SHGs are now emerging as the predominant model for poverty eradication, women empowerment and development agencies (Panda, 2005). The application of the strategy through UN’s MDGs (Millennium Development Goal) has made provision of financial support to the poor or low income people by realizing the fact that instead of targeting individual development, it would be more useful to apply this idea in case of group development and interesting the result found in most cases is as very positive. In India, the SHGs constitute a widely accepted development strategy for poverty reduction as they are perceived as powerful vehicles for the promotion of microcredit and microfinance especially for women (Chen et. al, 2007). Therefore needless to say that microfinance provided by rural banks through participation in work in SHGs is the best way of challenging poverty, unemployment, and women empowerment both in rural and urban areas.

Assam ranks very poor as per HDI, 2008 in the state of country and the SHG movement in the state is also not remarkable at par with other states of the country which are relevant matter of study. However, introduction of SHGs for improving well being of rural and urban poor have recently got impetus for poverty-stricken families of the state. This innovative idea has benefited poorer section of the society significantly and the women folk for their empowerment but quality and impact assessment of SHGs are still now a challenging issue and the area under study bears the same imprint.

Review of Literature:

In this section, an effort is made to review studies that have undertaken so far in respect to the various quality and impact assessment SHGs in the country and abroad.

Pattanaik (2003) emphasized the role of SHGs for socio-economic development of women in particular and society as a whole. Narasiah (2004) opined that micro credit plays crucial role in empowering women. Manimekalai (2004) also remarked that the SHGs have the enough potential for establishing capacity building and self-efficiency among women. Sinha (2005) in his work observed that micro-finance contributed significantly to saving and borrowing of the poorer section of the country. Suguna (2006) also remarked that the emergence of SHGs as silent revolution in the spread of rural credit for rural development. Lolheihzovi (2007) considered SHGs as best engine of growth of human resource. In addition, remarkable studies have been done by Ali-Akpajiak and Pyke (2000), Krishna (2003), Panda (2005), Jerinabi (2006) and Chen, Jhabvala, Kanbur and Richard (2007) regarding role of SHGs in development of poor. Reddy (2005) observes that the state of SHGs and identifies key areas of weakness which undermine the sustainability of SHG movement. He identifies the major areas such as financial management, governance and human resource ranges from weak to average quality for a majority of SHGs. Sa-Dhan (2003) made a comparative study of assessment tools developed by various organisation and suggested common understanding about quality assessment tool. APMAS (2006) on the SHG-Bank-linkage programme in India, addressed a wide range of issues including cases of dropouts from SHGs, internal politics, issues of social harmony and social justice, and sustainability of SHGs. Singh (2006) conducted a study on Peoples Education and Development Organisation’s (PEDO) SHGs programme and makes an attempt to evaluate social and economic impact on households of SHGs members. They observed that members involved in SHGs programme have increased involvement in decision making, awareness about various programmes and also reported that there are evidences of increase in household income, food security and increased standard of living.

In the beginning, there was an effort to popularise SHG-Bank linkage among the bankers, without due emphasis on quality which needs to be given priority. While most of the grading tools were kept simple to encourage the field functionaries, the tool could not be administered with the seriousness as it was required. Some years back, Sa-Dhan has developed a SHG Performance Measurement Tool (Sa-Dhan, 2005) based on its applied research with an objective of helping the SHPIs and Banks to understand the SHGs in required detail to assess its performance, including decision making for credit linkage. Further, NABARD launched CRI Assessment toll for assessing the quality of SHGs and directed all commercial banks to follow this tool for granting revolving credit to SHGs in India. Roy (2007) undertaken quality assessment of SHGs in West Bengal and this was done by using twenty indicators like group meeting, members’ participation, group discipline, savings, micro-credit, financial management, economic and social initiatives and linkages with institutions. Kumar (2010) while comparing the differences in quality of SHGs between SHGs under the umbrella of federations and other SHGs which are not part of federation observes that federation type SHGs are functioning well. He assesses the quality of SHGs by using NABARD CRI and also advised all banks to access the quality of SHGs using the CRI before every credit linkage. Sahu (2010) assessed the quality of SHG in Northwest India based on the 13 indicators of the 200 SHGs, 27 percent of the groups are found to be strong and stable.

In India many studies were conducted by various autonomous agencies like NABARD, NEDFi, SIDBI, DRDA, RGVN etc. including RBI from time to time. These organizations practice microfinance. Most of the studies are on the impact assessment of the beneficiaries of microfinance. Most of the studies focus on Self-Help Groups (Agarwal, 2007; Gopisetti, 2007; Gaonkar, 2008; Sarkar, 2008; Nagarajan, 2009). Some studies were conducted on poverty reduction and empowerment (Prakash, 2009). Some researchers have also worked on group based credit programmes (Sarangi, 2008). There were many studies where the researcher has evaluated the performance of Regional Rural Banks (Abdul, 2005). Some studies were found to focus on the relationship between microfinance and micro-enterprises (Kanaskar, 2008; Natarajan, 2007). Mukerjee, 2006 reported that SHGs have positive impact on economic, political, household decision making and awareness level of the members with respect to social and health issues. Gurumoorthy, 2002 reported that have the power to create a social- economic revolution in the rural areas of the country and can act as an important tool for socio-economic empowerment of the poor, particularly women (Roy, 2011). It is also reported that the members of SHGs are prepared to undertake entrepreneurial activities at a smaller level with minimum capital requirements (Kamaraj, 2005) and can promote self employment opportunities to the rural women (Manimekalai and Rajeswari, 2000). Pati and Benjamin, 2011 reported that micro finance through SHGs has had a positive impact on income, expenditure and savings of the women clients in Meghalaya. The same observation is also revealed by Aruna and Jyothirmayi, 2011 in case of Hyderabad and also reported considerable improvement in self worthiness and decision making level of women members because of participation. Meetei, 2011 reported that micro finance through SHGs promoting during the last 10 years in Manipur increases average monthly income earning capacity and in turn saving capacity and effective productivity of SHG members and have ensured better economic life of rural women in Manipur. Centre for Micro Finance and Livelihood, 2009 in a survey in Arunachal Pradesh reported that though the Micro finance through SHGs have a positive impact but due to low population density, lack of information and training etc. the progress of the movement is not up to the mark.

Rating of SHGs assumes importance as it not only a pre-appraisal tool but as well a self evaluation which is a continuous process. Quality assessment of SHGs has come to be accepted as an important tool to ensure standards in SHGs. In the enthusiasm to ensure monitoring of SHGs every stakeholder had their own innovation in designing a new tool for grading of SHGs. This has resulted in flooding of market with rating tools with slight variation here and there (Devaprakash, 2005).

Sharma (2007) observed that the SHG movement has not successfully implemented in some north-eastern states because of the region’s peculiar geographical location and other infrastructural problems. The study also observes the banking constraints as a factor that hinders the quality of SHG in Northeast India. APMAS (2009) reported that the SHG programme has resulted in social and economic benefits to a significant percentage of the sample groups. The study also reveals that the proliferation of SHG has posed a serious challenge to sustain this movement by maintaining quality of SHGs and hence, the quality assessment of SHGs is now being considered as a key concern. The study also articulated some serious challenges like uneven growth of SHGs in different parts and uneven quality of SHGs across the country and issues related to their sustainability.

Only a few quality assessment studies were made in the country in general and Assam in particular. The present study differs from earlier studies as it covers comparative study on quality of SHGs in two hill districts of Assam with the help of NABARD CRI Tool. Further, this paper tries to explore the reasons for joining SHG and the problem faced by them. Further, efforts are also given to identify the performances of SHGs towards empowerment and to put forward some suggestions based on quality assessment are another thrust area of this paper.

Objectives:

The objectives of this paper are

1. To make a comparative study on quality of SHGs in two Hill districts of Assam.

2. To identify the reasons for joining SHGs and the problems associated with them.

3. To identify performance and impact of SHG on its member towards empowerment.

4. To outline conclusions based on the findings of the study and to put forward some suggestions and policy formation in the context of quality and impact assessment.

Research Design and Methodology:

The methodology of research for preparation of this paper may be categorized into two parts viz. methodology applied for quality assessment of SHGs and methodology applied for its impact assessment, particularly women empowerment. The first one is the developed by NABARD whereas the second is of practical part for which suitable questionnaire is designed and finally statistically interpreted. The study was restricted to only two Hill districts of Assam viz. North Cachar Hill and Karbi Anglong. Three development blocks from each district were selected under first level of random sampling. Again, from each development block four revenue villages were selected under second level of random sampling mostly those revenue villages which are featured with high proliferation of SHGs. Further, from each revenue villages five SHGs are selected under third level of random sampling. Data has been collected from primary sources. Only SHGs under SGSY and which are enlisted with Directorate of SHGs under SGSY for the year 2008-09 and completed one year of its existence are covered in the study and primary data are collected during the second half of 2011. Initially, 60 SHGs from each district covering both male and women SHGs are selected out of which researchers could collect 120 (50 SHGs from each district) useful filled questionnaires from the selected districts, due to time shortage, apathy of group members, defunct SHGs and distance constraints.

The two questionnaires are being prepared for assessing the quality and impact of the selected SHGs of the study area. First questionnaire are framed suitably according to the specified grading criteria of NABARD CRI Rating Tools. A numerical score calculated on the basis of factors indicated by members. One questionnaire (No-1) contained fifteen (15) statements for studying quality/grading of selected SHG under NABARD CRI and the second questionnaire are framed suitably containing thirty variables for assessing the impact on members of selected SHGs . NABARD CRI is the aggregate of the points scored on above described parameters. According to the aggregate score, each group is assigned grades ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’. Grade ‘A’ groups could be given loans; grade ‘B’ groups need capacity building and grade ‘C’ imply intensive capacity building is required. However, for suitability of the comparative study under NABARD’s CRI, the following scale is used keeping conformity with the above cited grades.

Table 1.NABARD CRI Rating Grade Scale
Numerical Score	Grade	Analysis Grade
120 and above	A	Good
75-120	B	Average
50-75	C	Poor
Below 75	D	Very Poor
Source: Author.

Under NABARD CRI tools, the selected SHGs are assessed by using the rating scale fixed by NABARD found that there are 4 (8%) sample SHG in North Cachar Hill district and 5 (10%) in Karbi Anglong Hill district which are found ‘Good’. Only 14 (28%) of the selected SHGs of North Cachar Hill District and 16 (32%) in Karbi Anglong Hill District are found ‘Average’ .Again, 22 (44%) sample SHGs in North Cachar Hill District and 18 (36%) in Karbi Anglong Hill District are found ‘Poor’. Further, 20% of the selected SHGs of North Cachar Hill District and 22% sample SHGs in Karbi Anglong Hill District are earmarked as ‘very poor’. This above categorization is made by using ‘rating marks’ fixed by NABARD and numerical score is fixed as was stated in the research methodology.

Table 2. Quality of SHGs under NABARD CRI in Selected District
GRADE	North Cachar Hill District	Karbi Anglong District
Good- ‘A’	4 (8%)	5 (10%)
Average-‘B’	14(28%)	16 (32%)
Poor –‘C’	22(44%)	18 (36%)
Very Poor- ‘D’	10(20%)	11 (22%)
Total	50	50
Source: Field Study

ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION:

Socio-economic profile of the respondents:

The respondents of the study mainly belong to the age group of 30-40 yrs as 60.5% of the respondents belong to that group. The respondents in the study cover all sections of society wherein representation of Hindu (64%), Muslims (35%) and Christian (1%) are ensured. Moreover, out of 150 respondents 25 belong to general caste, 39 belong to SC community, 64 belong to ST and 22 belong to OBC and MOBC. Further, 67% of the respondents have completed I-V standard category of education level. Moreover, majority of the respondents are married and they live in nuclear family. The duration of membership of the respondents varies from 3 years to 8 years. However, 47 % of the respondents are members for a period of 4 years, 33.5% for a period of 5 yrs and respondents belonging to 2 yrs and 3 yrs category are insignificant.

Reasons for Forming the SHGs:

The reasons for forming the Self Help Group in the study area are presented in Table 3.

Table 3: _{Reasons for forming the SHGs}
Sl. No.	Reasons	No. of SHGs	Percentage
1.	Improve Social Status	11	7.33
2.	Improve Economic Status	25	16.67
3.	Promote Saving Habit	23	15.33
4.	Obtain Financial Support	51	34
5.	Initiate Group Activities	16	10.67
6.	Community Development Activities	11	7.33
7.	Influenced by friends and relatives	13	8.67
	Total	150	100
_{Source: Primary Data}

It is found from Table 3 that 51 (34 %) groups are formed to obtain the financial support from the government, the NGOs and the financial institutions. Some 25 (16.67%) groups are formed to improve their economic status. Another 11 (7.33 %) groups are formed to improve social status while 23 (15.33%) groups are formed to promote saving habit among the members. Yet another 16 (10.67%) groups are formed to initiate group activities, only 11 (7.33%) groups are formed to take up community development activities and 13 groups (8.67%) are formed by the influence of friends and relatives.

Problems Faced by the SHGs:

The problems faced by the Self Help Groups are described in the following Table 4.

Table 4: Distribution of sample SHGs according to their response towards the problems faced by them
Sl. No.	Nature of Problem	No. of SHGs	Percentage
1.	Difficulty to Approach the Authorities for Getting Loan	13	8.67
2.	Poor Response of Authorities	33	22.00
3.	Delay in Sanctioning the Loans	34	22.67
4.	Inadequate Loan Amount	16	10.67
5.	Lack of Administrative Experience	25	16.67
6.	Lack of Cooperation Among Members	17	11.33
7.	Limited Number of Installments for Repayment of Loan	12	8.00
	Total	150	100.00
_{Source: Primary Data}

It is found from Table 4 that the major problem faced by the SHGs is delay in sanctioning the loan (22.67%) followed by poor response of authorities (22%), lack of administrative experience (16.67%), lack of cooperation among the members (11.33%), inadequate loan amount (10.67%), difficulty to approach the authorities (8.67%), and the problem of limited number of installment for repayment of Loan (8%).

Table 5: Impact on SHG Members
Sl. No	Empowerment Variables	Mean	Std. Dev.	Rank
I	Confidence building	4.23		4
1	Confidence to talk within family	4.22	0.561
2	Confidence to talk in SHG meeting	3.42	0.661
3	Confidence to talk in public	4.14	0.588
4	Improvement in technical and practical skills through training	4.32	0.735
5	Acquisition of skills for income generation	4.12	0.667
6	Use of skills for income generation	3.78	0.736
7	Development of managerial skills, ability to facilitate a group meeting	4.07	1.089
8	Addition to her literacy/education	3.68	0.745
II	Self esteem	4.18		6
9	Self image in the family	3.89	0.521
10	Self image in community	4.25	0.761
11	Self reliance/independence	4.21	0.909
III	Decision making pattern	4.52		1
12	Education of children	3.43	0.922
13	Family planning	4.29	0.794
14	Buying and selling land, property and household goods	4.05	0.959
15	Family and social functions	4.32	0.735
IV	Capacity building	4.12		7
16	Ability to take risk	3.78	0.736
17	Ability to understand and solve problems	4.07	1.089
18	Ability to try new ventures	3.68	0.745
19	Ability to take criticism	4.48	0.647
V	Psychological aspects	4.26		3
20	Hope	3.89	0.521
21	Overall satisfaction	4.25	0.761
VI	Social empowerment	4.21		5
22	Team spirit	4.17	0.836
23	Communication skills	4.52	0.965
24	Participation in group activities	4.26	0.629
25	Reduction in domestic violence	3.78	0.736
26	Attitudes towards dowry, freedom and empowerment of women	4.07	1.089
VI	Economic Empowerment	4.32		2
27	Make household purchases	4.12	0.667
28	Increased income	3.78	0.736
29	Access to loans	4.07	1.089
30	Control of use of credit	3.68	0.745
Source: Author

IMPACT ASSESSMENT:

Thirty variables covering the impact of micro finance through SHG on psychological, economic and managerial aspects of women members of SHGs were identified. These variables are identified and selected from the survey of literature. The measurement was on Likert scale and scores were assigned for each statement. A high score of 5 was given to strongly agreed responses and low score of 1 was given to strongly disagreed statements. Analysis of the impact on SHG members on the Confidence building, Self esteem, Decision making pattern, Capacity building, psychological, economical and social well being i.e. empowerment is presented in the following table.

It is observed from the Table 5 that impact on decision making pattern ranks first followed by economic empowerment and then psychological aspects. Confidence building ranks fourth while Social empowerment ranks the fifth and so on. However, impacts on the different variables are self explanatory from their individual mean and standard deviation.

General Observations:

Based on the interviews and discussions with the group members, field workers of the local NGO and group questionnaire survey results, the following findings emerged.

1. The actual number of SHGs on the ground is not available. It is observed from the study that a good number of SHGs in selected districts are defunct in nature and they are just in records only. This feature is found more in North Cachar Hill districts of Assam.

2. It is observed that the average membership in SHG was around 12. Membership is highest in Karbi Anglong in comparison to North Cachar Hills. This may be due to the urban-base of Karbi Anglong in contrast to North Cachar where 90 per cent of members are Karbi tribes. The members had joined the group in order to earn more income, promote savings habits and to develop collective economic and social activities.

3. Most of the SHGs which are formed in both the district are organized mainly to promote saving habit and to improve economic status. To get subsidized credit is another reason for formation of SHG. It is also reported that some groups break down immediately after getting either revolving funds or start new group with new set of leaders to get another dose of fund and /or subsidy, which lacks constant effort for quality enhancement of SHGs. The attraction to avail short term gains is another major hurdle in the progress of the SHG movement in the study area.

4. It is further observed from the study that though most of the SHGs in selected districts have some guidelines regarding holding of fortnightly meeting of members but it is found that most of them cannot hold such fortnightly meetings. However, at an average one meeting in a month is held but there is no regularity in holding such meetings. However, the SHGs in Karbi Anglong district wherein most of the SHGs holds regular meeting among their members. So far as the frequencies of group meetings are concerned, it is observed that monthly meetings were the most common. In some blocks of both districts, the SHG members arrange their meetings twice in a month.

5. Regarding participation of members in decision making process, it is observed that in most of the SHGs in selected districts where a few members of the SHGs are actively engaged in decision making process. These a few active members who influences decisions but majority of them aware about the issues for organizing and managing the SHGs.

6. Though in most of the SHGs in selected districts are guided by well established rules and regulations for organizing and managing the same, but these are in many cases not known to majority of members.

7. ‘One time saving in a month’ is the maxim in most of the SHGs in selected districts but majority of the SHGs members does not follow that principle. In fact, most of the members are aware that they have to save but no minimum amount for monthly savings is fixed. Regarding savings and its frequency, minimum amount and mode of collection are often discussed in the member’s meetings. It is further observed that most of savings collections are done on door to door system.

8. The major discipline observed by the SHGs in state is regularity in meetings (at least once in a month), attendance in the meetings (at least 60%) and savings (Regular). It has been observed that in the initial period members of the Banks/ NGOs/MFIs etc. attended all the meetings and year after year they gradually reduced their participation to create the autonomy of the group.

9. The repayment performance of loan is more than 65 per cent. In case of delay in payment of dues by any member, the causes for such default are discussed in meetings and if necessary, the postponing of the installments was allowed, in some special case.

10. It is also observed that, in a majority of the SHGs the members take more than 50 per cent of the decision on a financial transaction after consulting the promoters only. The monthly savings per member during the early stages of the group’s formation ranged from Rs.100 to 500, which increased year after year.

11. It is found that the main problems faced by the SHGs are delay in sanctioning the loans by the Government authorities and the bank officials. Further, the SHGs are facing the problems of marketing, basic infrastructure, training and skill development avenues, lack of administrative experience in managing the affairs of the groups.

12. It is also observed that most of the SHGs in the selected districts are promoted to economic units. However, it is aptly observed that the rate of conversion to Grade I are very high while the said conversion of grade I to Grade II is very low in all the selected districts. Further, it is observed that only a few SHGs in Karbi Anglong Hill districts has converted their units into economic units, but a large percentage of SHGs in North Cachar Hill districts has converted into viable economic units. Dairy farming, Piggery, weaving, goatary and poultry and other traditional economic units are the major economic units that are promoted by SHGs in Karbi Anglong districts.

13. As it is observed that 25% to 35% sample SHGs are leveled as grade ‘Average’, hence constant support from SHPI is necessary to make them improved. Moreover, some technical factors are also responsible for poor gradation of SHGs in the study area.

14. Sincere effort on savings collection and poor repayment of borrowers often resulted low quality performance of selected SHGs. Mandatory savings and high rate of recovery is quite necessary for quality improvement of SHGs.

15. It is found that the operational efficiency and group dynamics of the SHG is not uniform. This could be attributed to several factors like background of SHG formation, internal problem, support provided by the promoters, effective leadership, etc.

16. The Groups maintain cashbooks, passbooks and attendance registers etc but majority of the SHGs failed to keep up to date records except cash book. The member’s in-charge of accounts is not being given training in secretarial work by the NGO/ MFI or promoters. In maximum cases, it is observed that outside people helps in maintaining accounts in the initial stage of the formation of groups. However, the member who looks after all this secretarial work is not paid any financial incentive which is common practice in all SHGs.

17. The members of the SHGs availed themselves of loan for both production and consumption purposes. During the early years of the groups’ formation, a majority of members availed themselves of loan for consumption purposes whereas in the later period of the groups’ functioning, the major amount of loan was disbursed for production purposes.

18. As far as external loan is concerned, the commercial banks and LD Rural Bank, has advanced loans directly to the SHGs and some of them are channelled through NGO and DICC. The members have invested the loan in different economic activities. They are also engaged in poultry, dairy and goatery business. The study reveals that the members are not skilled enough to run other non traditional economic units.

19. It is also observed from the survey of literature that the micro finance programme through SHG linkage is concerned with empowerment of group members those who joined the programme in particular and the community itself. It is observed from the study that impact on decision making pattern ranks first followed by economic empowerment and then psychological aspects. Confidence building ranks fourth while Social empowerment ranks the fifth and so on. Therefore it is obvious that SHG have a positive impact on women members particularly in empowering them.

20. The study also reveals that SHGs had set a new agenda for financial intermediation by banks in the form of micro-credit. It has infused dynamism among its members to climb up socio-economic ladder in the development process. Thus, SHGs have served the cause of women empowerment, social solidarity and socio-economic betterment of the poor for their consolidation.

Conclusions:

The Self Help Group (SHG)-Bank Linkage Programme, in the past eighteen years, has become a well known tool for bankers, developmental agencies and even for corporate houses. SHGs, in many ways, have gone beyond the means of delivering the financial services as a channel and turned out to be focal point for purveying various services to the poor. The programme, over a period, has become the common vehicle in the development process, converging important development programmes. The performances of some of the SHGs are good but majority of them are poor. Quality Groups should serve as model to other SHG's which are low on performance and should interact with these SHGs to share their constraints. Incidents like delays in repayment, lending to outsiders, growing indebtedness and lack of vision can lead to bigger problems in future. Thus, with a timely analysis of the problem and action can be taken to monitor these kinds of irregularities.

The quality of groups is quite low in the selected districts in compare to other districts or States. Strict random selection of sample could be one of the reasons. Overall environment in the district and popular perceptions about the status of SHG movement in the state appears to be aptly reflected by the grades of the groups. Finally, it is observed that due to fast growing of the SHG-bank linkage programme in the country, the quality of SHG has come under stress. Some of the factors affecting the quality of SHGs are (i) the target oriented approach of the government preparing group, (ii) inadequate incentive to NGO’s for nurturing their groups, (iii) lack of proper monitoring, (iv) absence of quality enhancement mechanism etc. It is further observed that quality of SHGs should not be stressed upon more than their numbers (i.e., quantity). Finally, it is concluded that quality assessment of SHGs is necessary and financial institutions, MFIs, NGO’s and Promoters must be engaged to study the qualitative aspects in further funding and promotion of SHGs in the State. Quality assessment of SHGs has come to be accepted as an important tool to ensure standards in SHGs.

Policy Implications:

In this twenty-first century, we must take along an active people-centred and growth-oriented poverty alleviation strategy – a strategy which seems to incorporate women’s aspirations, dynamism and involvement. It is envisaged that self-help groups will play a vital role in such strategy. But there is a need for structural orientation of the groups to suit the requirements of new business.

Micro credit movement has to be viewed from a long-term perspective under SHG framework, which underlines the need for a deliberate policy implication in favour of assurance in terms of technology back-up, product market and human resource development. Hence, there is a need for the development of an innovative and diversified micro-finance sector, which will make a real contribution to women empowerment.

Recommendations:

Considering the findings of the study, the following suggestions were prescribed.

· Literacy and numeric training is needed for the poor women to benefit from the micro-credit schemes.

· Training in legal literacy, rights and gender awareness are important complements to micro-credit for the empowerment of women. The members should be given necessary training and guidance for the successful operation of the group.

· The members of the SHG should be more active, enthusiastic and dynamic to mobilise their savings by group actions. In this process NGOs should act as a facilitator and motivator.

· The procedure of the banks in sanctioning credit to SHG should be simple and quick. The bank should advance adequate credit to the SHG according to their needs. Uniformity should be maintained in formation and extension of financial assistance to them by banks in all blocks.

· There is a need for conciseness about the well established and well recognized quality assessment tools without biasness.

· Access to bank credit should be increased by taking various simple operational decisions and steps like standardising the set of documents to be furnished by an SHG for opening its bank account or for accessing credit.

· Multiple agencies in the State are implementing SHG programmes with different objectives and approaches; this garbles the message that reaches the ground. This goes against the holistic support and collaboration requirements of SHGs and SHG programmes.

· Marketing facilities for the sale of products of SHG may be created. Periodical exhibitions at block-level may be organised where the products of SHG can be displayed.

· Meetings and Seminars may be organised where the members will get a chance to exchange their views and be able to develop their group strength by interactions.

· Active intervention by district administration, professional bodies and voluntary organisations is precondition for the successful conception of micro enterprises in terms of skill training, designing products, providing new technology and access to market.

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Received on 06.04.2012

Revised on 06.05.2012

Accepted on 14.05.2012