular programme which had reached the rural women was the
Self Help Groups through the efforts of the NGOs. The main aim of the present
research study is to find out the level of empowerment of women by the efforts of
the SHGs in their lives and to evolve a better and appropriate approach for the
empowerment of women.
The SHG concept becomes handy in penetrating the concept of thrift and
loan among the members, culminating into a viable economic model alleviating
poverty. Thus, the present study aims at portraying the strength of the Self Help
The review of literature connected with the study. The review of literature
Non-Governmental Oganisations.
Economic Empowerment among Rural Women” has found out that empowerment
can serve as a powerful instrument for women to achieve upward social and
economic mobility and to achieve power and status in society. Further, the author
Women” has opined that empowerment in the real sense of quality of life does
not necessarily ensure rising money income or larger life spans. It is awareness
years in classrooms that makes a vital difference. The author also feels that
infusing them with hope and enthusiasm in the layers of psyche of thousands of
7
their mettle as useful and productive citizens eager to contribute their mite to the
national effort.
political, education, health care, nutrition and legal. Active participation in social,
decision-making and empowerment, and it will also give women, the desired self
respect and social dignity, and these are the pre-requisites of empowerment.
have pointed out that unless women are empowered, issues like literacy, health,
Women are equally efficient as men. They contribute a lot to the economic
development. In particular, Self Help Groups are the central activity, which would
independence in their life. Further, SHGs help to improve their mental ability
“Empowerment of Women through Micro Credit”, have found out that the
majority of women are doing petty business, and a few are in service units. They
also have found that micro credit, which has provided the rural poor access to
finance without the burden of collaterals, has empowered the women folk
strategy for mobilizing the human resources for optimizing the use of the available
financial resources.
cases, an exclusive role in child and family care, general health and sanitation,
Despite concerned efforts at individual and institutional levels, there exists a wide
scale gender discrimination both open and concealed. Here it is restricted to only
9
one discrimination expressed in terms of burden of work on women and the other
being income earned by women. Women earn less than men for example, in
centres, Self Help Groups and the like. SEWA is one of the organizations that has
of Women through Self Help Groups” has studied SHGs in the current social
climate. The author concluded that the significance of family is vital for women
particularly for poor women in the rural areas. Women’s survival is not socially
conceivable without the family amongst the poorer sections and women are
Women” has analysed economic empowerment of women and reveals the fact
that women’s empowerment and their full participation of equality in all spheres
10
peace.
Sundar Raj11(2004) in his research article with the caption, “Self Help
Groups and Women’s Empowerment” has pointed out that empowerment can
serve as a powerful instrument for women to achieve power and status in society.
envisages that participation of Self Help Groups to bring out savings, education,
them self reliant. This study concluded that Self Help Groups contribute
J.M. Arul Kamal Raj12(2005) in his research work on “Self Help Groups –
New Mantra for Empowerment” has noted that the Self Help Groups undertook
future, the inbuilt strength of the Self Help Groups would pave the way to
undertake mega projects, like the projects performed by joint stock companies,
public sector enterprises and so on. The Self Help Groups had power to create a
Women at the Grassroots” has analysed three villages from the southern districts
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revealed that 27 per cent of the SHG members were not earning income before
they joined the SHGs. After joining the SHGs, their expenditure increased due to
the increase in their income. The author has also observed that, women in the
SHGs are respected in the society, and they are independent in deciding about
Set up” has analysed the extent of exercising the decision-making power by the
employed women in their families and has observed that employment contributes
a great degree to the empowerment of women in the family. The author has
Success through Self Help Groups” has pointed out that empowerment – success
through Self Help Groups has said that apart from the financial aspects, it has also
nutrition, marital laws, literacy, sanitation, children rearing and the like. The
author has mentioned that leadership qualities are developed through SHG
meetings and about 2,500 women have become presidents members of Panchayats
“Economic Empowerment of Women through SHGs” have pointed out that the
government has to continue to allocate resources and formulate policies for the
empowerment of women. It has become strikingly clear that political and social
forces that resist women’s right in the name of religion, cultural or ethnic
women.
technology to keep them informed of global changes and local realities. The
author has also concluded that the advocacy on these issues to empower women
through ICT must address decision-makers at all levels from the local to the global
Women” have discussed that a replication and phased-up scaling of the TNWDP
(IFAD) successes have covered about 10 lakhs poor women of the state over the
project period announced during 1996-97. The project has completed eight
household level at the community and village levels and democratic institutions.
“Empowerment of Women in India” have stated that Self Help Groups are
among themselves as well as pool savings for activities benefiting other individual
women and women’s group but also to the family and community as a whole
Indian Women: A Self Help Group Approach” have examined the empowerment
Their study has revealed that “the inclusion of women in income generating
however, low the income, and it is optimistic to say that at their best, micro
enterprise and employment provide women with the means of survival, security
and growth. Their study has identified a need to explore further the long-term
14
unemployment problem prevalent in India sharply differs from that of the western
self-employment, and strengthening of Self Help Groups is one of them. So, more
Self Help Groups should be encouraged in order to eradicate poverty through self-
employment and at the same time empower women and this in turn will lead to
caption, “Economic Empowerment of Women – Need of the Hour” have stated the
reasons for women joining the SHGs in Virudhunagar District and the
socio-economic status of women before and after joining SHGs. According to the
study, the main reasons for women joining SHGs are to get loan for starting
business and to get empowered. The respondents also get loan to educate their
children and to start business. The researchers has found out that SHGs have not
only raised the socio-economic status of the members but also self-confidence and
that the capacity building exercises taken up by the promoting agencies are not
adequate to meet the needs of SHG members. They have lack of proficiency in
soft skills, technical skills and managerial skills. The author has suggested that
leadership qualities of SHG members need improvement. The SHG members are
risk-taking, assertiveness and the like. Intensive training in all functional aspects
enterprises.
through Self Help Groups – A Case Study in the North Tamilnadu” has analysed
Tamil Nadu. In this study, 134 respondents were selected from 20 SHGs by
simple random sampling method. This study found that the income of women had
increased after joining the SHGs, so that the monthly household expenditure also
had risen to a considerable level. In this way SHGs in Northern Tamil Nadu are
through Self Help Groups” has observed that self-employment through SHG has
16
increased the earning capacity and economic independence and has given women
become courageous enough to go out and interact with the others. The author has
also suggested that more awareness should be given to all women about their role
through Income Generating Activities” have found that after joining SHGs, most
of the members start enterprises like dairy, petty business, sheep rearing, goat
rearing, tailoring and earn maximum income. Not only do they earn income but
they also start to save money for their future. A majority of the respondents are
income generating activities. They have suggested that the officials should plan
for income generating activities by linking with banks so as to earn much more.
Self Help Groups - Micro Credit Programmes” has explained that for
incorporate strategies and measures that empower the poor especially poor women
Empowerment” has pointed out that the year 2001 was declared as Women
Empowerment Year. Since the women are empowered, they acquire the latest
in government services. Through the Self Help Group, women mobilize funds,
avail loans and conduct meetings to pass resolutions to promote the welfare of
women in all walks of life. The women empowerment leads to a happy and
Empowerment” has found that the key elements of empowerment are identified
work titled, “Women Empowerment: Role of SHGs and NGOs” have observed
that SHGs have been playing an important role in the empowerment of women.
18
A majority of the SHG members use the financial resources for investment in asset
creation. From the study, it is revealed that a majority of the respondents joined
Empowerment through SHGs - A Case Study” have stated that micro finance
peer pressure and group securing collateral substitute. The SHG programme has
been successful not only in meeting peculiar needs of the rural poor but also in
strengthening collective self-help capacities of the poor, at the local level, leading
– A Powerful Strategy for Women’s Liberty and Emancipation” has pointed out
the key solution to many social problems. Power may be personal and social. It is
“Empowerment of Women - A Case Study” have found that after joining SHG, no
member is not in a position to earn money. The SHGs play a pivotal role in social
transformation, welfare activities and infrastructure building, and they have served
is the concern to gain control over capital by rural, poor women by virtue of
start income generation activity. In Tamil Nadu there is a very big lacking point in
high rate of interest and corruption in the utilization of funds of the SHGs, the
development and programme officers of the NGOs and commercial bank officials
have got easy money from the leader of SHGs. Many projects have been
promulgated by the government, but they do not reach the destination of rural and
were conducted among six SHGs (one each) selected on feasibility basis. It is
found that the women SHG members have gained respect and trust in society and
are able to plan for the future of their families. Self Help Groups play a very
Empowerment of Rural Women – A Study” have stated that rural women today
have been suffering a lot due to the feeling of helplessness and lack of
decision-making capabilities in financial matters. Self Help Groups are the most
recent development for them which could enable them to come forward and make
rural women towards SHGs. It can be concluded that women are taking interest in
the SHGs programmes and coming forward and are becoming self-dependent and
study was undertaken to identify women empowerment through Self- Help Groups
21
after joining the Self Help Groups. But the saving is increasing at the earlier state
of life. There are emerging issues that need to be addressed to make the role of
conclude that the economic activities of Self Help Groups are quite successful. In
this way, Self Help Groups in Mettupalayam Taluk have been very successful in
“A Case Study of Self- Help Groups in Dharmapuri District” have revealed that
Self Help Groups occupy a pivotal role in the economic development of society
and helps in the economic empowerment of women members. It has been useful
in changing the lives of thousands of women members from the mundane work of
household alone and has made their activities directly contributing to the benefit of
their uplift and the society alike. Hence the formation of social groups may be
activity engaging them in marketing activities. The Self Help Groups have acted
as the real change agents and the medium of dissemination of various information
and the services to the development. Their services may be utilized in the
through SHGs” has stated that SHGs have made a lasting impact on the lives of
women particularly in the rural areas. Their quality of life has improved a lot.
There is an increase in their income, savings and consumption. This shows the
acquired the courage to speak freely in front of large groups of people. They got
recognition in their family and in society. The SHGs have also given women a
greater role in house hold decision-making. SHGs provide a platform for women
to come together, exchange their experience and ideas, enhance the cohesiveness
among the members and also find out ways to tackle these problems and fulfill
their needs. Thus the SHGs have entered a new horizon of the socio-economic
capacity of the fairer sex to influence the course of social and economic order.
and the ‘new men ‘ ensure that resources are utilized not just equitably but sanely
23
and safely and the planet earth restored to a clean, green place for the coming
Women: Role of NGOs” has discussed the results and the relevance of
perspective of the involvement of women in the thrift and credit activity and the
role of NGOs in the sphere of micro-credit. The rich experience of NGOs in the
sphere of credit union and their grassroot level involvement with the poor and
their problems is a potential factor that affirms their elevated role in the sphere of
micro-credit. The specific task and role of NGOs in the sphere of micro-credit
Credit and Micro Enterprises” have suggested that women should be encouraged
to undertake micro enterprise with the available credit facilities from banks and
factors like training and skill formation, technology upgradation, credit to women
24
through banks, supply of raw materials, promotion of small savings and publicity
Finance through Self Help Groups – A Case Study” have revealed that most of the
loans were sanctioned for repayment of old debts, house repair, medical expenses,
cultivable land and social needs. The SHGs motivate the members to use the loan
properly and to make them repay the loan properly. They found that the SHGs
guide the members in girl child education, decision-making skill and in the public
relation.
developing countries and also compared them with the state-level poverty
since the emphasis was given to ‘survival stall’. According to them, the practice
Integration” has explained that the micro-credit – SHGs model has got tremendous
poor who were previously not at all considered. This system not only provides
credit for the input for development to the poorer sections of society but also aims
for their capability building. It has also been observed hat group lending has a
income level.
Linkages” has remarked that SHGs play a major role in transforming rural
economy. Micro finance helps the rural poor to improve their standard of life and
fulfill their credit needs. SHGs are new innovations in the field of rural economic
development to finance the rural people and also to satisfy their credit needs. This
in turn will help to transform the rural economy by way of improving the
economic status of each and every individual member of the SHG in the rural
areas apart from providing scope for women empowerment. Thus, SHGs play a
major role in women empowerment and micro finance through bank linkages in
Help Groups on Formal Banking Habits” has described micro finance to SHGs in
26
India. Banks should increase the number of accounts by inculcating banking habits
in rural people especially the women. The analysis also revealed that being a
would improve an individual’s banking habits much more than mere membership.
This will inculcate banking habits at a higher magnitude, thereby enhancing the
titled, “Impact of Self Help Groups on Income and Employment” have concluded
that the micro finance provided by SHGs is productive enough and has a
the credit extended to rural women also has a quality of improving effect on the
utilize the income generated either for investing or improving the education and
human resources.
through Self Help Groups and Micro Finance” has analysed the role being played
by promoting and nurturing SHG – bank linkage programme based on the study
from Kalahandi District of Orissa. The author has inferred that SHG – Bank
linkage programme has reduced the incidence of poverty and many families come
27
out of BPL category. It enables the poor to build assets for generating income,
improve the rate of literacy, improve the school attendance and reduce the
on village moneylenders and non-institutional sources. It has proved that the poor
Gender Equality” has explained that inclusiveness, growth and gender equality
have helped in extending the finance to the poor. This had played a significant role
in changing the lives of the poor through economic empowerment. The author
also noted that in Asia, the number of micro finance beneficiaries has now reached
133 million, 74 per cent of which are the poorest and 65 per cent are women.
Including the families of the beneficiary clients, the overall impact of micro
finance is close to 465 million people. The micro finance beneficiary in Asia is the
largest, constituting 85 per cent of the total recorded micro finance clients
worldwide.
Help Groups - Bank Linkage Programme” have concluded that the amount of bank
loan provided to SHG has increased from 19,300 lakhs in 2000 to 6,89,850
28
lakhs in 2005. This is an increased trend of 36.69 times. The number of SHGs
who benefited by bank loan increased from 1,14,775 lakhs in 2000 to 16,18,456
lakhs in 2005. It is an increasing trend of 13.19 times. In 2005, the average bank
loan per SHG was 32012 and per member was 2,287, and 243 lakhs families
. Divy Ninad Koul and Giresh Mohan52(2009) in their research article titled,
“Women Self Help Groups and Micro Finance” have examined the SHG in rural
villages of Ratlam District in Madya Pradesh. Assessment was carried out at the
group level and the individual level. The SHGs have been classified as tribal and
non-tribal SHGs to analyse the differences. The study shows that the savings were
more in non-tribal SHGs. Further, the problems reported by groups were delayed
Finance Initiatives in India” have suggested that micro finance programme has a
those poor people who have been neglected so far from the process of social as
Finance and Financial Inclusion of the Poor through Self Help Group Bank
Linkage” have expressed that SHG Bank linkage (SBL) programme for credit has
been able to reduce transaction costs. It has enabled the banks to achieve better
loan recovery and mobilize low-cost deposits. The SHG – Bank linkage has
and follow up virtue of informal lending system. This is in view of technical and
micro-credit system must have a flexible system of savings and loan repayment so
that those who are uncertain in income can also participate. The strategy for micro
finance has been successful in providing the much-needed financial service to the
poor on a sustainable basis. From micro-credit micro saving from micro finance
Women” have stated that women Self Help Groups are increasingly being used as
rural women in India are getting credit and extension support for various
production – oriented income generating activities. The SHG approach has proved
generation but in creating awareness about health and hygiene, sanitation and
titled, “Micro Finance - A Need for Sustainable Development” have expressed that
micro finance is the provision of a broad range of financial services to the poor to
insurance to poor and low income households for their micro enterprise and so on.
Micro finance has served as a vehicle for poverty reduction and the achievement
of micro finance programme in the country. The researcher has also found out that
the performance of SHGs and MFIs in the south has been much better than the
east, north east, central parts of India and even some parts of Western India.
“Micro-credit Management by Women’s Self Help Groups” have stated that SHGs
self-reliance of the poor particularly to women who are mostly invisible in the
social structure. The SHGs become the basis for action and change and build a
relationship of mutual trust between the promoting organization and the rural poor
through constant and genuine efforts. SHGs have been found to help inculcate
among their members sound habits of thrift, saving and banking. The researcher
also found that the quantum of saving was greater in urban areas than rural areas,
and majority of SHGs members in urban and rural areas have hundred per cent
disbursement by banks.
Groups – A Survey of Recent Literature in India” has concluded that the micro
institutional credit financial inclusion to the poor, who were so far excluded from
the institutional credit system. The impact of micro finance and Self Help Groups
is a mixed picture, but it is an effective instrument and tool to help the poor
in Asia, Africa and American Countries. In India, micro finance revolves around
four southern states with government and NGOs taking lead in the spread of micro
Co-operatives in India: Can the Poor Gain from their Coming Together”? has
discussed the relevant conceptual and policy issues and the emerging lessons with
a focus on the SHG – Bank linkage programme in India. Constraints of policy and
possible overriding effect of the historical dilemma of elite capture on the role of
co-operatives.
from North West India” have found that the performance of the subsidized micro
finance schemes in Mehalaya is not satisfactory. .The sample analysis reveals that
subsidized finance is not extending any significant help to the poor in the state of
that proper identification of the needy and genuine borrowers for the programme
should be the primary objective of all the authorities who implement and run such
33
and banks should work in a co-ordinated fashion to identify the poor, help them in
forming groups, nurture them and support to get with the banks. All these will
facilitate SHGs to avail revolving funds at the initial state and to avail the
P.K. Awasthi, Deepak Rathi and Vimala Sahu62(2001) in their article titled,
Watershed Area of Madya Pradesh” have revealed that the SHG members took up
saving – credit activities and had started income generating activities. Internal
loans at two per cent interest per month had benefited the women members by
enhancing their income and employment. They have also found that the SHGs had
about health and hygiene and promoting skill formation among the group
members.
Thittam and have found that SHG women are currently involved in economic
coir mats and other coir products, mattress, chappals and leather goods. In
addition, the SHG women monitor the normal functioning of the ration shops, help
the aged people and widows obtain loan from banks through SHGs.
in Rural Tamilnadu” has expressed the main objectives of the study is to find out
their participation and involvement in the group and thereby the individual
development. The study adopts stratified random sampling method. The study
concluded that group cohesiveness, group integration among the members is the
positive impact of SHGs. The savings habit and credit management have created
Unorganised Garment Sector : A Case Study of Madurai” has revealed that the
SHGs have provided to their members access to credit from mainstream financing
agencies. The SHGs have inculcated a culture of savings among the members of
the group. The group contributed to reduce the dependence on moneylenders and
made available timely credit at much lower rates to the individual members, and
the members have acquired visibility and voice in the household and in the
community. The researcher views that Self Help Promoting Institutions (SHPI)
35
give more emphasis to quantitative growth of the SHGs rather than addressing all
constitute almost half of the population and contribute one-third of labour force.
The author has also suggested that SHG is a dynamic alternative to disburse
SHG has become a powerful instrument for the upliftment of the rural poor. It
Y.K. Singh, S.S. Gawtan and S.K. Kaushal67(2007) in their research journal
occupation and annual income are found to have a positive and significant
relationship with the participation and task function. Almost all the group
Fisherwomen Self Help Groups” has stated that contrary to the common beliefs
that poor women are not credit worthy, they are far more credit worthy, honest and
36
most importantly ‘bankable’. The author has shown that the SHGs do play a
emancipation and empowerment. The SHG has enabled them to live with self
esteem and gain the awareness that every one has a right to live so.
because of the intervention of SHG members, the Gram Sabha meetings are held
as per the provisions of Haryana Panchayat Raj Act 1994. It leads to increase in
attendance of Gram Sabha meetings and persuade their own family members to
attend the Gram Sabha meetings. By the intervention of SHGs, the Gram Sabha
meeting agenda has changed according to the needs of the society like social evils
and Expenditure Pattern of Rural Women” have pointed out that the SHG has
improved the life style of the rural women and also expressed that it has inculcated
the saving habit and the reservation policy in local administration promotes
administrative efficiency. The women save their money for the purpose of their
and it will lead to society’s prosperity. The SHG movement has brought
37
found that the income of the women has increased after joining the SHG and so,
the monthly household expenditure has also risen to a considerable level. The
good practice of the women SHGs members in the study area is the repayment of
the loan in time. Nearly 85.5 per cent of the debtors have paid their monthly due
within the time. A few members, 14.5 per cent have failed to repay the borrowing
on the time. They have also analysed that the economic status of the sample
respondents has significantly improved after becoming a member in the Self Help
Group.
Entrepreneurs through Self Help Groups” has examined the promotion of women
have started small enterprises have expanded them into large-scale units. SHGs
have made readymade garments and have exported them. A woman SHG in
Dindigual District of Tamil Nadu runs a unit providing agro-services with a total
turnover of 12 lakhs or more per annum. But most of the other SHGs are not able
38
to reach upto the expectations. Some of the reasons cited are non-availability of
funds for investment, dearth of technical and managerial skills, inability to manage
the labour force, dual role burden, lack of professionalism and gender bias.
Sheik Mohamed73(2004) in his research work titled,, “Self Help Group for
the Success of Women Entrepreneurs” has expressed that women are contributing
and public sectors and women workers in the unorganized sector. The author has
women must become the top priority and must happen concurrently with increased
direct action to rapidly improve the social and economic status of women.
Entrepreneurs : Issues and Strategies” has analysed the growth of the SHGs and
the role of micro finance in developing rural entrepreneurship. The study suggests
that there is a positive growth rate of the SHGs. There are wide variations among
status in terms of the growth of the SHGs. Linkages of banks with the SHGs are
Groups and Rural Entrepreneurship” has reviewed the micro enterprises with
39
and assisting SHGs in taking up micro enterprises. Thus, SHGs’ micro enterprises
are the viable tool for promoting rural entrepreneurship in a holistic approach
Development and Women Entrepreneurs” have revealed that the active age group
of women in India is 15 - 59 and this group constitutes 58.4 per cent of the total
women population. For empowering the women, this age group is to be targeted.
The concept of SHG is getting immense favour from the women of Indian villages
where they are ready to invest their small savings and pocket money through
Empowerment of Rural Women in India” has stated that the development of the
40
society is directly related with the income generation capacity of its members with
and home can directly affect the income of Indian population. The growth of
and migration further encourage it. Entrepreneurship on small scale industry is the
human and non-human resources and improving the living condition of the poor
masses.
the role of SHGs in promoting entrepreneurial culture among the SHGs members
of Jakhal Block, District Fatehabad, Haryana. In the research, primary data had
been collected from 100 sample respondents from seven villages of Jakhal Block,
conducting observation method and it has been found that these groups were not
working upto the mark due to conservative family culture and poor educational
background of the masses. It has also been found that among the surveyed group
members after starting SHG activities only 6 per cent of the members’ family
income increased more than 20,000 per annum, 55 per cent’s income increased
41
upto 20,000 annually, 26 per cent income increased upto 10,000 annually and 13
per cent members’ income has not improved in the post -SHG period.
Rural Women in India” have revealed that women are considered as an important
human resource of the nation, and every state should try to utilize them as
entrepreneurship is one of the ways for that. But unfortunately, the traditional
mindset of the society and negligence of the state and the respective authorities is
of that women today break all those obstacles and involve themselves in various
be a key for women empowerment especially in rural areas, and hence promotion
with the intention of creating awareness among women about the various areas to
conduct business.
42
stated that micro finance programmes like the SHG Bank Linkage Programme in
India have been increasingly hailed for their positive economic impact and the
empowerment of women. The SHGs in India are playing a prominent role in the
contribute more to the overall development. Whether they are involved in small or
entrepreneurial activities are not only a means for economic survival but also they
have positive social repercussions for the women themselves and their social
environments.
Improvement” has revealed that the positive factors for the dairy industry include
the availability of fodder, scope for higher margins and market infrastructure. The
group that has received assistance under SGSY has also been oriented to better
provided under SGSY has helped them in increasing their production capacity and
returns from activities and suggested that (i) co-ordination between various
support for SGSY products and (iv) organizing industrial visits and study tours are
necessary.
Yojana: and Self Help Groups: An Assessment” has found that the mere formation
of a group does not remove poverty but has noted that stability of SHG and
suggested that social dynamism and political support are the important variables
for determining the success of SHG and SGSY. The emphasis of the SGSY on
small savings and thrift gives a sense of ownership to the Self Help Groups.
Moreover, the extent of bank credit will be according to the maturity and
absorptive capacity of each group. The author has concluded that a monitoring
said that 1000 SHGs would be started under the total poverty eradication
programme in the district during the current financial year to boost rural economy
disbursed 27.58 lakhs as loan to SHGs in the district. Steps were taken to
44
disburse loans to 410 SHGs through nationalized banks in 2003. A sum of 34.08
lakhs as loan was allotted to 1,704 M.B.C. and B.C. women. About 83 village
Jagammpatti villages.
“Imperative Need for Fine Tuning the SGSY” has recommended that the Senior
three SHGs per month. It should be mandatory for the banker. The researcher has
Development Goals” has revealed that the central theme of the Millennium
movement in India has resulted in finding a united voice for the women getting
bank finance for economic activities, creation of social capital and empowerment,
45
getting large services ranging from health education, marketing apart from
Programme and Rural Poverty: A Micro Study” has expressed that the rate of
poverty is more in rural India. The government has taken enormous steps to
have revealed that the NGOs can play a pivotal role as an effective delivery
with the governmental agencies and fellow NGOs is an added advantage to them.
The NGOs are taking keen interest in providing micro finance through SHGs and
thereby empowering poor women. The success of the NGOs in helping rural poor
46
to organize SHGs for credit delivery in a way highlights the importance of NGO-
“Self Help Groups in Kerala” have focused on various innovative programmes and
They pointed out that SHGs faced problems in different areas such as inadequate
among women SHGs, weak financial management and inadequate support from
the departments. Further, they have suggested that in the marketing of SHGs
Marketing Society) should extend their activities throughout the state. NGOs and
Bengal” have made an attempt to analyse the role and performance of SHGs in
promoting women’s empowerment. The study revealed that SHGs had set a new
festivals, repayment of old debts, investment and the like). Similarly, different
products, individual business, goatery, dairy and so on) are undertaken by the
SHG members after joining the group. The habit of savings, economic
SHGs have served the cause of women empowerment, social solidarity and socio-
of their study to probe into the composition of the group, to access the impact of
the SHGs and to identify the constraints. They have mainly focused on male
attention, high rate of interest and insufficiency of loans. They have also studied
the problems such as the inability of the members to repay, delay in the
disbursement of loans and the presence of the rich in the SHGs. The suggestions
of the study were that efforts should be taken to avoid delay, the government
should encourage the NGOs, and the SHGs should be trained to play a vital role in
the empowerment of women, and the NGOs should maximize the inclusion of the
The above review of related literature points out that most of the studies
of the Self Help Group members, government organizations and therefore, women
empowerment through Self Help Groups in the district level were studied. Hence
the present study on women empowerment through Self Help Groups in Tuticorin
District of Tamilnadu is made. Thus, the review of the past studies pinpoints the
methodology and the statistical tools necessary for the present research.
Though many studies have been conducted in India and a few studies in
empowerment through Self Help Groups has not so far been made at the micro
level in the district of Tuticorin in Tamilnadu. To cover this research gap in the
rural and urban areas of Tuticorin District, the researcher has chosen this vibrant
topic for this research study. Moreover, the researcher has very much interest in
The data for this study have been collected from primary source and
secondary source. The required primary data were collected from respondents
during the year 2011-2012. This study covers secondary data period of 12 years
Self Help Groups in Tuticorin District. This study is based on the points of view of
SHG members. This study covers the history and growth of Self Help Groups in
groups and opinion of members about functions of Self Help Groups in the study
Self Help Group members on the basis of their opinion. The study also focuses on
Self Help Group members in Tuticorin District. This can be achieved through the
1. To trace out the history and growth of Self Help Groups in Tamil Nadu
1.8 METHODOLOGY
The data needed for this study have been collected from both primary and
secondary sources. The primary data have been collected through a well-designed
interview schedule constructed for the purpose of the study. The secondary data
required for the study have been collected from District Collector Office, books,
This district has been selected as the universe for this study for two reasons.
First, the district has a large number of formations of Self Help Groups. Secondly,
the researcher is familiar with the area, and so it is possible to get co-operation of
the officials and also respondents. Table 1.1 explains the sampling design of the
study.
51
TABLE 1.1
Sample Size of the Respondents
One
No. of Three Members
Sl.No. Name of the Blocks Percentage of
SHGs from each Group
SHGs
1. Alwarthirunagari 1077 11 33
2. Kayathar 1155 12 36
3. Karungulam 964 10 30
4. Kovilpatti 1711 17 51
5. Ottapidaram 1903 19 57
6. Pudur 1455 15 45
7. Sattankulam 1172 12 36
8. Srivaikundam 688 7 21
9. Tiruchendur 474 5 15
10. Tuticorin 3954 40 120
11. Udangudi 876 9 27
12. Vilathikulam 1274 13 39
Total 16703 170 Groups 510 Members
Source: Statistical Facts and Figures, District Collectorate, Tuticorin.
In Tuticorin District, there are 12 blocks. In the study area, there are 16703
SHGs. From each block one per cent of SHGs have been selected by adopting
stratified proportionate random sampling method. From the selected SHGs, three
members have been selected by using lot method. Totally, 170 SHGs and 510
1.10 PRE-TEST
respondents’ opinion, the language used and to rule out ambiguities and doubts.
During this exercise, several suggestions are received from the respondents. In the
light of those suggestions, several questions have been revised and some new
Field work for the study was carried out by the researcher herself. It was
conducted during the year 2011-2012. For collecting primary data from the sample
members, an interview schedule was used. The members were interviewed in their
houses by the researcher generally during their leisure time. In order to have a
close rapport with the members, the researcher has been first introduced to the
members by the Animator of the Group. The interview schedule was quite
After completing the interview with the members of the Self Help Groups,
the completed schedules were edited properly to make them fit for further
processing. For the purpose of coding the information, a master table was
Test, Weighted Average Method, Kruskal-Wallis Test, Sign Test and Factor
Analysis.
The Percentage Analysis has been used throughout the thesis, whenever
required.
The Garret Ranking has been used to analyse the nature of problems and
Frieman Test has also been used to assess the benefits of schemes and training
Factor Analysis has been used to analyse the opinion of members regarding
The Weighted Average Method has been used to analyse the level of
The Sign Test has been used to analyse the family and individual
The Kruskal-Wallis Test has been used to find out the factors which
hypotheses have been formulated for the purpose of the present study.
status, size of the family and occupation of the respondents and their level
1.15.2 Meeting
place and time to discuss and decide on various aspects of women empowerment.
1.15.3 Saving
at regular intervals. The saving is the seed capital of Self Help Groups’ which is
55
used for small emergency needs for income generating activities. The savings
1.15.4 Loan
Loan is the amount of money lent to its members from Self Help Groups’
funds.
months until there is enough capital in the months and until there is enough capital
in the group to be lent. The fund is then lent back to the members and to others in
1.15.7 Linkages
institutions.
evils. Women know the women’s rights and laws through Self Help Groups.
57
1. The study covers only women Self Help Groups in Tuticorin District. It
2. The Self Help Groups which come under Mahalir Thittam are taken into
3. The Self Help Groups that come under Non-mahalir Thittam are not
included.
4. This study does not cover the women SHGs operating in other districts of
Tamil Nadu.
5. The inferences obtained from the study may not be applicable to the groups
the study, period of the study, limitations of the study, sampling design,
chapter scheme
The second chapter deals with the history and growth of Self Help Groups
and the profile of study area. It includes the growth of SHGs in Tamil Nadu,
Tuticorin District and also deals with the profile of the Tuticorin District.
The fourth chapter analyses the functions of Self Help Groups such as
The fifth chapter examines the empowerment of women through Self Help
suggestions.
60
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