The impact of training for sustainable livelihoods of Rural Women through Self-help Groups in Tamluk Block, India

Swarnajayanti Gram SwarojgarYojona (SGSY), also called ‘Anandadhara’ in West Bengal is an integrated scheme for providing opportunities of self-employment to the rural poor people in India. The main objective of this program is to bring the assisted poor people, particularly the women of families below the poverty line by ensuring appreciable sustained level of income over a period of time. The assisted families may be individuals or groups called self-help group (SHG).SGSY is being implemented by the District Rural Development Cell (DRDC) of the ZillaParishad with the active participation of Panchayati Raj Institution, the banks, and the nongovernment organizations. This article is therefore, sought to determine the impact of training and development of the rural people promoted by DRDC; working for promotion of SHGs in Tamluk block, Purba (East)Medinipur, West Bengal, India, as case study. A primary survey was carried out using a detailed questionnaire as a tool. The case study approach that was adopted took place at DRDC and office of the MahilaMahasangha (Woman Federation), Tamluk block. This research work is a descriptive study to determine the impact of training and development of the rural people, particularly the women of deprived families through self-help groups. The research has been taken to study the various aspects of SHGs viz socioeconomic status and occupational patterns of pre and post SHGs formation. The overall findings of the study suggest that various training apart from traditional artisans; many SHG members have undergone skill development. They are able to work together for not only economic development but also fighting the social deprivations which they face as members of poor households as well as women. As a result, SHG, through proper training has appreciably improved the access to financial services for the rural poor and the reduction of poverty of SHG members and their households. The training has also empowered women members considerably and contributed to increased self-confidence and positive behavioral changes.