Role of Self-Help Groups in Empowering Rural Women: A case study on selected SHGs in Rani Block of Kamrup District of Assam

Micro finance is emerging as a powerful tool for poverty alleviation in India. This approach has recognition in India after the launch of SHGs and Bank linkage programme by NABARD in the year 1992. According to United Nations, micro finance institutions are the basic provider of small savings, micro credit and other basic financial services to poor and marginalised section like women. Despite substantial contributions of women to both household and national economy, their contributions are not recognised in the society. Rapid progress in SHGs and Bank linkage model has now turned into an empowerment movement among women in the country. From various empirical studies, it is found that micro finance through SHGs and Bank linkage model has enabled the members of SHGs to improve their socio-economic status. It also improves family savings, decision making process, self confidence among women section of our society. Micro finance is also necessary to overcome social exploitation and create confidence for self reliance among rural women and poor section of our society. Apart from the informal financial institutions, the formal and semi formal sectors also are taking much interest in providing micro finance to rural women in Assam. These financial institutions not only provide small savings and micro credit to women but bringing them together in organised banking sector. This paper highlights that micro finance through SHGs has a positive role in income, savings and investment of women in Rani Block of Kamrup District of Assam.