Self Help Group and Rural Development: A Study from Bankura District of West Bengal

Self Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as one of the alternatives in combating poverty in the development paradigm. This study intends to assess the workings of the Self Help Groups and their impact on the socio-economic conditions of the people of some of the selected villages of Bankura district of West Bengal. To serve our purpose, certain economic variables as well as social factors were considered for analysis. Survey was done using structured schedule. A sample of 240 members belonging to different SHGs was surveyed to make the study comparable and interesting. Endeavor has been made to treat different economic variables as thoroughly as possible but the scope has largely been determined by the data supplied. The levels of participation of the SHGs in developmental activities of the villages are also studied. Lastly, the benefits accrued to and difficulties faced by the members due to joining the SHGs were also assessed.