Examine the role of self-help groups in improving the economic conditions of the people in rural areas.10th standard
Answers
The objectives of SHG:
1. To organize rural people (sometimes urban people too) and especially women into groups, in which they help themselves. They regularly may do a service or produce a product of an acceptable quality. The members usually have similar background and financial condition.
2. To collect the money saved by the members, manage the savings.
3. To provide the members loans as and when they need, without much process and tough terms of loan. The loans are given at low interest rates. This kind of credits are called micro-credits. The money from savings of all persons in the group is used for loans.
4. To arrange a forum or platform for the members to discuss various issues related to education, social injustice, domestic violence, development, health issues, nutrition related issues, government policies and benefits etc.
5. These groups may be registered groups or unregistered. This group functions informally and is efficient. These groups are started and supported by many NGO (non-governmental organizations).
6. The empowerment of women, advise the use of birth controls, help them getting over superstitions, educating the members and encouraging them to join their children in schools.