An analytical study on economic impact of self help group members in Kanchipuram district

Rural Development is doubtless the main pillar of India's progress. It has lagged behind in many aspects of development even after six decades of independence. It is obvious that any country's economic development is led by social development and both the factors are mutually dependent. The concept of “Self Help Promotion” has emerged as a new archetype for combating poverty. This concept has proved the significance of togetherness and capitulates successful outcome. In Tamil Nadu it has been successfully structured by Tamil Nadu Development Corporation under Mahalir thitam scheme. In this study the economic impact of SHG on its members is analyzed during the pre and post membership period by taking the variables like Income, Expenditure, and Savings, Borrowings, and Assets creation. The four fundamental variables determining the economic status of a member as identified and used in various economic impact measurement studies have been incorporated in the present analysis. Statistical tools such as simple percentage and Paired t-test, were used. The outcome of the study strongly reveals that women have become confident about their future and have attained a considerable level of self-reliance and thereby increase in the economic conditions after joining the self help group. Self help group facilitate the members a healthier position in the society.