Shg Bank Linkage Programme as A Vaccine for Women Empowerment: A Sociological Review in Chittoor District

In the changed context of rural development, there is more emphasis on sustainable development and empowerment of women in India which demand micro credit. Empower the women is social, political, economical and legal aspects became necessary to convert the idle society into self-sustainable society. In Andhra Pradesh more than 52% SHGs were financed by banks under SHG Linkage. The Self Help Groups in Andhra Pradesh have accessed Bank loans to a tune of 7092 Crores in 2010–11. The SHG members have, through their disciplined utilization of funds and prompt repayment, achieved a very high repayment record (more than 95 percent). It is a matter of great pride to the state that we account for 40 percent of the total funds given to Self Help Groups through banks. As per the reports of the bankers, the recovery of loans is around 95% as against 87% when comparative to other states. Women empowerment can be achieved through political power, education, employment and SHG. Among these, SHG dominate and fruitful success of the women empowerment. SHGs mainly concerned with the enlistment of the women in the society through, social, economical aspects. SHG not only mobilize micro finance and provide micro credit to the needed members but also it provides self employment training, awareness programme, promotes the leadership qualities and confidential life to its members. This paper is concerned with empowerment of women and delineates the status of women, and the impact of SHG bank linkage programme on women empowerment.