UPSC Mains 2013 · GS II · Q11 · 10 marks · 200 words

The legitimacy and accountability of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and their patrons, the micro-finance outfits, need systematic assessment and scrutiny for the sustained success of the concept. Discuss.

हिन्दी में

स्वयं सहायता समूहों की वैधता एवं जवाबदेही और उनके संरक्षक, सूक्ष्म-वित्त पोषक इकाइयों का, इस अवधारणा की सतत सफलता के लिए योजनाबद्ध आकलन व संवीक्षण आवश्यक है । विवेचना कीजिए ।

NGOs, SHGs and Civil Society

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “To what extent, in your opinion, Self Help Groups (SHGs) in India have enabled women led development at grassroot level?”

Srishti DabasAIR 6 · CSE 2023 · 144 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

SHGs refer to the voluntary groupings of people who come together to channelize their savings. There are more than 70 lakh SHGs in India.

Body · points

SHGs as enablers of women led development

(1) boost entrepreneurship among women eg Lijjat papad with a turnover of Rs 16,000 cr providing livelihood.

(2) helps to get cheap microfinance through Nabard's Bank Linkage program.

(3) leads to political empowerment of women eg associate with PRIs.

(4) gain self respect and confidence eg PM Modi's Narishakti Samvad.

(5) associate with private entities to further enhance growth. eg Amazon Saheli.

(6) contribute towards rural develop- -ment - led by women. eg Mission Shakti

However, there are challenges like:

  1. patriarchal mindset of society
  2. difficulty in getting timely credit.
  3. skewed regional growth in SHGs- mostly concentrated in South India
  4. lack expertise.

Close

Yet, SHGs contribute to the trinity of:-

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2013, General Studies Paper II, Q11. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.