7/20/25, 1:25 PM Self Help Groups (SHGs) - Comprehensive Guide
Self Help Groups (SHGs) - Comprehensive
Guide
Key Concept: Self Help Groups (SHGs) are voluntary associations of 10-20 people,
predominantly women from similar socio-economic backgrounds, who come together to
save small amounts of money regularly and mutually agree to contribute to a common
fund to meet their emergency needs.
Introduction
India has ~6.99 lakh villages; 68.2% of the population lives in rural areas
Poverty is widespread; 30% still live under miserable conditions
SHGs enable inclusive economic growth by turning the poor into entrepreneurs
C.K. Prahlad emphasized treating the poor as "creative entrepreneurs," not victims
Objectives of SHGs
Poverty alleviation
Financial inclusion
Women empowerment
Encouraging savings and self-reliance
Promote micro-enterprises
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7/20/25, 1:25 PM Self Help Groups (SHGs) - Comprehensive Guide
Background
Historical Development
Year Development
1976 Grameen Bank founded by Muhammad Yunus in Bangladesh
1986-87 SHG movement initiated by NABARD in India
1991-92 NABARD gave SHG movement major boost through funding
1993 RBI allowed SHGs to open bank accounts
Operational Structure
Key Functions
1. Run democratically with elected President & Secretary
2. Hold regular meetings for decision making
3. Maintain transparent financial records
4. Provide mutual support and peer pressure
Bank Linkage Models
Model Description
Model I Banks → NGOs/SHGs → Members
Model II Banks → SHGs → Members
Model III Banks → SHGs with NGO support
Model IV Banks → Individuals (on SHG/NGO recommendation)
Impact Areas
Economic Impact
Micro-finance access
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7/20/25, 1:25 PM Self Help Groups (SHGs) - Comprehensive Guide
Income generation activities
Poverty reduction
Financial literacy
Social Impact
Women empowerment
Community development
Better health awareness
Education enhancement
Success Story: In Tamil Nadu, SHG women have successfully established small enterprises
producing agarbattis, handmade paper, and food products, with annual turnovers
exceeding ₹50 lakhs in some cases.
Challenges
Limited financial literacy
Governance issues
Market access limitations
Dependency on external funding
Group dynamics conflicts
Future Prospects
Digital transformation of SHGs
Integration with government schemes
Scaling up successful models
Enhanced market linkages
Focus on quality control
Prepared by: SHG Resource Center | Date: November 2023
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