Role of Self Help Groups (SHGS) in Empowerment of Women in District Bandipora of Jammu and Kashmir

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 in social, political, economical and legal aspects became necessary to convert the idle society into self-sustainable society. Self-Help Groups is considered as one important means for bringing women to the forefront of the society. By the formation of SHGs, credits are demanded for various purposes (domestic, health, festivals, repayment of old debts, investment, etc.). Similarly different economic activities (collection, processing and marketing of products, individual business, dairy etc.) are undertaken by the SHG members after joining the group. Habits of savings, economic independence, self confidence, social cohesion, asset ownership, freedom from debt, additional employment, etc. benefits are derived by the SHG members Keeping these issues in mind, the present study is designed with objectives of examining the Role of Self Help Groups on economic, social and Political empowerment of women and offer policy suggestions for sustaining women’s empowerment through self help groups.