Vol. 14, Issue 6 (2025)

Author(s):
Srinivas S Hosamani

Abstract:
Social Working Groups play a major role in transforming the rural economy. Microfinance helps the rural poor improve their living standards and fulfil their credit needs. Shtree Shakti Group (SSGs) are a new innovation in the field of rural economic development, to finance the rural people and also to satisfy their credit needs. The study was undertaken in Bagalkote taluk of Bagalkote district, Karnataka State, India, and the data was collected from 100 SSG members and 30 non-SSG members during 2019-20. It was found that the number of income-generating activities taken up by SSG members was higher compared to non-SSG members, and the income generated from these activities was also higher compared to non-SSG members. There was growth in the amount of loan borrowed, repayment, and savings between 2018-19 and 2019-20 in the case of SSG members. An additional employment of 50-80 days per annum was generated due to various income-generating activities taken up by SSG members. SSG finance substantially enhanced employment opportunities for members compared to non-members, which led to improved income and living standards for SSG members.