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CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION AND DESIGN OF THE STUDY

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Empowerment of Women `

1.3 Statement of the Problem

1.4 Review Literature

1.5 Period of the Study

1.6 Scope of the Study

1.7 Objectives of the Study

1.8 Methodology

1.9 Sampling Design

1.10 Pre-test

1.11 Field Work

1.12 Data Processing

1.13 Framework of Analysis

1.14 Hypotheses of the Study

1.15 Operational Definition of Concepts

1.16 Limitations of the Study

1.17 Chapter Scheme

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1.1 INTRODUCTION

Empowerment of women has become a subject of great concern for the

nations all over the world in recent years especially in poor and developing

countries. Empowerment means emancipation of women in harmonious

co-existence with men in society, and it provides social recognition, dignity,

prosperity and security. Hence empowerment has acquired considerable

importance. Empowerment is a way of acquiring the ability and opportunity to

participate in decision-making and implementation of decisions with proper

knowledge of self-dignity and self-confidence. The concept of empowerment was

introduced at the International Women’s Conference at Nairobi in 1985, where it

was defined as “a redistribution of social power and control of resources in favour

of women. Empowerment is not only essential in political field but also in

personal, economic, social and political dimensions with personal empowerment”.

Self Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as the most successful strategy in

the process of participatory development and empowerment of women. Women

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.
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1.2 EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN

Empowerment of women is nothing but women living their own life in

which they think appropriately, on the basis of their condition of family

circumstances, qualities and capabilities of those things and consider themselves

as the best judges.

1.2.1 SHG as an Instrument to Empower Women

The Swarnajayanthi Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) is a holistic

programme. Under SGSY, poor families are organized into Self Help Groups

through the process of social mobilization. Self Help Groups are not a new

concept in development. The traditional Indian society functioned mainly on the

basis of self-help and mutual help.

The SHG movement was started in Dharmapuri District of Tamil Nadu in

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

marginalized sections of the society.

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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

enviable changes and enhancement in the standard of living of women which

could be their empowerment in poor and developing nations.

Self Help Group (SHG) is a process by which a group of 10 – 20 women

with common objectives are facilitated to come together voluntarily to participate

in the development activities like savings, credit and income generation and

thereby ensure economic independence. The basic principle which underlies the

SHGs is to finance the poor to achieve holistic empowerment. SHG phenomenon

brings various qualities such as group consciousness among women, sense of

belongingness, self-confidence and self-reliance. When a woman becomes a

member of a SHG, sense of public participation, enlarged horizon of social

activities, high self-esteem, self-respect and fulfillment in life become expanding

and enhance her status. Thus, the SHGs can be an effective instrument socially

and economically.

A sizable portion of India’s rural population lives below poverty line

(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.

1.3 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Integration of women development and their empowerment are inevitable

for the development of any country. The role of women in the economic and social

activities of a country was emphasized by the World Conference on Agrarian

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

processes of rural development. The declaration of International Women’s Year

(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

Revolution would eradicate poverty and lead to modernization and economic

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

independence, the Government of India took numerous measures to ensure gender

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

Groups and their capabilities in empowering women in the study area.

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1.4 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

The review of literature connected with the study. The review of literature

is classified as a) Studies on Empowerment of Women b) Studies on Micro

Finance c) Studies on Socio-economic Conditions, d) Studies on Women

Entrepreneurs e) Government Schemes on Poverty and f) Studies on

Non-Governmental Oganisations.

1.4.1 Studies on Empowerment of Women

T.R. Gurumoorthy1(2000) in his research article titled, “Self Help Groups –

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

has found that empowering women contributes to social development and

economic progress in any country more than the developed or underdeveloped

countries could achieve through social development.

Sankunala Narasimhan2(2000) in her research paper on “Empowering

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

rather than conventional schooling or education in terms of degree or number of

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
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women, irrespective of their educational achievement or economic status can show

their mettle as useful and productive citizens eager to contribute their mite to the

national effort.

B.Suguna3(2001) in her research article entitled, “Women and

Empowerment Concept and Framework” has stated that there is continued

inequality and vulnerability of women in all sectors including economic, social,

political, education, health care, nutrition and legal. Active participation in social,

economic and political spheres would help in enhancing the process of

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.

R. Veluraj and R.K. Shanmugam4(2001) in their research paper on

“Self Help Groups – An Alternative Approach to Empowerment of Rural Women”

have pointed out that unless women are empowered, issues like literacy, health,

population explosion will remain unsolved problems of the developing countries.

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

result in social and economic development. SHGs also facilitate to achieve

independence in their life. Further, SHGs help to improve their mental ability

through proper education.

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Punithavathy Pandian and R.Eswaran5(2002) in their article entitled,

“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

economically and socially.

S.K. Panda6(2003) in her article titled, “Micro Finance in Economic

Empowerment of Weaker Sections” has suggested evolving an appropriate

strategy for mobilizing the human resources for optimizing the use of the available

financial resources.

Archana Sood7(2004) in her research article titled, “Sustainable Rural

Development Focus in Women”, has concluded that women empowerment

particularly as applicable to rural women has a much greater, positive influence in

factors governing sustainable development. Women play a direct and in many

cases, an exclusive role in child and family care, general health and sanitation,

agriculture, horticulture, forestry, animal husbandry, food, fuel and water.

Choudhary and Sarmistha8(2004) in their article titled, “Economic

Empowerment of Women” have advocated in economic empowerment of women.

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

Indonesia, the estimated earned income of a female is $1,987 whereas a male is

getting $3,893 in India, it is $4,070 respectively. Much of women’s work never

appears in the national statistics because it is seen as an extension of their

nurturing. Certain organizations initiated different programmes facilitating

empowerment such as working women hostels, balwadies, promotion of small

savings, handicrafts, sewing centres, family planning units, family planning

centres, Self Help Groups and the like. SEWA is one of the organizations that has

given women the dignity of being self-employed.

G.S. Kala9(2004) in her research article titled, “Economic Empowerment

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

frequently expected to shoulder the burden of the survival of their families.

K.Revathy10(2004) in her article entitled, “Economic Empowerment of

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

of society are fundamental for the achievement of equality, development and

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.

Self Help Groups are potential sources to empower and institutionalize

participatory leadership among the marginalized sections. Moreover, this study

envisages that participation of Self Help Groups to bring out savings, education,

health, environment, cleanliness, family welfare, social forestry and so on makes

them self reliant. This study concluded that Self Help Groups contribute

significantly to the overall development of women in rural areas.

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

entrepreneurial activities at smaller level with minimum capital requirement. In

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

socio-economic revolution in the rural areas in India.

V.M.S. Perumal13(2005) in his research paper on “SHGs: Empowering

Women at the Grassroots” has analysed three villages from the southern districts
 11

of Tamilnadu, namely Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi and has

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

their household needs.

K.D. Rosa14(2005) in her article titled, “Women Empowerment and Family

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

recommended that more opportunities should be provided to women as

employment or self-employment for women empowerment in society.

Velu Suresh Kumar15(2005) in his article titled, “Women Empowerment –

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

become a platform for exchanging ideas regarding prevention of AIDS, dowry,

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

and local bodies in the state.

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M.L. Gupta and Namitha Gupta16(2006) in their research article titled,

“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

traditions have contributed to the process of marginalization and oppression of

women.

R. Meenakshi17(2006) in her paper on “Role of Information and

Communication Technology (ICT) in Empowering Women” has stated that

women have to be an equal beneficiary of information and communication

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

in emphasing and implementing gender policy.

A. Saravavan Durai and D. Janagam18(2006) in their research work titled,

“Women Empowerment through Tamilnadu Corporation for Development of

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

financial years of operation. The object of TNWDP was social empowerment by

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way of equal status participation of powers of decision-making of women at the

household level at the community and village levels and democratic institutions.

C. Siva Murugan and V. Anbumani19(2006) in their article entitled,

“Empowerment of Women in India” have stated that Self Help Groups are

self-managed groups of women who have come together to promote savings

among themselves as well as pool savings for activities benefiting other individual

or communities’ economic resources, which in turn empower people through the

values of equality participation, accountability and transparency. The

empowerment of women SHG would be beneficial not only to the individual

women and women’s group but also to the family and community as a whole

through collective action for development.

Tracey L. Moyle, Maureen Dollard and Saswata Narayan Biswas20(2006) in

their research article entitled, “Personal and Economic Empowerment in Rural

Indian Women: A Self Help Group Approach” have examined the empowerment

of women by addressing two dimensions, economic and personal empowerment.

Their study has revealed that “the inclusion of women in income generating

activities gives support to the personal and economic empowerment of women,

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
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participation of women Self Help Groups, especially in relation to their members

and psychological health and well-being of all members.

A. Abdul Raheem and Yasmeen Sulthana21(2007) in their article titled,

“Empowerment of Women through Self Help Groups” have stated that

unemployment problem prevalent in India sharply differs from that of the western

nations. There are a number of possible routes to the promotions of

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

overall economic development.

S. Banumathy and K. Niveda22(2007) in their research article with the

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

leadership qualities among women.

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S. Subramanian23(2007) in his article titled, “Empowerment of Women

through SHGs in Tirunelveli District, Tamilnadu – SWOT Analysis” has revealed

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

to be trained in soft skills like leadership traits, team spirit, negotiation,

risk-taking, assertiveness and the like. Intensive training in all functional aspects

of business is to be given to the promoters, prior to the operation of micro

enterprises.

Vinayagamoorthy24(2007) in his research work on “Women Empowerment

through Self Help Groups – A Case Study in the North Tamilnadu” has analysed

the economic empowerment of women through SHGs in the Northern Districts of

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

very successful in helping women empowerment in rural areas.

Gladis Mary John25(2008) in her research paper on “Women Empowerment

through Self Help Groups” has observed that self-employment through SHG has
 16

increased the earning capacity and economic independence and has given women

an important place in the decision-making process within the families. They

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

in the family and society by conducting meetings and training programmes.

S.G. Radhakrishnana, G. Eswarappa and B.N. Majunatha26(2008) in their

article entitled, “Empowerment of Women in Sujala Watershed Progamme

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

fully employed and have started self-employment. The Sujala Watershed

Programme has empowered the members socially and economically through

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.

Thelma Kay27 (2008) in her article titled, “Empowering Women through

Self Help Groups - Micro Credit Programmes” has explained that for

management positions, village elders, traditional men, are reported to encourage

the participation and involvement of women. This example demonstrates the

multiple aspects of SHGs developing in a phased process, starting with economic

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enhancement, leading to empowerment at the individual level, and then moving on

to collective action at the community level. However, these initiatives have to

incorporate strategies and measures that empower the poor especially poor women

and enable them to participate in the development and transformation of society if

poverty is to be truly alleviated.

R. Arumugam28(2009) in his research article titled, “Women

Empowerment” has pointed out that the year 2001 was declared as Women

Empowerment Year. Since the women are empowered, they acquire the latest

techniques, and they gain importance in educational field, agriculture, employment

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

powerful life of women on par with men in society.

Judi Chamber Lin29(2010) in his study on, “A Working Definition of

Empowerment” has found that the key elements of empowerment are identified

including access to information, ability to make choices, assertiveness and self

esteem. Empowerment has both an individual and a group dimension.

G. Somesh, Yattin Korcher and L.D. Vaikunthe30(2010) in their research

work titled, “Women Empowerment: Role of SHGs and NGOs” have observed

that SHGs have been playing an important role in the empowerment of women.
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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

SHG by the encouragement of NGOs followed by the encouragement of friends.

Shasshikala and Uma31(2011) in their research article entitled, “Women

Empowerment through SHGs - A Case Study” have stated that micro finance

scheme is dominated by Self Help Groups. Bank linkage programme is aimed at

providing financial services to the undetached poor, based on the philosophy of

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

to their empowerment. SHGs are making sufficient contribution to women

empowerment in economic, social and political spheres.

N.K. Shunmugam32(2011) in his article entitled, “Women’s Empowerment

– A Powerful Strategy for Women’s Liberty and Emancipation” has pointed out

that empowerment is control over material assets, intellectual resources and

ideology. Empowerment is redistribution of power. Empowerment has become

the key solution to many social problems. Power may be personal and social. It is

a sense of decision-making. The components of women empowerment are

awareness building, capacity building, decision-making, administering equality

between men and women.

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S. Venkateshamurthy and G.M. Dinesh33(2011) in their research work on

“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

the cause of women empowerment, social solidarity and socio-economic

betterment of the poor.

Brinda Rani Dass and G. Vasanthi34(2012) in their research work titled,

“Socio-economic Empowerment of Women through Self Help Groups in

Villupuram District – An Empirical Study” have concluded that SHG philosophy

is the concern to gain control over capital by rural, poor women by virtue of

spend-thrift, gaining access to a financial pool of their own in times of need or to

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

poor. The authorities of the respective departments functioning especially with

SHGs, help to enhance economy in the global level.

Sahu Lopamudra Singh and K. Suresh35(2012) in their research article

entitled, “A Qualitative Study on Role of Self Help Groups in Women

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Empowerment in Rural Pondicherry, India” have explained that group discussions

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

important role in women empowerment and should be promoted for economic

development of the country.

Dhiraj Jain and Pushpa Nai36(2013) in their study on “SHG Helping

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

them self-dependent and self-employed. The main objective of this study is to

study the effectiveness of SHGs in empowering women as well as the interest of

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

self-employed which has ensured their well-being and growth.

S. Thangamani and S. Muthuselvi37(2013) in their research paper on “A

Study on Women Empowerment through Self Help Groups with Special

Reference to Mettupalayam Taluk in Coimbatore District” have stated that the

study was undertaken to identify women empowerment through Self- Help Groups
 21

in Mettupalayam Taluk. It is found that socio-economic factor has been changed

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

women in the long run. It is clear that by involving voluntary organizations in

social mobilization, an enabling policy environment is created. The authors

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

women empowerment in rural areas.

R. Kasthuri, S. Thamilarasan and K. Arul38(2014) in their article entitled,

“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

encouraged to a large extend by the infusion of entrepreneurial skills, finance

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

implementation of various social welfare programmes.

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Marami Gohain39(2015) in his article titled, “Women Empowerment

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

improvement in their standard of living. After joining SHGs, women have

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

lives of the poor and under –privileged women of the country.

Survi Gohain Duwrah40 (2015) in his article titled, “Conceptualizing

Women Empowerment” has concluded that empowerment of women entails the

prospects of leading to an assured progressive growth of a society. This can only

be achieved by affording an opportunity to women to have their say in familial,

social, economic and political spheres. Women empowerment is to develop the

capacity of the fairer sex to influence the course of social and economic order.

Women’s empowerment entails the potential of leading to a world where women

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

generations. Increasing women’s potentials is one of the definite ways of

contributing to a nation’s growing potential for the future generation.

1.4.2 Studies on Micro Finance

S. Mohanan41(2000) in his paper on “Mcro-credit and Empowerment of

Women: Role of NGOs” has discussed the results and the relevance of

micro-credit of women and their empowerment, considering the historical

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

can be summarized as the formation of SHGs, nurturing of SHGs, facilitation role,

mobilizing resources and formation of people organization.

S. Sundari and N. Geetha42(2000) in their research article titled, “Poverty

Credit and Micro Enterprises” have suggested that women should be encouraged

to undertake micro enterprise with the available credit facilities from banks and

other financial bodies. Poverty is often the consequence of unemployment which

being gender-related leads to feminization of poverty. They have concluded that

factors like training and skill formation, technology upgradation, credit to women
 24

through banks, supply of raw materials, promotion of small savings and publicity

and the like should contribute to the empowerment of women.

Anjugam and Alagumani43(2001) in their paper titled, “Impact of Micro

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,

electricity connections, purchase of livestock, land for construction, leasing for

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.

Pallavichan and R. Ramakumar44(2002) in their research work titled,

“Micro-credit and Rural Poverty – An Analysis of Empirical Evidence” have

reviewed the empirical evidence of NGO - led micro-credit programmes in several

developing countries and also compared them with the state-level poverty

alleviation schemes in India. They showed that micro-credit programmes have

been able to bring about a marginal improvement in the beneficiaries income.

However, beneficiaries had not gained much in technological improvements,

since the emphasis was given to ‘survival stall’. According to them, the practice

of repayment of Grameen Bank loans by making fresh loans from moneylenders

has resulted in the creation of ‘debt cycle in Bangladesh’..

 25

Sabyasachi Das45(2003) in his study on “SHGs and Micro-credit – Synergic

Integration” has explained that the micro-credit – SHGs model has got tremendous

attention in recent years. Micro-credit is an alternative source of credit for the

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

distinct advantage in the form of excellent recovery rate and improvement in

income level.

Banumathy46(2005) in her article entitled, “Self Help Groups and Bank

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

collaboration with NGOs and contribute to the rural economy.

P. Mahendra Varman47(2005) in his research article on “Impact of Self

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

member in SHGs and more importantly having leadership experience in SHGs

would improve an individual’s banking habits much more than mere membership.

This will inculcate banking habits at a higher magnitude, thereby enhancing the

advantage of banks in acquiring a large number of deposit accounts.

C. Gangaiah, B. Nagaraja and Vasudevulu Naidu48(2006) in their article

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

favourable effect on employment and income generation. It is also observed that

the credit extended to rural women also has a quality of improving effect on the

families of sample respondents, because a majority of the women beneficiaries

utilize the income generated either for investing or improving the education and

health requirements. This expenditure resulted in qualitative improvement of

human resources.

Sudarsan Nayak49(2007) in his article titled, “Empowerment of the Poor

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

dropouts in their families. It also empowers women by enhancing contribution to

household income, decision-making process of the family, reduction of child

mortality, improved maternal health, housing and nutrition, reduced dependency

on village moneylenders and non-institutional sources. It has proved that the poor

are bankable and can be a partner in the mainstream financial institutions.

.Shanshad Akhtar50(2008) in his article titled, “Inclusiveness, Growth and

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.

S. Thirumaran and R. Kasilingam51(2008) in their article entitled, “Self

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

are benefited under SHG – bank linkage programme.

. 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

repayments, unavailability of bank loans in spite of need and lack of seriousness

among some members. .

Muralidhar and A. Lokhande53(2009) in their research study on “Micro

Finance Initiatives in India” have suggested that micro finance programme has a

significant role to play in Indian economy for boosting micro–entrepreneurial

activities for creating productive assets coupled with employment generation.

SHGs have been instruments in initiating micro-entrepreneurial activities among

those poor people who have been neglected so far from the process of social as

well as economic development.

 29

V.M. Chavan and M. Mukund54(2010) in their article entitled, “Micro

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

introduced innovation in bank lending by forging flexibility, operational easiness,

and follow up virtue of informal lending system. This is in view of technical and

administrative capabilities and effectiveness and adequate availability of financial

resources of formal lending mechanism of commercial banks.

Sangram Panigrahi55(2010) in his article titled, “SHG -Bank Linkage

Programme: Focusing on the Inclusion of Financially Excluded People” has

expressed that focusing on the inclusion of financially excluded people suggested

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

to micro entrepreneurs and to micro insurance, it has been a long way to go if it

has to become the core strategy of banking with the poor.

Velu Suresh Kumar, A. Thaha Sahad and M. Karuppiah56(2010) in their

research work titled, “SHGs: Micro Finance Strategy in Empowering Rural

 30

Women” have stated that women Self Help Groups are increasingly being used as

a tool for various developmental interventions. Through forming informal SHGs,

rural women in India are getting credit and extension support for various

production – oriented income generating activities. The SHG approach has proved

successful not only in improving the economic conditions through income

generation but in creating awareness about health and hygiene, sanitation and

cleanliness, environmental protection, importance of education and better response

for development schemes.

K. Srinivasa Rao and V.D. Santhoshkumar57(2011) in their research article

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

avail micro-credit like deposits, loans, payment services, money transfers,

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.

S.D. Talekar and M.B. Biradar58(2011) in their research article titled,

“Micro-credit Management by Women’s Self Help Groups” have stated that SHGs

are necessary to overcome exploitation, create confidence for economic

 31

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

savings. SHGs are acting as an alternative to the existing system of credit

disbursement by banks.

K. Rajendran59(2012) in his article titled, “Micro Finance through Self Help

Groups – A Survey of Recent Literature in India” has concluded that the micro

finance revolution, a recent product of development, ensures the availability of

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

households from poverty in developing countries where it becomes a philosophy

and practice of poverty eradication, empowerment and inclusive growth especially

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

finance. It indicated by and large contributed to the development of the poor in

 32

terms of economic well-being, alleviating poverty and empowerment leading to

overall development of the rural poor.

Shylendra60(2013) in his article titled, “Micro Finance and the

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

organizational abilities of co-operatives for adoption of micro finance not to

mention certain inherent limitations of micro finance have been identified as

factors influencing the observed performance. The author pointed out to a

possible overriding effect of the historical dilemma of elite capture on the role of

co-operatives.

Purna Prasad Sharma and Ambika Prasad Pati61(2015) in their study on

“Subsidized Microfinance and Sustainability of Self Help Groups :Observations

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

Mehalaya, especially in generating sustainable income. The sustainability analysis

indicates unsustainable position of the subsidized SHGs. The researcher suggested

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

programmes. The NGOs, Block Development Officers, Village Councils, DRDA

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

schematic loans in future.

1.4.3 Studies on Socio-economic Conditions

P.K. Awasthi, Deepak Rathi and Vimala Sahu62(2001) in their article titled,

“Working and Impact of Self Help Groups on Economic Status of Women in

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

a positive impact in creating leadership, improving literacy and consciousness

about health and hygiene and promoting skill formation among the group

members.

. K. Jothy and J. Sunder63(2002) in their study on “Self Help Groups under

the Women’s Development Programme in Tamil Nadu: Achievements Bottlenecks

and Recommendations” have evaluated the programme of Tamil Nadu Mahalir

Thittam and have found that SHG women are currently involved in economic

activities such as production and marketing of agarbaththis, candle and soap,

 34

readymade garments, pickles, appalam, bags, herbal products, ornaments, eatables,

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.

Tharabai64(2004) in the article titled, “Micro-credit and Social Capitalism

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

self-reliance in women as they have their own resource base.

.Chittarajan Mishra65(2005) in his article entitled, “SHGs in the

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

the issues associated with the income generating activities.

R. Elangovan66(2006) in his study on “Socio-economic Study of SHGs

– A Statistical Appraisal of Villupuram District” has expressed that women

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

micro-credit to the rural women in order to achieve the objective of rural

development and to get people participation in all rural development programmes.

SHG has become a powerful instrument for the upliftment of the rural poor. It

paves the way to increase the participation of women in decision-making in

households, community and democratic setup.

Y.K. Singh, S.S. Gawtan and S.K. Kaushal67(2007) in their research journal

entitled, “Performance of Women’s Self Help Group in Moradabad District, Uttar

Pradesh” have explained that education, type of family, landholding, family

occupation and annual income are found to have a positive and significant

relationship with the participation and task function. Almost all the group

variables have a positive and significant relationship with group cohesiveness.

R. Jayaraman68(2008) in his article titled, “Performance Analysis of

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

positive role in helping the fisher folk in their socio-economic development,

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.

Manju Panwar69(2010) in her research work on “Role of SHGs in

Strengthening Grassroots Democracy – Experiences of Haryana” has revealed that

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 the problems of increased alcoholism and trends in rural society.

S. Velanganni and R. Jaya Shanthi70(2011) in their article entitled, “Income

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

children’s education. It is a positive move of the women to educate their children,

and it will lead to society’s prosperity. The SHG movement has brought
 37

revolutionary changes in the socio-economic development of the rural poor and

increased participation of women in the democratic process.

P.Anandaraj and C.Chinniah71 (2012) in their study on “Socio–economic

Conditions of Self Help Groups in Alangalnallur Block of Madurai District” have

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.

1.4.4 Studies on Women Entrepreneurs

Sebastian72(2002) in his research paper titled, “Promotion of Women

Entrepreneurs through Self Help Groups” has examined the promotion of women

entrepreneur through SHGs. According to him, the women entrepreneurs who

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

significantly to modern business and commercial world in their own way.

Working women can be classified into different categories like women

entrepreneurs, highly qualified professionals, employees in the organized private

and public sectors and women workers in the unorganized sector. The author has

also explained that transforming the prevailing social discrimination against

women must become the top priority and must happen concurrently with increased

direct action to rapidly improve the social and economic status of women.

Soundarapandian74(2006) in his article entitled, “Micro Finance for Rural

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

found not responsible for this variation.

Natarajan75(2007) in his article titled, “Micro Enterprises – Self Help

Groups and Rural Entrepreneurship” has reviewed the micro enterprises with
 39

micro credit through SHGs. According to him, micro enterprises contribute to an

increased diversification of household economic activities, increased retraces on

productive activities and improved economic security. The development of micro

enterprises for women is an appropriate way to alleviate poverty at grassroots level

by empowering them in all aspects. This can be done effectively by promoting

and assisting SHGs in taking up micro enterprises. Thus, SHGs’ micro enterprises

are the viable tool for promoting rural entrepreneurship in a holistic approach

which will further facilitate alleviating poverty and mitigating unemployment

problem in rural India.

N. Ramya and J.J. Jayakumar76(2008) in their research article titled, “Rural

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

micro-credit institution. The collective aspirations of the members of the SHGs

become stronger day by day as the group dynamics gets strengthened.

Prabha Singh77(2009) in his book entitled, “Rural Women and

Development of Entrepreneurship with Special Reference to Punjab in

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

agriculture as the key income generation activity. The entrepreneurship on farm

and home can directly affect the income of Indian population. The growth of

modernization process such as industrialization, technical change, urbanizatioin

and migration further encourage it. Entrepreneurship on small scale industry is the

only solution to the problems of unemployment and proper utilization of both

human and non-human resources and improving the living condition of the poor

masses.

Amita Rani and Pawan Kumar Dhiman78(2012) in their research article

entitled, “Dimension and Apprehensions of Self Help Groups” have focused on

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,

District Fatehabad (Haryana) through a designed interview schedule by

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.

S. Pattu Meehakshi, C.V. Venkata Subramaniyan and K. Ravichandran79

(2013) in their article titled, “Entrepreneurship as a Tool for the Empowerment of

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

mediators of economic growth and development. Encouragement for women

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

an important obstacle for women entrepreneurship development in India. In spite

of that women today break all those obstacles and involve themselves in various

sectors proving their excellence. A major part of the national economic

development is contributed by rural economy. Entrepreneurship is considered to

be a key for women empowerment especially in rural areas, and hence promotion

of women entrepreneurs is focused highly by the government. There is a need for

continuous attempt to inspire, encourage, motivate and co-operative women

entrepreneurs and awareness programmes should be conducted on a mass scale

with the intention of creating awareness among women about the various areas to

conduct business.
 42

T. Thileepan and K. Soundararajan80(2014) in their research article titled,

“Entrepreneurial Empowerment of Self Help Group through Micro Finance” have

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

empowerment of women, and they constitute a major proportion among

participatory development organizations. Women’s productive activities,

particularly in industry, empower them economically and enable them to

contribute more to the overall development. Whether they are involved in small or

medium scale production activities or in the informal or formal sectors, women’s

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.

1.4.5 Studies on Government Schemes and Poverty

Y. Gangi Reddy81(2002) in his article entitled, “Planning and

Implementation of Swarnajanthi Gram Swarozgar Yojana: Need for

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

management of the enterprise and timely repayment of loans. The assistance

 43

provided under SGSY has helped them in increasing their production capacity and

returns from activities and suggested that (i) co-ordination between various

departments (ii) strengthening training and capacity – building (iii) marketing

support for SGSY products and (iv) organizing industrial visits and study tours are

necessary.

Amal Mandal82(2003) in his article titled, “Swarnajanthi Gram Swarozgar

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

involvement of micro enterprises is a footstep to remove poverty. The author has

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

and intermediary role should be played continuously.

Atual Anand83(2003) in his paper on “SHGs Planned in Theni District” has

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

and generate self-employment opportunities for women. The NABARD had

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

federation have been functioning in Theni District, and 47 federations would be

constituted in future. Entrepreneurial development training was given to 268

women and entrepreneurial orientation training for 98 women and special

vocational training was given to 1,988 women weavers in Andipatti and

Jagammpatti villages.

Rakesh Malhotra84(2005) in his research work with the caption,

“Imperative Need for Fine Tuning the SGSY” has recommended that the Senior

Government Officials should be allocated specific targets for evaluating at least

three SHGs per month. It should be mandatory for the banker. The researcher has

also suggested that there is a continuous need to impart training to Swarozgaries

field functionaries of Government, NGOs and banker’s exposures for the

successful functioning of SHGs.

Usha Thorat852006) in her study on “Financial Inclusion and Millennium

Development Goals” has revealed that the central theme of the Millennium

Development Goals(MDGs) is reduction of poverty in all its forms. The SHG

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

savings, loans and insurance.

Arjun Y. Pangannavar86(2010) in his article entitled, “Women SHG

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

overcome the problem of poverty through rural development programmes.

Women empowerment is a thrust and significant issue in the rural development .

The SHG concept is an innovative participating approach for poverty eradication

through women SHGs in rural areas. Through women’s access to micro-credit,

micro enterprises and empowerment, the rural poverty can be eradicated.

1.4.6 Studies on Non-governmental Organisations

J.K. Stephen and A. Seilan87(2005) in their research article titled, “Role

NGOs in Micro Financing through Self Help Groups in Kannyakumar District”

have revealed that the NGOs can play a pivotal role as an effective delivery

mechanism in rural development. They have instinctive advantage to involve

people and ensure their participation in the development process. Networking

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-

SHG linkage for the betterment of the SHGs.

B. Vijayachandran Pillai and U. Harimukar88(2006) in their article entitled,

“Self Help Groups in Kerala” have focused on various innovative programmes and

schemes to address the issue of poverty and unemployment prevailing in India.

They pointed out that SHGs faced problems in different areas such as inadequate

training facilities, problems of marketing, lack of stability and unity especially

among women SHGs, weak financial management and inadequate support from

the departments. Further, they have suggested that in the marketing of SHGs

products, the state-level organizations KERAMS (Kerala Rural Development and

Marketing Society) should extend their activities throughout the state. NGOs and

financial institutions can play a significant role in empowering women.

Ananta Basudev Sahu and Sandhya Rani Das89(2007) in their study on

“Women Empowerment: An Empirical Study with Special Reference to West

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

agenda for financial intermediation by banks in the form of micro-credit. By the

formation of SHGs, credit is demanded for various purposes (domestic, health,

festivals, repayment of old debts, investment and the like). Similarly, different

economic activities (collection, processing and marketing of minor forest

 47

products, individual business, goatery, dairy and so on) are undertaken by the

SHG members after joining the group. The habit of savings, economic

independence, self-confidence, social cohesion, asset ownership, freedom from

debt, additional employment and so on is derived by the SHG members. The

SHGs have served the cause of women empowerment, social solidarity and socio-

economic betterment of the poor.

Joseph Labintiana and Eswaran Kanagaraj90(2008) in their research article

titled, “SHGs and Tribal Development in Mizoram” have considered as objective

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

domination, restriction of women in the public sphere, lack of government’s

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

poor household women in their groups.

The above review of related literature points out that most of the studies

pertaining to empowerment of women, micro finance, socio-economic conditions

 48

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

Tamilnadu covering certain aspects of women empowerment and women

entrepreneurship, a study covering the multi-dimensional aspects of women

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

analyzing the behaviour-oriented concepts.

1.5 PERIOD OF THE STUDY

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

from 2002-2003 to 2013-2014.

 49

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The present study aims to analyse women empowerment through

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

Tamil Nadu and Tuticorin District, socio-economic conditions of members and

groups and opinion of members about functions of Self Help Groups in the study

area. This study includes an assessment of the level of women empowerment of

Self Help Group members on the basis of their opinion. The study also focuses on

the factors influencing women empowerment in the study area.

. 1.7 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main objective of the study is to analyse women empowerment through

Self Help Group members in Tuticorin District. This can be achieved through the

following specific objectives of the study:

1. To trace out the history and growth of Self Help Groups in Tamil Nadu

and Tuticorin District.

2. To probe into the socio-economic conditions of Self Help Group

members and groups in Tuticorin District.

3. To analyse the opinion of members about the functions of Self Help

Groups in the study area.

 50

4. To evaluate the level of women empowerment through Self Help

Groups in Tuticorin District.

5. To find out the factors influencing women empowerment.

6. To offer suitable suggestions on the basis of findings of the study.

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,

journals and magazines, NABARD Annul Reports and websites.

1.9 SAMPLING DESIGN

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

members have been selected to collect the primary data.

 52

1.10 PRE-TEST

To find the validity of questions, the interview schedule is pre-tested with

50 respondents. The main objective of the pre-testing is to find out the

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

questions are added in the final draft.

1.11 FIELD WORK

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

informal and was in a conversational style.

1.12 DATA PROCESSING

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

prepared in order to sum up all the information found in the study.

 53

1.13 FRAMEWORK OF ANALYSIS

In order to analyse women empowerment through Self Help Groups in

Tuticorin District, the data have been analysed by appropriate Statistical

techniques, namely growth rate, percentage analysis, Garret Ranking, Friedman

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

progammes of the Self Help Groups.

Factor Analysis has been used to analyse the opinion of members regarding

the functions of Self Help Groups.

The Weighted Average Method has been used to analyse the level of

women empowerment through SHGs.

The Sign Test has been used to analyse the family and individual

empowerment through SHGs in the study area.

The Kruskal-Wallis Test has been used to find out the factors which

influence the empowerment of women through SHGs in Tuticorin District.

 54

1.14 HYPOTHESES OF THE STUDY

On the basis of the foregoing research objectives, the following null

hypotheses have been formulated for the purpose of the present study.

There is no significant difference among the responses of the respondents

about the benefits of SHGs’ training programmes received by the members.

There is no significant difference among the responses of the members

towards family and individual empowerment.

There is no significant difference between the socio-economic status such

as age, religion, community, area of residence, marital status, educational

status, size of the family and occupation of the respondents and their level

of perception of towards empowerment through Self Help Groups.

1.15 OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF CONCEPTS

1.15.1 Self Help Groups (SHGs)

Self Help Groups are the association of women members organized

voluntarily or with the help of NGOs or the bank or other institutions.

1.15.2 Meeting

A meeting is a gathering of members with a specific agenda at a particular

place and time to discuss and decide on various aspects of women empowerment.

1.15.3 Saving

A portion of amount is deposited with Self Help Groups by the members

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

amount is deposited in banks.

1.15.4 Loan

Loan is the amount of money lent to its members from Self Help Groups’

funds.

1.15.5 Common Fund

Common fund is the savings contributed by members regularly over a few

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

the village for any purpose.

1.15.6 Income Generation Programme (IGP)

Income generation programme is a type of training provided to Self Help

Group members by Government or NGOs to improve their skills, leadership

quality, decision-making concepts and brings out entrepreneurship qualities of Self

Help Group members.

1.15.7 Linkages

Linkages are relationships of Self Help Groups with other financial

institutions like banks and social welfare organizations.

 56

1.15.8 Economic Empowerment

Process of increasing the access to and control over productive resources

like income, employment, savings and such family resources.

1.15.9 Social Empowerment

Process of changing the discriminatory ideology and culture which

undermines women’s status. It includes creating an environment in which women

can take decisions and make choices of their own.

1.15.10 Political Empowerment

Process of gaining the capacity to influence the decision-making process

through representation in political/legislative bodies. It includes using the right as

a voter, developing political interest and participating in local self-government

institutions.

1.15.11 Psychological Empowerment

Expansion in the mental space of women which involves an attitudinal

change along with awareness of their inherent potentialities. It includes a greater

sense of self-confidence, self-esteem and motivation among women.

1.15.12 Legal Empowerment

Legal empowerment means potential to reduce against women’s social

evils. Women know the women’s rights and laws through Self Help Groups.
 57

1.15.13 Family Empowerment

Family empowerment creates active involvement in the decision-making

process in the family, and improves the capacity in their family.

1.15.14 Individual Empowerment

Process of women gaining individual capabilities and skills.

1.16 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

1. The study covers only women Self Help Groups in Tuticorin District. It

does not include men and youth Self Help Groups.

2. The Self Help Groups which come under Mahalir Thittam are taken into

account for this study.

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

of other districts of Tamil Nadu.

 58

1.17 CHAPTER SCHEME

The present study entitled, “Empowerment of Women through Self-Help

Groups in Tuticorin District” has been designed into seven chapters.

The first chapter deals with the introduction, empowerment of women,

statement of the problem, review of literature, scope of the study, objectives of

the study, period of the study, limitations of the study, sampling design,

methodology, pre-test , field work, data processing, framework of analysis and

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 third chapter examines the socio-economic conditions of Self Help

Groups and their members. It includes demographic characteristics of Self Help

Groups and their members.

The fourth chapter analyses the functions of Self Help Groups such as

source of loan, amount of loan, purpose of loan, sources of repayment of loan,

various training programmes participated by members, benefits of training

progammes and functions of Self Help Groups.

 59

The fifth chapter examines the empowerment of women through Self Help

Groups. It includes economic empowerment, social empowerment, political

empowerment, psychological empowerment, legal empowerment, family

empowerment and individual empowerment.

The sixth chapter analyses the factors influencing the women

empowerment. It includes factors influencing economic, social, political,

psychological and legal empowerment.

The seventh chapter presents the summary of findings to give suitable

suggestions.
 60

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