Functional Status of Selected Self-Help Groups in the Bundelkhand Region of Uttar Pradesh, India
Somdutt Tripathi
Department of Agricultural Extension, Banda University of Agriculture & Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Bhanu Prakash Mishra *
Department of Agricultural Extension, Banda University of Agriculture & Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh, India.
B. K. Gupta
Department of Agricultural Extension, Banda University of Agriculture & Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A. P. Verma
Department of Agricultural Extension, Banda University of Agriculture & Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Dheeraj Mishra
Department of Agricultural Extension, Banda University of Agriculture & Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Pankaj Kumar Ojha
Department of Agricultural Extension, Banda University of Agriculture & Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Gaurav Shukla
Department of Statistics & Computer Science, Banda University of Agriculture & Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Abhishek Kalia
Department of Basic and Social Sciences, College of Forestry, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda-210 001, Uttar Pradesh, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are important in the empowerment of women and livelihood security in Bundelkhand, a drought-prone area and socio-economically disadvantaged region of Uttar Pradesh. This paper analyses the functional status of the chosen SHGs in the Jalaun and Banda district. The data were gathered via interviews, which involved 160 SHG members in four blocks chosen purposely using the cross-sectional research design. The evaluation was directed on the core indicators of SHG operation in terms of meeting practices, role dispersion, record keeping, financial management, decision making processes, relationship with external organizations, community involvement and project execution. These results show that a majority of SHGs are highly governed internally as evidenced by frequent meetings, clearly defined roles, systematic maintenance of records and making proper use of bank accounts. There was also a report of active involvement in the community development initiatives and collective decision-making activities among groups. Financial management, availability of external grants and effective project implementation are however the areas where it has been hard to overcome and the issues of enduring structural limitations are evident. In general, the paper is an indication that although SHGs in Bundelkhand are functional, specific interventions, especially in the areas of financial literacy, resource mobilization and capacity building are necessary to enhance their performance and sustainability in the long term. These lessons may be used by policy makers and development practitioners to improve women empowerment and rural development in marginalized areas.
Keywords: Self-Help Groups (SHGs), functional status, sustainability, financial management, community development, empowerment