TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE NO.

N0.
I 1.1 INTRODUCTION

1.2 MEANING OF THE STUDY

1.3 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THRE STUDY

1.5 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY OF THE

STUDY
1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

II 2.1 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

III 3.1 ABOUT SHGs

3.2 RURAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES

THROUGH SELF-HELP GROUPS
3.3 VARIOUS SCHEMES AND
PROGRAMMES
IV DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

4.1 SIMPLE AVERAGE ANALYSIS

4.2 RANK ANALYSIS

4.3 CHI-SQUARE TEST

V 5.1 FINDINGS

5.2 SUGGESTION

5.3 CONCLUSION

REFERENCES

QUESTIONNARIES
 LIST OF TABLE

CHAPTER - I

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Self-Help Group is an association of people belonging to a similar socio-economic

characteristic, residing in the same locality. The SHGs are voluntary associations of people
formed to attain some common goals. These are groups which have similar social identity,
heritage, caste or traditional occupations, and have come together for a common cause to
manage resources for the benefit of the group members. SHG is a group of rural poor who
have volunteered to organize themselves into a group for eradication of poverty of the
members. They agree to save regularly and convert their savings into a common fund. The
members of the groups agree to use this common fund and such other funds that they may
receive as a group through a common management. SHGs are presently promoted by
governments, development banks and voluntary agencies, with focus on social and economic
issues, mainly thrift and credit programmes. They also take up issues relating to rural
industries and modernization of agriculture.

Millions of women in our hamlets know what unemployment means. Give them access to
economic activities and they will have access to power and self-confidence to which they
hitherto have been strangers” - Mahatma Gandhi

The relationship between women's empowerment and social development has been a major
theme in studies of any nation’s overall development. The United Nation (UN) claims that
improving women’s status is not only beneficial to themselves but also for overall social
economic development of the nation.

"Investing in women's capabilities and empowering them to exercise their choices is not only
valuable in itself but is also the surest way to contribute to economic growth and overall
development" (United Nations, 1995). Women comprise of half of the country’s population,
yet, they have limited control over income. Most women remain confined to a narrow range
of female low-income activities resulting in gender discrimination. Poverty and
unemployment are the major problems of any under-developed countries, to which India is no
exception. In India, at the end of Ninth Five Year Plan, 26.1 per cent of the population was
living below poverty line.

In the rural areas, 27.1 per cent of the population was living under poverty. The overall
unemployment rate was estimated to be 7.32 per cent while the female unemployment rate
was 8.5 per cent. Unemployment amongst women in the rural areas was 9.8 per cent. This
was because of the low growth of new and productive employment. In the end of the Ninth
Five Year Plan, the Government implemented various schemes to reduce poverty and to
promote gainful employment. But the most effective scheme with less stress on financial
expenditure was the concept of “Self-Help Group”. It is a tool to remove poverty and
improve the rural development (Sabyasachi Das, 2003).
When we look into the 1990s, development programs started to notice the role of women's
empowerment in economic development and human development. The term ‘Women's
Empowerment’ was first defined by the United Nations after the Fourth World Conference on
“Women: Action for Equality, Development and Peace” in Beijing in 1995. The United
Nations identified that Women's Empowerment has five components: women's sense of self-
worth, their right to have and to determine choices, their right to have access to opportunities
and resources, their right to have the power to control their own lives - both within and
outside the home, and their ability to influence the direction of social change to create a more
just social and economic order, nationally and internationally (United Nations, 1995).

Despite significant growth in agricultural production and employment over the past five
decades of development planning, rural poverty continues to pose the greatest challenge in
India. Despite decades of poverty alleviation efforts, the absolute number of poor has doubled
since independence. About 36 per cent of the rural households are found to be outside the
fold of institutional credit.

When we study the various studies, suggest that the existing policies, systems and procedures
as well as the savings and loan products often are not matching the needs of the poor.
“Whatever you do, be different- that was the advice my mother gave me, and I can’t think of
better advice for an entrepreneur. If you’re different, you will stand out.” and “Nobody talks
about entrepreneurship as a survival, but that’s exactly what it is and what nurtures creative
thinking. Running the first shop taught me business is not financial science; it’s about
trading: buying and selling.” – By Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop.

So, empowerment of women involves many things- economic opportunity, social equality
and personal rights. Women are deprived of these human rights, often as a matter of tradition.
In rural areas, women are generally not perceived to have any meaningful income generation
capacity, and hence, they are relegated mainly to household duties and cheap labour. Without
the power to work and earn a good income, their voices are silenced.

Individual scholars also have their definitions of women's empowerment. The definitions of
women's empowerment by scholars often belong to either category: empowerment as a
process, or empowerment as a goal. In the first viewpoint, empowerment is viewed as an
ongoing process rather than a product; there is no final goal to it.

Empowerment is the process whereby the powerless gain control over the circumstances of
their lives. It includes both control over resources and ideology (Batiwala, 1994; Sen &
Batliwala, 2000). Kabeer (1999) emphasizes "power" as the ability to make choices, and
"empowerment" is the process of acquiring the ability of make choices by those who are
denied such ability.

In later definition of the concept, Mosadale (2005) defines women's empowerment as the
process by which women redefine gender roles in ways which extends their possibilities for
being and doing. She emphasizes that empowerment has to be claimed by the group that want
to be empowered, specifically by women. Empowerment is about ability: women's ability to
control individual health; the ability to control her life; and the ability to change the world
(Bradley, 1995; Tengland, 2008). Different dimensions of this also include the abilities to
control their homes, work, relationships, leisure time and values. One can argue that this
point of view is not much different from a general human rights perspective since it does not
highlight the gender aspect of women's empowerment. Bradley (1995) for example, views
empowerment as the degree to which women are social actors, and thus, able to affect their
own positions. Even though some scholars view women's empowerment as an outcome or as
an outcome and a process, the definition that describes women's empowerment as a process
has received more agreement. The process of women's empowerment is dynamic; it is not
static over the life course but may vary over time, subject to the accumulation of experiences,
resources, and achievements as well as of time-varying characteristics like age, marital status
and duration (Lee-Rife, 2010). Empowerment is also relative and contextual. People are
empowered or depowered relating to other people or to themselves at a previous time
(Mosadale, 2005; Tengland, 2008). The term "empowerment" may indicate a redistribution of
power to the less powered group. Odutolu, Adedimeji, Odutolu, Baruwa, and Olatidoye
(2003) insist that empowerment is context-specific; it differs in different cultures, situations
and stages of their life cycles. For example, the use of contraception was once considered
empowering, but when more than half of the married women in rural Bangladesh have used it
since 1990s, it has become normative and does not necessary imply a higher level of
empowerment (Malhotra, Schulerm, & Boender, 2002). Even though women's empowerment
is a process, measuring the process over time is a major challenge in studies on women's
empowerment. Thus, women's empowerment can only be measured as a final goal. Despite
the wide variation in the conceptualizing women's empowerment, a definition can be
proposed: "Women's empowerment is a self-acquired process to achieve women's choices in
all aspects of life, including decisions about their health and bodies, their education,
employment, and political representation. This process should be acquired at all levels:
individual, household, community, country and global. Furthermore, women's empowerment
is contextual. It should be interpreted closely with the socio-economic context and in period
of time

1.2 MEANING OF THE STUDY

The study was undertaken mainly to understand the economic condition and satisfaction level of
women self-help group. It helps to understand various factors related to success of women self-help
group such as training facilities, loan facilities, general benefits, monetary benefits and gives a clear-
cut idea as to know how far the members are satisfied with their working in group environment. The
researcher has made sincere efforts in extracting information and has done required analysis. Suitable
suggestions have been given to the Government that enable the Government to identify the needs of
women self-help group and women’s development by skill and economic empowerment. It helps to
understand the standard of living of the people those who are living below the poverty line in that area
only.

1.3 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Poverty and Unemployment go hand in most developing countries. In India, the financial
institutions have not been able to reach the rural sector especially in the unorganised sector.
In developing countries, women play a pivotal role as risk managers and drivers of
development, particularly in regions of severe poverty. Peoples’ participation in credit
delivery and recovery and linking of formal credit institutions to borrowers through the SHGs
have been recognised as a supplementary mechanism for providing credit support to the rural
poor. Most of the SHGs members do believe that finance is their major problem. It is true that
unfavourable event in business will lead to financial crisis. Women suffer from illiteracy,
lack of awareness, poor healthcare and unemployment. This is particularly true in the rural
areas and in cases of main weaker sections of society like scheduled caste and schedule
tribes. In the recent times, women have contributed to a great extent towards the development
of the economy but not many are aware of this that they have the potential. The recent
development has been in the entrepreneurial activities undertaken by them. Therefore,
empowerment of women is the only remedy to the problem faced in not only India but also
other developing countries.

1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The following are the objectives which the study seeks to fulfil.

1. To find the level of awareness of functioning of registered Self-Help Groups among

women.
2. To find out the rate of employment generated through registered Self-Help Groups.
3. To study the socio-economic profiles of self-help group members.
4. To examine the influence of socio-economic factors with the level of satisfaction
among self-help group members in Andipalayam panchayat under Kinathukadavu
taluk.

1.5 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY

Methodology is the way to solve the research problems systematically. It may be understood
as a science of studying how researcher is done scientifically. The researcher has selected a
particular place randomly for this survey. Data has been collected through questionnaire.

1.5.1 Sources of Data

Data collection is one of the most important aspects of research. The data was collected from

both primary and secondary data for this study.

Primary Data

The primary data is the first-hand source of information. The primary data was collected by
distribution of questionnaires to the respondents. The questionnaires were prepared in such a
way that they are simple and easy understandable. So, the respondents were enabled to
express their opinion and frankly.

Secondary Data

The secondary data have been collected from the periodicals, magazines, journals and

websites.

1.5.2 SAMPLING DESIGN

Sampling Size For the purpose of this study, the schedules were given to self-help groups in
the Andipalayam panchayat under Kinathukadavu taluk. Out of these 20 questionnaires was
rejected by the researchers since they were incomplete. Thus, the total sample size for the
study was from 30 respondents.

1.5.3 SAMPLING TECHNIQUE

Convenience sampling technique is used for the study. This type of sampling is very
convenient and is relatively inexpensive.

5.1.4 Sampling Area

The study was carried out across in the Andipalayam panchayat under Kinathukadavu taluk.
It is an agricultural oriented Taluk surrounded by villages. Andipalayam is 12 kilometres
from Kinathukadavu on the way to Negamam-Coimbatore main road. It is one of the leading
rural areas of Kinathukadavu for coconut and its products.

5.1.5 Framework of Analysis

The study has been analysed using the following statistical tools.

 Simple Average
 Chi-square test
 Rank Analysis
1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The scope of the study is to find out women empowerment, measured by income generation,
women employability and rural economic development, through Self- Help Groups within
Andipalayam panchayat under Kinathukadavu taluk and to find out the level of awareness of
these self- help groups among the rural women of Andipalayam panchayat under
Kinathukadavu taluk. For this purpose, primary and secondary data was collected from
members of the self-help group in the Andipalayam panchayat under Kinathukadavu taluk.

1.7 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

 It was a time-consuming process as most of the respondents were uneducated and

therefore e-form questionnaires could not be used.
 Awareness of women towards SHGs are low.
 Only women SHGs were taken for the study though there are a number of men
SHGs.

CHAPTER – II

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Jose et al. (2020)1 conducted a study on “Problems of women SHGs members in Ernakulam
district” in Kerala. The main focus of this study was to identify the major constraints faced by
SHGs women entrepreneurs. The data were collected with the help of primary sources by
using questionnaire technique from 250 respondents (125 from Aluva and another 125 from
Paravoortaluk of Ernakulam district) by adopting sample random technique. The findings of
the study discloses that inability to manage business, lack of basic knowledge among SHGs
members due to their illiteracy, frequent changes in formalities for availing loan, lack of
adequate training, lack of family support, short period of repayment of loans, difficulty to
fulfil government formalities, lack of experienced manpower, lack of self-confidence, lack of
digital literacy, lack of infrastructural facilities etc. are the major problems faced by SHG
members in Ernakulam district in Kerala.

Kumar & Babu (2020)2 this paper has analysed the “microfinance and factors contributing
for economic empowerment of women SHG members” The principal component analysis has
used for the purpose using primary data collected in Hassan district. This study revealed that
the economic empowerment is possible in many ways and economic activities. Out of 20
ways of achieving the economic empowerment, the feasibility has found only in six ways.
Hence the absolute economic empowerment of SHG women has not achieved in Hassan
district. However, the relative economic empowerment has been achieved with the help of
bank linkages SHG programme. This study also proved that the lack of income earning
employment opportunities are the hurdles in achieving the efficient economic empowerment
of women. Therefore, the promotion agencies of SHG have to financially support the income
earning activities of the SHG women member.

Nithya & Sahad (2019)3 this paper highlights the “Role of SHGs in Women Empowerment
in Tamil Nadu”. this case study has found that SHG has made significant changes in the
livelihood aspects of millions of poor women across the countries. The study has selected
Tiruvallur district where the number of SHGs is higher as compared with the rest of the states
in Tamil Nādu. Survey with 100 SHG members belongs to various villages of the study areas
revealed that SHG members improved in their economic and social status.

Masrat (2018)4 this paper attempts to study the economic empowerment of women through
self-help groups in district Baramulla of JK. In this study, multi stage sampling was used to
select the appropriate samples. Totally 120 SHG members were selected for collecting
primary data information. The findings of the data analysis revealed that micro finance
through SHG have created a positive impact for its beneficiaries. Participation in SHG has a
positive impact on the income, saving and asset positions of the participant.

Kumawat & Bansal (2018)5 in their study entitled “A study on problems faced by SHGs
members in carryout the SHGs activities” conducted an explorative study in Udaipur district
of Rajasthan to find out the activities and various problems faced by the women in
empowerment through SHGs. The data were collected from 130 members, 100 members
from SHGs and 30 members from non-self-help groups through interview technique.
Vinodhini & Vaijayanthi (2017)6 this study is focused on confirming the financial and
social status of women belonging to various SHGs in the country. The main purpose of this
study is to know the status of SHG in rural India and its impact on socio-economic
development of women from 2012-2015. The data is collected from secondary sources from
state of microfinance in India (NABARD). The study reveals that the SHGs helped these
women by financial facilities for sending their children to school and access to the day to day
living amenities. The key reasons for the success of SHG are its link with the poor people, its
innovative practices, its capacity to enable people’s participation in development and trust
building at different level. SHG also helped to develop self-confidence and independence
among rural women which in turn increased the livelihood of the rural people.

Kumar & Sri (2017)7 the main purpose of this study was to address the “Problems faced by
the members of SHGs with special reference to thimmampalayam area in Coimbatore district
in Tamil Naidu”. Out of 10 SHGs, 114 members were selected for the present study by using
the questionnaire technique of data collection. This findings of the study revealed that
majority(74.6%) of the respondents were female, majority (40.40%) belongs to the age group
of (25-30), majority (54.4) were married, majority (36.8%) were motivated by SHGs
members, majority (38.6%)of respondent were lack in formal education, majority (33.3%) of
respondents were conflicting among the group members, majority (39.5%) of respondents
were in heavy competition of the market to sale the product, majority (46.5%) of respondents
were in shortage of capital for their financing situation. overall lack of formal education,
family responsibilities as their major personal problem, conflicts, lack of communication
skills among the group

members in decision making process was their major social problem, heavy competition is
the major sources of marketing problem and insufficient loan as their major financial problem
among SHGs in the study area.

Narasimha et al. (2016)8In their study entitled “role of self-help groups in women
empowerment and health. This study was conducted on cross-sectional study in urban field
practice area of Bangladesh Medical Collage and Research institute. 95 women were
interviewed by a pre-validated questionaries who were involved in the SHG for last 1 year.
This study revealed that 62.1% were literate, 65% received economic help through this
programme. 26% got importance in family as well as community, 21% had improvement in
personal health, 68% decides to seek medical care for health-related issues

Haripada data (2016)9 “Self Help Groups in Tripura and Marketing of the Product: An
Overview”. The principle objectives of the study are to Analyses the necessary step be taken
to improve the marketing linkages for the products. The primary data have been collected
from 150 respondents through convenience sampling technique. This study is an attempt to
review and analyse the causes, problems and future perspective of SHG movement in Tripura
and also to search some suggestive solutions.

Selvakumar (2015)10 studied women empowerment through self-help groups in Krishnagiri

district of Tamil Nadu. The information required for the study has been collected from both
the primary and secondary sources A multistage random sampling method has been followed.
Average and percentage analysis was carried out to draw meaningful interpretation of the
results. Garret ranking technique was used to find the reasons for joining the Self-help group.
Factor analysis was used to measure and determine the relationship between the observed
variables. The results of the study revealed that the SHGs have had greater impact on both
economic and social aspects of the beneficiaries.

Kondal’s (2014)11 paper confines itself to study women empowerment through SHGs in
Andhra Pradesh. In the study simple statistical tools are adopted. Based on the analysis of
women empowerment through SHGs in Gajwel, the major finding of the study is that there is
a positive impact of SHGs on women empowerment in Gajwel Mandal of Medak District in
Andhra Pradesh.

Dhaiya et al. (2014)12 in their study attempt to evaluate the level of women’s economic
empowerment through SHG i.e., income, expenditure and saving of the member after joining
SHG. The study was conducted in Sirsa district. The study is based mainly on primary data
collected through well-structured scheduled and pre tested survey. For analysis of the study
average and percentage method was used. The study revealed that SHGs positively improved
the economic empowerment of women because of in both blocks the SHGs member’s income
has increased after joining the SHGs and the family expenditure of SHGs members has also
increased in both blocks due to positive change in the SHG member’s income.
Mishra (2014)13 examines the pre-SHG and post-SHG status of rural SHG members in Puri
district of Odisha. On the basis of primary data analysis, the study finds that SHGs have not
only produced tangible assets and improved the living conditions of the members, but has
also helped in changing much of their social outlook and attitudes. In the study area, SHGs
have served the cause of women empowerment, social solidarity and socio-economic
betterment of the rural poor.

Mishra’s (2014)14 purpose of the research is to advance a new understanding of gender as a

routine accomplishment embedded in everyday interaction to do so entail a critical
assessment of existing perspective on gender. The present study addresses women
empowerment through micro enterprises in Odisha. It based on the Condition, family
background, education level, and size of the family. Descriptive Statistics including
frequencies, percentage, mean and standard deviations were carried out to draw meaningful
interpretation of the results and to find out the reasons for joining the micro enterprises. This
paper examines the women empowerment through SHGs and also explains the current
position of women empowerment in India. The result of the study revealed that micro
enterprises programme has had greater impact on both social and economic aspects of the
rural women in Odisha.

The paper by Eswaraiah (2014)15 is an empirical attempt focusing on women empowerment

through self-help groups in drought -prone Ananthapuramu district in Andhra Pradesh. The
findings of the study establish the SHGs have made a positive impact on women
empowerment especially in the spheres of social status, economic empowerment and
decision-making on various aspects of family matters.

Long kumer et al. (2014)16 makes an attempt to find out the characteristics and levels of
women’s empowerment through SHGs. The present study was conducted in Medziphema
rural development block under Dimapur district of Nagaland. A total of twenty-one SHGs
were randomly for the study purpose. A well-structured schedule was used to collect the data
from the respondents by personal interview method. The study revealed characteristic
features of women’s empowerment which was evident in form of increase in income level,
improvement in skills and knowledge and increased capacity to meet daily household
expenses. Majority of the respondents exhibited medium level of empowerment.
Baily (2014)17 paper deals specifically with four male leaders in a village where the women
had been involved in an SHG for a period for six years. The women actively engaged with
the gatekeepers of the community and continued with the programme even after funding for
the programme had ended. The data highlight the complex nature of male/female
relationships, and the dichotomies that exist for men as they reflect on their own power
within families, their perceptions of women's participation in SHGs, and their awareness of
authority within their communities as it pertains to women's agency.

Munivenkatappa (2014)18 paper intends to study experiences of some NGOs in Mysore

district of Karnataka State. This study shows that there is a relationship between women's
empowerment and environmental management and how women can become agents for the
promotion of environmental sustainability.

Guntaka (2014)19 in her study examines the socio-economic conditions of the Dalit women
and their empowerment through Self-Help Groups. The study is based on primary data
collected using questionnaire. 120 sample respondents are selected randomly from
Mangalagiri mandal of Guntur district. It is found from the study that majority of the sample
respondents are illiterates. Though vast proportion of the sample respondents are living in
nuclear families, they are subject to male domination. They joined SHGs with motivation
from their co-villagers. After joining SHGs, they are empowered economically to some
extent only. They have no independence to spend the money earned through SHGs. Even
after joining SHGs, decision making power in their families to these women is very poor.
However, their awareness about various things is increased after joining SHGs. It is
suggested that government should initiate steps to make it compulsory for each and every
Dalit woman to enrol in SHGs. Dalit males also be encouraged to form SHGs so as to have
awareness on the importance of women to the household economy.

The study conducted by Kaur et al. (2014)20 makes an attempt to explore the impact of
SHGs on women empowerment. The objectives of the study are to analyse the growth pattern
of the number of total and women SHGs linked to banks and to study the association between
Global Gender Gap Index and the number of women SHGs. They study found that there is
enough scope for improvement and intensified efforts need to be put in to bridge the gaps on
both national and an international level. The study suggests that women empowerment is to
be treated as a national priority, rather than an obligation to cherish the desired goal of gender
equity as espoused by United Nation.
 CHAPTER-III

3.1 ABOUT SHG

Today self-help groups play a crucial role in rural and urban areas. It is considered as one of
the most significant tools to adopt participatory approach for the economic empowerment of
women. In present days many women entrepreneurs are came forward and follow some
innovative strategies for selling their products and face a stiff competition between groups. In
this way they have attaining the target it is very difficult task for every self-help group
women’s. So, they are mainly focused on customers and their satisfaction then only survey
the target market. Self-help group provides better services and follow some innovative tactics
are used to producing products, affordable price, proper place new ideas for promotion.

3.2 RURAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES THROUGH SELF-HELP

GROUPS

The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), inter-alia, is implementing Deendayal

Antyodaya Yojana –National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) and Mahatma
Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in which Self Help Groups
(SHGs) are involved. These Schemes are implemented through State Governments/UT
administrations. In addition, SHGs are being involved by other Departments/Ministries and
State Government Departments dealing with rural development from time to time.

DAY-NRLM is being implemented across the country in a mission mode since 2011 with
the aim to bring at least one woman member from each rural poor household, as per the Socio
Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data and process of Participatory Identification of Poor
(PIP), into the fold of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and to support them to take economic
activities. As on 31st January, 2024, about 9.98 crore Women households have been
mobilized into 90.39 lakh Self Help Groups (SHGs). The State/UT wise details of the number
of households mobilized into SHGs since 2011 under the Mission is given below.

State wise details of the number of households mobilized & SHGs Formed as on
31st January, 2024

S.NO STATES NO. OF HOUSEHOLDES NO. OF SHGs MOBILIZED

COVERED

1 Andhra Pradesh 9066655 855580

2 Assam 4018731 356601

3 Bihar 12708238 1096939

4 Chhattisgarh 3036956 275109

5 Gujarat 2765861 278079

6 Jharkhand 3586912 291417

7 Karnataka 4168120 356942

8 Kerala 3999493 270993

9 Madhya Pradesh 5792134 484453

10 Maharashtra 6469304 635183

11 Odisha 5715076 546490

12 Rajasthan 3804161 321801

13 Tamil Nadu 4002881 336044

14 Telangana 4777041 441943

15 Uttar Pradesh 9489816 840280

16 West Bengal 12106660 1181104

17 Haryana 623171 59789

18 Himachal Pradesh 373629 44931

19 Jammu & Kashmir 791032 90767

20 Punjab 531855 51213

21 Uttarakhand 486283 64390

22 Arunachal Pradesh 84416 9897

 23 Manipur 92267 8725

24 Meghalaya 442150 45151

25 Mizoram 85393 10256

26 Nagaland 134192 15336

27 Sikkim 56610 5908

28 Tripura 492588 51693

29 Andaman & 13064 1286

Nicobar

30 Goa 50020 3765

31 Ladakh 10844 1432

32 Lakshadweep 4146 344

33 Puducherry 57831 4564

34 Daman DIU and 11844 1144

Dadar & Nagar
Haveli

Total: 99849374 9039549

3.3 Various Schemes and Programmes

 The Indra Mahila Yojana (IMY):

The Indra Mahila Yojana, a pilot scheme, was launched in 1995 in 200 community
Development Blocks of India mainly to co-ordinate and integrate components of sectoral
programs and to facilitate their convergence to the empowerment of women. By these 28,000
small homogeneous groups are enabled to function.

 Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK):

The Rashtriya Mahila Kosh was introduced for enhancing the capacity of women through
productivity and economic self-reliance. It provided financial assistance to 2.32 lakhs women
since its inception form 1999. This programmes, funded by the National Credit fund for
women, encouraged the formation of Self-Help Groups for promoting thrift and credit
leading to income generation activities.

 National Commission for Women:

The National Commission for women was constituted under the National Commission for
Women Act 1990, mainly to introduce remedial action to safeguard the interests of women
and offering justice to the women who are economically and socially suffering, by such
measures the commission had encouraged the development and empowerment of women.
The NGOs were employed in executing this activity.

 The Centre for Development of Disadvantaged People (CDDP):

The removal of the downtrodden of women became a significant effort of the Government of
Independent India. So, it had to introduce developmental Centers for the benefit of the
common public exclusively women. The Centre for development of disadvantaged people
(CDDP) is yet another institution, which concentrated on women empowerment. This
institution is functioning in Tamil Nadu from 21, March 1988 onwards. It aims to develop
those women, who are disadvantaged economically, educationally, socially and culturally
through self- help groups and self-governing collective development activities, in general to
help them and to help themselves is its motto. Now these functions in 60 villages in the
Tiruvallur and Kanchipuram Districts of Tamil Nadu.

 Mahalir Thittam:

Mahalir Thittam, is a Tamil Nadu Development Project, launched by the Tamil Nadu
corporation for development of women on an experimental basis at Dharmapuri District with
the support of non-Government organizations which are functioning through a network of
women self- help groups. These groups are imparted with capacity building by
Entrepreneurship Development programme training, Vocational Programme Training,
arranging of credit linkages and marketing support.

Mahalir thittam - current status

 3,58,251 SHGs
 Membership - 57,56,026 women
 Total savings - Rs. 161569.03 Lakhs
 628 NGO partners

PROJECTS UNDER MAHALIR THITTAM

Some the important projects and schemes under Mahalir Thittam are: -
 IFAD assisted TN Women Development Project
 Bangaru Ammaiyaar Ninaivu Mahalir Thittam
 Entrepreneurship Development Programme
 Vocational & Skill Development Programmes
IFAD Assisted TN Women Development Project
This project is indeed the jewel in the crown. Originally programmed as an agriculture and
land - based project in 1989, the year of launch, it evolved into a movement for economic
empowerment of women, through formation and careful nurturing of Self-Help Groups with
the help of non-Governmental organizations. Indian Bank has been our partner in extending
credit of over Rs.800 million in a span of 9 years to about 1,20,960 women in 5207 Self Help
Groups. The project officially came to a close on 31.12.1998. However, post project activities
involving release of Capital Development Fund (CDF) Assistance, loans to unassisted groups
(with subsidy) and sustainability training are going on. These SHGs have made remarkable
progress as documented in the evaluation reports mentioned below. IFAD SHGs, most of
which have become self-reliant, are a testament to the epoch-making work of NGOs,
Government of Tamil Nadu and Indian Bank.
Bangaru Ammaiyaar Ninaivu Mahalir Thittam
Based on the success of the IFAD assisted Tamil Nadu Women's Development Project
(TNWDP), the State Government announced in the Budget for 1996 - 97 the extension of the
project to rural areas of all districts (except Chennai) of the State in a phased manner. Since
1996, the project has expanded every year and now covers all 28 rural districts of Tamil Nadu
Vocational & Skill Development Programmes
The Corporation implements the following Vocational and Skill development programmes.
The State Government has been allocating funds for Vocational Training programmes.
Interested Training Institutions and Non-Governmental Organizations are required to take
note of the following:
Massive Entrepreneurship Development Programme:

To cover five lakhs of women within a time span of five years the Tamil Nadu Corporation
for Development of women Ltd., implemented the Massive Entrepreneurship Development
Programme during 2001-2002. With the financial assistance rendered by the Commercial
Banks Scheduled Banks Government Funds and financial institutions self-employment
opportunities are provided for women, who are members of registered and unregistered Self-
Help Groups. With the Co-ordination of Rural Development, Agricultural Development,
Industries Department TAHDCO etc., 4,74,254 women were benefited by way of training in
vocational sectors such as tailoring, making readymade garments, leather products, Radio and
T.V Repairs, Computer Training, Catering Technology, Processing of food materials, fish
etc. The skill training me program was launched from 2004-2005. The trained self-help group
women gained the capabilities to start their own income generating economic activities.
Between 2003 and 2005 nearly 12,500 women members of self-help groups obtained training
in entrepreneurial activities. The State and Central Government, the Norwegian Assistance
for Rural Development (NORAD) and Support to Training and Employment programme for
women (STEP) were the funding agencies. Under this scheme the TNCDW Ltd. this scheme
has arranged for 30 district level training and marketing centres.

CENTRALLY SPONSORED SCHEME

Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY)
SGSY is being implemented since April 1999 as a major anti-poverty scheme for the rural
poor, by organizing them into Self Help Groups (SHGs), providing them with skill
development training and helping them to get credit linkage with financial institutions and
providing infrastructure and marketing support for the products produced by them.
Government of India and the State Government are sharing the costs in the ratio of 75:25.
 CHAPTER-IV

ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

4.1 SIMPLE AVERAGE ANALYSIS

Table 4.1.1

AGE

AGE RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

18-20 3 0.1
20-30 6 0.2
30-40 13 43.33
40-50 8 26.66
TOTAL 30 100

Source: Primary Data

 AGE

10% 18-20
27% 20-30
20% 30-40
40-50

43%

Interpretation

From the table 4.1.1 shows that 30 respondents taken for the study, 3 respondents fall
in the age group of 18-20. 6 respondents fall in the age group of 20-30, 13 respondents fall in
the age group of 30-40, 8 respondents fall in the age group 40-50.

It is concluded that the majority 13 respondents fall in age group of 30-40.

Table 4.1.2

EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

QUALIFICATIONS:
UNEDUCATED 18 60
SSLC 5 16.66
HIGHER SECONDARY 5 16.66
UNDER GRADUATE 2 6.66
TOTAL 30 100

Source: Primary Data

 EDUCATION QUALIFICATION

7%
UNEDUCATED
17% SSLC
HIGHER SECONDARY
UNDER GRADUATE

17% 60%

Interpretation
From the table 4.1.2 shows that 30 respondents taken for the study, 18
respondents were uneducated, 5 respondents were completed SSLC, 5 respondents
were completed higher secondary,2 respondents were completed under graduation.
It is concluded that the majority 18 respondents were uneducated.
Table 4.1.3
OCCUPATION

OCCUPATION RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

AGRICULTURE LABOUR 8 26.66
NON-AGRICULTURAL LABOUR 7 23.33
OWN BUSINESS 5 16.66
HOUSEWIFE 10 33.33
TOTAL 30 100

Source: Primary Data

 OCCUPATION

AGRICULTURE LABOUR
27% NON-AGRICULTURAL
33% LABOUR
OWN BUSINESS
HOUSEWIFE

17% 23%

Interpretation

From the table 4.1.3 shows that 30 respondents taken for the study, 8
respondents were working as agriculture labour, 7 respondents were working as non –
agriculture labour, 5 respondents were doing their own business and 10 respondents were
housewife’s

It is concluded that the majority 10 respondents were housewives.

Table 4.1.4

MARITAL STATUS

MARITAL STATUS RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

MARRIED 15 50
UNMARRIED 8 26.6
WIDOW 7 23.3
TOTAL 30 100

Source: Primary Data

 MARITAL STATUS

23% MARRIED
UNMARRIED
WIDOW
50%

27%

Interpretation
From the table 4.1.4 shows that 30 respondents taken for the study, 15
respondents were married, 8 respondents were unmarried and 7 respondents were
widow.
It is concluded that the majority 15 respondents were married.

Table 4.1.5

TYPES OF FAMILY

TYPES OF FAMILY RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

JOINT 10 33.33
NUCLEAR 2O 66.66
TOTAL 30 100

Source: Primary Data

 TYPES OF FAMILY

33% JOINT 10
NUCLEAR 2O

67%

Interpretation

From the table 4.1.5 shows that 30 respondents taken for the study, 10 respondents
family type were joint family and 20 respondents family type were nuclear family.

It is concluded that the majority 20 respondents’ family type were nuclear family.

Table 4.1.6

FAMILY SIZE

FAMILY SIZE RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

<3 12 40
3–4 8 26.66
5–8 5 16.66
>8 5 16.66
TOTAL 30 100
 Source: Primary Data

FAMILY SIZE

17%
<3
40% 3–4
17% 5–8
>8

27%

Interpretation

From the table 4.1.6 shows that 30 respondents taken for the study, 12 respondents
family size were less than 3, 8 respondents family size fall in 3 – 4, 5 respondents family size
fall in 5 – 8 and 5 respondents family size fall in greater than 8.

It is concluded that the majority 12 respondents’ family size were less than 3.

Table 4.1.7

NUMBER OF EARNING PERSONS

NO. OF EARNING PERSONS RESPONDENTS PEECENTAGE

1 7 23.33
2 17 56.66
3 5 16.66
>3 1 3.33
TOTAL 30 100
Source: Primary Data

NO. OF EARNING PERSONS

3%
17% 23% 1
2
3
>3

57%

Interpretation

From the table 4.7 shows that 30 respondents taken for the study, 7
respondents’ family have only 1 earning person, 17 respondents’ family have 2 earning
persons, 5 respondents’ family have 3 earning persons and 1 respondent family have more
than 3 earning persons.

It is concluded that the majority 17 respondents’ family have 2 earning persons.

Table 4.1.8
INCOME OF THE FAMILY

INCOME OF FAMILY RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

<10K 6 20
10K – 15K 12 40
15K – 20K 6 20
>20k 6 20
TOTAL 30 100
 Source: Primary Data

INCOME OF FAMILY

20% 20% <10K

10K – 15K
15K – 20K
>20k
20%

40%

Interpretation

From the table 4.1.8 shows that 30 respondents taken for the study, 6 respondents
family income were less than 10000, 12 respondents family income were 10000 – 15000, 6
respondents family income were 15000 – 20000 and 6 respondents family income were more
than 20000.

It is concluded that the majority 12 respondents’ family income were 10000 – 15000.

Table 4.1.9

PERIOD OF FUNCTION OF SHGs

PERIOD OF FUNCTION OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

SHGs
<1 YEAR 5 16.66
1- 2 YEARS 9 30
2 – 3 YEARS 12 40
>3 YEARS 4 13.33
TOTAL 30 100
 Source: Primary Data

PERIOD OF FUNCTION OF SHGs

13% 17% <1 YEAR

1- 2 YEARS
2 – 3 YEARS
>3 YEARS

40% 30%

Interpretation

From the table 4.1.9 shows that 30 respondents taken for the study, 5 respondents’
period of function of SHGs were less than 1 year, 9 respondents’ period of function of SHGs
were 1 – 2 years, 12 respondents’ period of function of SHGs were 2 – 3 years and 4
respondents’ period of function of SHGs were more than 3 years.

It is concluded that the majority 12 respondents’ period of function of SHGs were 2 – 3 years.

Table 4.1.10
FREQUENCY OF GROUP MEETINGS

FREQUENCY OF GROUP RESPONDENTS PERCNTAGE

MEETINGS
WEEKLY ONCE 8 26.66
FORTNIGHT 7 23.33
MONTHLY ONCE 6 20
 TWO MONTHS ONCE 9 30
TOTAL 30 100

Source: Primary Data

FREQUENCY OF GROUP MEETINGS

WEEKLY ONCE
27% FORTNIGHT
30%
MONTHLY ONCE
TWO MONTHS ONCE

20% 23%

Interpretation

From the table 4.1.10 shows that 30 respondents taken for the study, 8 respondents’
frequency of group meetings were weekly once, 7 respondents’ frequency of group meetings
were fortnight, 6 respondents’ frequency of group meetings were monthly one and 9
respondents’ frequency of group meetings were two months once.

It is concluded that the majority 9 respondents’ frequency of group meetings were two
months once.

Table 4.1.11

SAVING AMOUNT PER WEEK

SAVING AMOUNT PER RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

WEEK
< 100 4 13.33
100 – 200 10 33.33
 200 – 300 10 33.33
>300 6 20
TOTAL 30 100
Source: Primary Data

SAVING AMOUNT PER WEEK

20% 13%
< 100
100 - 200
200 – 300
>300
33%
33%

Interpretation

From the table 4.1.11 shows that 30 respondents taken for the study, 4 respondents
saving amount per week were less than 100, 10 respondents saving amount per week were
100 – 200, 10 respondents saving amount per week were 200 – 300 and 6 respondents saving
amount per week were more than 300.

It is concluded that the majority 10 respondents saving amount per week were 100 –200 and
10 respondents saving amount per week were 200 – 300

Table 4.1.12
AMOUNT OF CREDIT FACILITIES AVAILED

AMOUNT OF CREDIT
FACILITIES AVAILED RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE
< 3000 6 20
3000 – 5000 14 46.66
5000 – 10000 7 23.33
 >10000 3 10
TOTAL 30 100
Source: Primary Data

AMOUNT OF CREDIT FACILITIES

AVAILED

10% < 3000

20% 3000 – 5000
5000 – 10000
23%
>10000

47%

Interpretation

From the table 4.1.12 shows that 30 respondents taken for the study, 6 respondents
amount of credit facilities availed were less than 3000, 14 respondents amount of credit
facilities availed were 3000 – 5000, 7 respondents amount of credit facilities availed were
5000 – 10000 and 3 respondents amount of credit facilities availed were more than 10000.

It is concluded that the majority 14 respondents amount of credit facilities availed

were 3000 – 5000.

Table 4.1.13

PURPOSE OF LOAN

PURPOSE OF LOAN RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE

CHILDREN EDUCATION 5 16.66
TO BUY HOUSEHOLD 5 16.66
EQUIPMENT’S

ACQUIRE ASSETS 8 26.66

FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT 2 6.66
 BUSINESS START-UPS 6 20
TO REPAY DEBTS 4 13.33
TOTAL 30 100
Source: Primary Data

PURPOSE OF LOAN
CHILDREN EDUCATION
TO BUY HOUSEHOLD
13% 17% EQUIPMENT’S

ACQUIRE ASSETS
20% 17% FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT
BUSINESS START-UPS
TO REPAY DEBTS
7%
27%

Interpretation

From the table 4.1.13 shows that 30 respondents taken for the study, 5 respondents’
purpose of loan were children education, 5 respondents’ purpose of loan were to buy
household equipment’s, 8 respondents’ purpose of loan were to acquire assets, 2 respondents’
purpose of loan were medical treatment, 6 respondents’ purpose of loan were business start-
ups and 4 respondents purpose pf loan were to repay the debts.

It is concluded that the majority8 respondents’ purpose of loan were to acquire assets.

4.2 RANK ANALYSIS

 Table 4.2.1

PURPOSE OF LOAN

PURPOSE OF LOAN RESPONDENTS RANK

CHILDREN EDUCATION 7 II
TO BUY HOUSEHOLD
EQUIPMENT’S 4 IV
ACQUIRE ASSETS 9 I
FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT 6 III
BUSINESS START-UPS 1 VI
TO REPAY DEBTS 3 V

Interpretation

The above table shows that most of the women gave rank 1 for the purpose of loan
through acquire assets so the most of the people get benefit through acquire assets.

Table 4.2.2
 IMPACT OF JOINING SHGs

IMPACT OF JOINING SHGs RESPONDENDS RANK

RISE IN INCOME 9 I
EDUCATION OF FAMILY 6 III
MEMBERS
IMPROVEMENT IN FOOD HABITS 2 V
IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS 1 VI
BUSINESS START-UPS 5 IV
SOCIAL AWARENESS OR 7 II
PARTICIPATION

Interpretation

The above table shows that most of the women gave rank 1 for getting impact of
joining SHGs through rise in income so the most of the people get impact of joining SHGs
through rise in income.

4.3 CHI- SQUARE TEST

Table showing the relationship between education qualification and
satisfaction with credit facilities

Hypothesis:

H0= There is no significant relationship between education qualification and

satisfaction with credit facilities

HR1= There is significant relationship between education qualification and

satisfaction with credit facilities

Observed frequency

Credit Facilities Uneducated Educated Total

Strongly agree 4 2 6
Agree 5 4 9
Neutral 8 5 13
Disagree 1 1 2
Total 18 12 30

Expected frequency

= Row total * column total

----------------------------------

Grand total

Expected frequency

Credit facilities Uneducated educated Total

Strongly agree 3.6 2.4 6
Agree 5.4 3.6 9
Neutral 7.8 5.2 13
Disagree 1.2 0.8 2
Total 18 12 30
DEGREE OF FREEDOM

= (ROW -1) * (COLUMN -1)

= (4-1) * (2-1)

= 3*1

=3

X2 = (observed value – expected value)

-----------------------------------------

Expected value

OB E (O-E) (O-E)2 (O-E)2 /E

 4 3.6 0.4 0.16 0.04444444

2 2.4 -0.4 0.16 0.06666667

5 5.4 -0.4 0.16 0.02962963

4 3.6 0.4 0.16 0.04444444

8 7.8 0.2 0.04 0.00512821

5 5.2 -0.2 0.04 0.00769231

1 1.2 -0.2 0.04 0.03333333

1 0.8 0.2 0.04 0.05

TOTAL 0.09444444

X2 = 0.09444444

DF = 3

P VALUE= 7.815

The table value of chi-square for 3 Degree of freedom at 5% significant level is

7.815. the calculated value of chi-square is less than the table value of chi-
square. So, the hypothesis is accepted that there is no significant relationship
between credit facilities and education qualification.

CHAPTER – 5

FINDINGS, SUGGESTIONS AND CONCLUSION

5.1 FINDINGS

 A majority 43.33 % of respondents fall in age group of 30-40.

 A majority 60% of respondents were uneducated.

 A majority 33.33 % of respondent’s occupation were housewives

 A majority 50 % of respondent’s marital status were married.

 A majority 67 % of respondents’ family type were nuclear family.

 A majority 40 % of respondents’ family size were less than 3.

 A majority 56.66% of respondents’ family have 2 earning persons.

 A majority 40 %of respondents’ family income were 10000 – 15000.
 A majority 40% of respondents’ period of function of SHGs were 2 – 3 years.
 A majority 30% of respondents’ frequency of group meetings were two months once.
 A majority 33.33% of respondents saving amount per week were 100 –200 and
33.33% respondents saving amount per week were 200 – 300.
 A majority 46.66% of respondents amount of credit facilities availed were 3000 –
5000.
 A majority 26.66% of respondents’ purpose of loan were to acquire assets.
 Most of the people gave rank 1 for the purpose of loan through acquire assets so the
most of the people get benefit through acquire assets.
 Most of the people gave rank 1 for getting impact of joining SHGs social awareness
through social awareness or participation so the most of the people get impact of
joining SHGs social awareness through social awareness or participation
 A majority 26.66 % of respondents who were uneducated are neutral for the credit
facilities availed to them.
 A majority of respondents who were educated are also neutral for the credit facilities
availed to them.

5.2 SUGGESTIONS
  As majority of the members of the self -help groups are uneducated, these SHGs
can take up the initiative to give minimum education to uplift their state.
 Only 16.66% respondents stated that financial assistance was taken for educating
their children. The financial schemes should be made easier so that many rural
women can take it up for educating their children.
 Self-help groups should take up the initiative to educate the rural family members
as to how women contribute equally to the family income and they should not be
confined to the house.
 Based on the analysis the members of the self-help groups have contribution
towards the rural development. Therefore, the level of the awareness of the
working of self-groups should be increased among the rural population.

5.3 CONCLUSION

The core SHG philosophy is in women empowerment through increasing

employability, self-sufficiency and inculcating a habit of saving among the rural women.
Empowerment in micro-credit will inevitably involve a significant change in attitude, change
in work practices and challenging vested interests. For women’s empowerment to be
addressed, women need to be enabled to define their priorities and demand their rights. Micro
finance can be an effective strategic instrument for poverty alleviation only if it used for
income generating microenterprise development. Self Help groups as per the research is
successful in rural areas, especially among women. These programs have uplifted the rural
woman economically and socially in the society. Women are an integral part of the economic
development of the country, therefore the government should give equal importance to the
women contributors and their well-being in the society.