Impact of Self Help Groups on Empowerment of Women in Nagappatinam District

Abstract

Self Help Group (SHG) has emerged as the most successful strategy in the process of enhancing the living standard of economically and socially poor, especially those below poverty line (BPL). It is a small group of rural poor, voluntarily formed for mutual help, homogenous, autonomous and non-political can either formal or informal. It is viewed as a Community Based Organization that enables the members to maximize the utilization of their internal and external resources in a sustainable manner. The Tamil Nadu Corporation for development of women plays a vital role in the formation of SHGs at District level. Thus the innovative technology has been successful in economically and society empowering village community. In Nagappatinam the dynamic Self Help groups have definitely created a silent revolution and they have, in fact become a Women’s movement leading to their economic, social and political empowerment. Today this programme covers nearly 30 districts, 385 blocks and 12619 panchayats in Tamil Nadu. They have successfully mobilized savings to the tune of Rs.357 crores. The specific role of NABARD in promoting Self Help groups and supporting training and credit linkages is really laudable. It is gratifying to note that though SHGs the Women have acquired self confidence, economic independence and social status by entering into self employment activities in the villages.