Self Help Groups and Micro-Finance through Bank Linkage a Study of Coastal Women Community in Dakshina Kannada District

Abstract

After the pioneering efforts oflast many years the micro finance seen in India has reached a take off point. With some more efforts with the collaborative support of SHGs, substantial progress can be made in taking microfinance movement to the next orbit of sustainability. This needs innovative and forward looking policies, based on the ground realities. This will make this sector vibrant and help to achieve its single- minded mission of providing services to the poor and fridge the increasing gap between the demand and supply. Women, through SHGs are very important segment in development at local to global level. Economic independence and education of women will go a long way in attaining self reliance for women. Real change will come when women are treated on par with men and given equal opportunities. The SHGs and microfinance in the study area are taking the lead and playing an important and pivotal role in social transformation, welfare activities and infrastructure building and also they have served the cause of women empowerment, social solidarity and socio - economic betterment of the poor.