Financial Inclusion Through Self Help Groups in Punjab : Impact Evaluation

This book, Financial Inclusion through Self Help Groups in Punjab- Impact Evaluation, explores in detail the nature, coverage, structure, conduct and performance of Self Help Groups in rural Punjab, their impact evaluation and women empowerment with reference to District Fatehgarh Sahib of Punjab. Through the empirical evidence collected from 1014 households in District Fatehgarh Sahib, the study demonstrates how the Self Help Group-Bank Linkage Programme seems to be proving an effective tool for sustainable rural development, poverty alleviation and empowerment of the rural poor women by meeting their credit needs, building human resource development and enhancing their participation in household and societal decision making processes. Nevertheless, the study points towards some gray areas in organisation, operation and performance of the Self Help Groups in Punjab and suggests specific policy initiatives needed to expand the coverage of the programme and to improve its performance and operation, to enhance the accessibility and affordability of Self Help Groups and also to utilize them as a tool for rural development, building governance capabilities, improving economic conditions and empowering rural women. This book will be of great help to teachers, scholars and students of Economics.