Training and Skill Development Facilities Available to SHG (Self Help Group) Members and the Extent of their Utilization; A Study in Ranapur Block of Odisha

The development of a country like India majorly depends on the socio-economic empowerment of the rural masses. Through recent years, SHGs have played a crucial role in the empowerment of the rural masses by providing income-generating opportunities. Among the many facilities provided by the Govt. of India for SHGs, skill and training facility is a crucial one, where free training and skill development facilities are provided to the SHG members for income-generating activities. The present study was conducted in Ranapur block of Odisha state to understand the skill and training facilities provided by the Government and their usefulness. The sample size consisted of 400 SHG members. The results of the study showed that most of the respondents (99 %) attained training programmes. Whereas the majority (74.5%) attained training programmes up to five times a year. In the case of the type of training programmes attained, the majority (95.5 %) of the respondents received training on incense stick (Agarbatti) making. The majority of the respondents (94%) reported the training programmes were highly useful to them.