“The emergence of the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in contemporary times points to the slow but steady withdrawal of the State from developmental activities.” Examine the role of the SHGs in developmental activities and the measures taken by the Government of India to promote the SHGs.

Role in socio-economic development :

(1) Inculcates habit of savings among the members (2) Enhanced access to banking services through collective guarantee system. (3) Incorporates marginalised section within mainstream. (4) Increases productivity through adoption of economic activity Eg: TN Mahalir Thittam (5) Helps in improved accessibility & empowers women as decision makers Eg: Kudumbashree (6) Helps in fighting malnutrition, poverty Eg: Bihar Jeevika program.

Government measures :

(1) Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihood Mission (2) Priority sector lending -> Mandatory in banks for SHG's (3) SHG - Bank Linkage Program (4) E-SHAKTHI of NABARD (5) Promotion of MSME sector

Though government measures are present, there are few underlying concerns (1) Lack of awareness about the enabling schemes (2) Inadequate funding for SHG's. (3) Domination by few individuals within SHG.