Impact of Self-help Groups on Rural Women in Bankura District, West Bengal

During the last three decades rural development practitioners have been focusing on SHGs as an instrument for women empowerment in rural sector. SHGs of women in India have been identified as an effective strategy for the empowerment of tribal women in rural and urban areas. It is evident from many studies that women have developed abundant self-confidence and self-esteem through SHG movement. Not only economic security but also inculcating savings habits is the major motivating factors for joining SHGs. SHG women are becoming an instrument in transforming so called unproductive human being into productive human resources. However, it has been observed that the growth of SHGs have not been uniform. More particularly, the growth of SHGs has been slow in relatively backward areas in West Bengal.