120 

FORMATION AND FUNCTIONS OF SHGs

FORMATION OF SHGS

The SHG is an association of people belonging to similar socio-economic

characteristic, residing in same locality. The SHGs are voluntary
associations of people formed to attain some common goals. These are
groups, which have similar social identity, heritage, caste or traditional
occupations, and come together for a common cause and manage
resources for the benefit of the group members.

The SHG is a group of urban women who have volunteered to organize

themselves into a group for eradication of poverty and also the
empowered of the women. They agree to save regularly and convert their
savings into a common fund. The members of the group agree to use
both this common fund and the other funds that they may receive as a
group through a common management. The SHGs are presently
promoted by Governments, Development Banks and Voluntary Agencies,
with focus on social and economic issues, mainly thrift and credit
programmes.

As per the guidance of the Mahalir Thittam each Self Help Group should
contains 12 – 20 members. If a group is too small, the strength of the
group will be weak and the diversity to ideas, talent and skills will also by
very less. If a group this too large, then each member will not be able to
participate to a great extent in all the activities. Therefore, now–a-days,
they likely to keep total membership of each Self Help Group comprises of
15 – 20 members.
 121 

STAGES IN GROUP FORMATION

There are four stages of group formation:

Forming Stage

This is the first stage during which organizers explain the concept of Self
Help Groups. After this introductory session, women usually agree to form
a group.

Storming Session

In this stage, a lot of queries arise in the minds of SHG members. Their
hidden anxieties and fears are expresses during the meeting and conflict
between individual interests and group interest are also evident.

Norming Stage

In this stage, members begin to internalize the concept of “self – help”.

The members try to understand the concept of experience of meeting,
interacting, contributing, saving and lending if a particular group by other
group members.

Performance Stage

Both the task and maintenance functions of the group are clearly realized
by the members of the group at this stage. The members approach the
bankers for further credit and the group is perceived as a means for
income generation and collective action.
 122 

FEATURES OF SELF HELP GROUPS

The salient features of SHGs are:

Identical Interest, Common Occupation and Identity

Having identical interest in terms of group functioning, adopting common

things is a highlighting feature of the SHGs. Varied ideas and interest do
not foster proper groups functioning.

Flexible and Responsible

Flexibility in thinking, decision- making and implementing the plan enables

and group to have a border framework of mechanism and operation.
Shared sense of responsibility in turn would promote flexibility in the
group.

Simple Documentation

Simple documentation of the records and the registers is an integral

feature of the Self Help Group. The documents are maintained is such a
way that it can be referred and used by all the member efficiency.

Collective Leadership

Collective leadership promotes group cohesion as it is through collective

leadership that the members interact. Leadership is responsible for
effective integration of goals and communication in the group in order to
develop a climate of trust.
 123 

Mutual Decision – making

Group sustainability depends to a larger extent on how the members

involve in mutual decision – making. Hence, collateral decision – making
is an important feature of the SHG.

Group Solidarity and Self Help

Group solidarity gives an impulse towards collective action and

articulation, whereas the idea of self help provides larger scope for
integrated mechanism of group functioning.

Awareness and Socio – Economic Empowerment

Awareness is a crucial feature of the Self Help Group, since women are
exposed to various components of the social sphere. This feature gives a
forward thrust for the effective group functioning.

Mutual Trust and Confidence

The successful functioning of the group for a prolonged period relies on

the mutual trust and confidence of group members.

GROUP CULTURE

The culture of the group is determined by attitude and the custom is

established by practice of the group members. The culture of the group
should be dynamic and marked by:
 124 

A Strong Feeling of Unity - All the members of the group should cultivate
a feeling of unity to work in cohesion with each other. Unity is an essential
component for the welfare of the group and any divergence of thoughts
between the group members will not allow the group to mature and
flourish.

Respect for others - Each member of the group should consider and
respect the ideas, suggestions and the views put forth by the fellow group
members, which in turn would lead to a strong bond of unity between the
members.

Democratic Decision-making - Decision-making by the democratic

process is important aspect of the group culture. Every member should
possess equal right to voice their decisions for mutual consideration.

Freedom of Expression of Ideas and Feelings - Progress and welfare

of any group is determined by the freedom of the members to express
their thoughts. Subdued ideas and thoughts increase the disparity within
the members.

FUNCTIONS OF SELF HELP GROUPS

The functioning of the Self Help Group consists of the following steps:

Group Meeting

Group meeting are important part of group functioning as it facilities the

flow of ideas and views every member. A meeting provides a platform to
 125 

interact effectively. Group meeting are conducted either weekly, fortnightly

or monthly based on the convenience of the members.

Evaluation of Bylaws

All SHGs decide on the set of rules or bylaws and decision – making for its
effective functioning.

Saving Mobilization

Here, the group members decide on the amount and also on the
periodicity of saving.

Loaning Activity

The group decides the purpose for which loans will be given along with the
rate of interest and repayment period, the savings of the group members
and the interest from the capital.

Record Keeping

Attendance books, saving registers, loan register, meeting proceedings

and individual passbooks are the records maintained by the member.

Major Functions of SHG

Basically they are three major functions of SHGs:

Savings and thrift - All SHG members regularly save a small amount.
The amount may be small, but savings have to be a regular and
 126 

continuous habit with all the members. “Savings first - credit later” should
be the motto of every SHG members. SHG members take a step towards
self - dependence when they start small savings. They learn financial
discipline through savings and internal lending.

Internal Lending - The SHG should use the savings amount for giving
loans to members. The purpose, amount, rate of interest, schedule of
repayment etc., are to be decided by the group itself and proper accounts
to be kept by the SHG.

Discussing problems - In every meeting, the SHG should be encouraged

to discuss and try to find solutions to the problems faced by the members
of the group. Individually, the poor people are weak and lack resources to
solve their problems. When the group tries to help its members, it become
easier for them to face the difficulties and come up with solutions.

Altogether, this chapter deals with when was the SHGs formed, who
formed the group, size of the group, background of the membership,
reasons for joining SHGs, motivation of joining in SHGs, meeting modality,
information of various training programme they have attended and the
impacts of the training programme, and general aim of forming SHG and
community activities performed by them were also discussed.
 127 

TABLE 5.1

AGE OF SAMPLE SHGs (in Years)

NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

AGE OF GROUP OFFICE MEMBERS TOTAL

BEARERS

2 - 5 Years 33 (21.29%) 39 (25.16%) 72 (23.23%)

5 - 8 Years 88 (56.77%) 91 (58.71%) 179 (57.74%)

Above 8 Years 34 (21.94%) 25 (16.13%) 59 (19.03%)

TOTAL 155(100.00%) 155(100.00%) 310(100.00%)

The above table 5.1 indicated only those SHGs which had completed at
least two years of savings and credit linkage was selected for the study. A
majority (76.77%) of the SHGs selected in the sample were functioning for
more than five years. The rest are functioning for less than five years
(23.23%). Majority of the groups were 5 years old because, in Chennai
city self help groups were started from 2002.that why most of the SHG’s
crossed 5 years.
 128 

TABLE 5.2

FORMATION OF THE GROUP

NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

FORMATION OFFICE BEARERS MEMBERS TOTAL

NGOs 86 (55.48%) 92 (59.36%) 178 (57.42%)

Self 41 (26.45%) 43 (27.74%) 84 (27.10%)

Local Leaders 28 (18.07%) 20 (12.90%) 48 (15.48%)

TOTAL 155(100.00%) 155(100.00%) 310(100.00%)

The basic strength of the Mahalir Thittam is that even though it is a

Government programme it is implemented in full partnership with NGOs.
Working through the NGOs not only makes the programme transparent
but also people friendly. In addition, each NGO brings its own strength and
resources, both human and material, to the programme which enhances
its intrinsic value by several folds. It also gives room for experimentation
and creativity.

The above table informs us about who initiated the process of group
formation. The NGOs who were behind the SHG programme were
responsible for the formation of 178 groups in the sample selected.
Members who were aware of the SHG programme have also formed
groups by their own efforts and have joined with NGOs of their choice.
Local leaders with political ambitions have also motivated women to form
SHGs.
 129 

TABLE 5.3

SIZE OF THE GROUP

NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

GROUP SIZE OFFICE BEARERS MEMBERS TOTAL

12 Members 07 (04.52%) 07 (04.52%) 14 (04.52%)

13 – 20 Members 148 (95.48%) 148 (95.48%) 296 (95.48%)

TOTAL 155(100.00%) 155(100.00%) 310(100.00%)

There were a maximum of 20 members and a minimum of 12 members in

the sample SHGs. The number of members initially was more than 12 in
all the groups, but in some of the SHGs, the membership was withdrawn
due to reasons like marriage, shifting their residence etc. The above table
5.3 indicates the present membership structure of the sample SHGs. The
programme guideline for the formation of SHGs recommends the
formation of the group with a minimum of 12 members and a maximum of
20 members. In the sample selected for the study a majority of the
members (95.48%) are from groups whose membership ranges between
13 to 20.
 130 

TABLE 5.4

MEMBERSHIP PRONED

MEMBERSHIP NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

BASED ON
OFFICE BEARERS MEMBERS TOTAL

Topography 93 (60.01%) 97 (62.58%) 190 (61.29%)

Caste 16 (10.32%) 16 (10.32%) 32 (10.32%)

Class 22 (14.19%) 17 (10.97%) 39 (12.58%)

Religion 10 (06.45%) 10 (06.45%) 20 (06.45%)

Skills 14 (09.03%) 15 (09.68%) 29 (09.36%)

TOTAL 155(100.00%) 155 (100.00%) 310(100.00%)

The basic rule for forming a SHG is the women folk should belongs to the
same area then only the operation of SHG will be very easy. So, the
majority of the respondents (61.29%) joined in their respective SHGs
based on the topography where they dwell. Though the concept of
topography plays a vital role for the group formation many other factors
also play a significant role in group formation. Class and Caste
considerations are also taken into account while forming a group. Skills of
the members – account keeping, basket weaving, craft work, etc. – were
also instrumental in the formation of groups in several cases. Religious
consideration was also cited as an important factor in forming an SHG.
 131 

TABLE 5.5

REASONS FOR JOINING THE SHG

NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

REASONS OFFICE MEMBERS TOTAL

BEARERS

Avail Loan 65 (41.94%) 78 (50.32%) 143 (46.13%)

Savings 37 (23.87%) 33 (21.29%) 70 (22.58%)

Get more Awareness 12 (07.74%) 09 (05.81%) 21 (06.78%)

Status in the Society 06 (03.87%) 11 (07.10%) 17 (05.48%)

Get Government Scheme 08 (05.16%) 04 (02.58%) 12 (03.87%)

To Start Micro Enterprise 22 (14.19%) 14 (09.03%) 36 (11.61%)

Social Work to Society 05 (03.23%) 06 (03.87%) 11 (03.55%)

TOTAL 155(100.00%) 155 (100.00%) 310(100.00%)

There were various forms of motivation leading to the reasons for joining
the SHGs by the sample respondents. The reasons cited by the sample
are indicated in Table 5.5. It may be observed from the Table 5.5 that
almost half of the respondents (46.13%) have joined SHGs for availing
loan. Because in Chennai city the problem of money lenders are more
they were charging heavy rate of interest and women felt more burden
while repaying their indebtedness. But, in SHG the rate of interest is very
low and they repay their loan in equal installments. This was the main
reason for women preferred to join in SHG for avail loan. The other
 132 

reasons included savings (22.58%), to start micro – enterprise (11.61%),

get more awareness about women’s right (6.78%), status in the society
(5.48%), to avail Government schemes (3.87%), and to serve the society
(3.55%). The majority of the respondents opined that availing loan is the
main reason for joined SHGs.

TABLE 5.6

PERSONS MOTIVATED TO JOIN THE SHG

NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

PERSONS OFFICE MEMBERS TOTAL

MOTIVATED TO
JOIN BEARERS

NGOs 76 (49.03%) 92 (59.36%) 168 (54.19%)

Friends 25 (16.13%) 22 (14.19%) 47 (15.16%)

Neighbours 29 (18.71%) 17 (10.97%) 46 (14.84%)

Self 20 (12.90%) 10 (06.45%) 30 (09.68%)

Family members 05 (03.23%) 14 (09.03%) 19 (06.13%)

TOTAL 155(100.00%) 155 (100.00%) 310(100.00%)

Nearly 55 per cent were motivated by NGOs to join SHG and around 10
per cent are with an objective of self development. The balance 35 per
cent was motivated by the family members, friends and neighbours. The
NGOs are playing a vital role in creating the awareness.
 133 

TABLE 5.7

OPPOSITION FROM FAMILY MEMBERS

NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

OPPOSITION OFFICE BEARERS MEMBERS TOTAL

Faced 44 (28.39%) 59 (38.06%) 103 (33.23%)

Not faced 111 (71.61%) 96 (61.94%) 207 (66.77%)

TOTAL 155 (100.00%) 155(100.00%) 310(100.00%)

The above table shows the opposition faced by the respondents from
family members to join SHGs. One hundred and three respondents have
faced opposition from their family members to join their respective SHGs.

In our Indian culture in general men did not like to women go out
especially in under privileged section. Women need to obey for their
counter parts otherwise it will affect the harmony of the family. Because of
that, the women are in the position to convince their family members.
Even though they faced problems in the beginning later on by proving their
developments in all spheres they gradually attaining success and getting
encouragement from their spouses.
 134 

TABLE 5.8

MEMBERS OPPOSED IN THE FAMILY

NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

MEMBERSOPPOSED OFFICE MEMBERS TOTAL

BEARERS

Male Members 32 (72.73%) 44 (74.58%) 76 (73.79%)

Female Members 12 (27.27%) 15 (25.42%) 27 (26.21%)

TOTAL 44(100.00%) 59(100.00%) 103

(100.00%)

The above table reveals that the male members of the family – husband,
brothers, father, and father-in-law were against the decision to join SHGs.
They opposed the decisions fearing that once the women folk become
members of the group, they have to spend more time in group related
activities. As a result, men do expected to shoulder more household
responsibilities. Moreover, once the womenfolk attain economic
independence and are empowered they might question or protest male
dominance. A small number of respondents reported that they faced
opposition from female member especially mother-in-law of the family as
well.
 135 

TABLE 5.9

OVERCOME THE OPPOSITION

NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

OVERCOMING OFFICE MEMBERS TOTAL

OPPOSITION BEARERS

Assurance to 18 (40.91%) 24 (40.68%) 42 (40.78%)

Opposed

Importance of SHGs 10 (22.73%) 19 (32.20%) 29 (28.16%)

Neighbour Convince 09 (20.45%) 06 (10.17%) 15 (14.56%)

Get Loan to Start a 07 (15.91%) 10 (16.95%) 17 (16.50%)

Business

TOTAL 44(100.00%) 59 (100.00%) 103(100.00%)

In spite of the opposition the respondents were able to join the SHGs. A
majority of the respondents reported that they discussed about the
benefits of becoming a member of SHGs with those who opposed the
decision. They successfully convinced the opposing family member
through this discussion.
 136 

TABLE 5.10

ENCOURAGEMENT IN THE FAMILY

NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

ENCOURAGEMENT OFFICE MEMBERS TOTAL

BEARERS

Encouraged 130 (83.87%) 115 (74.19%) 245 (79.03%)

Not Encouraged 25 (16.13%) 40 (25.81%) 65 (20.97%)

TOTAL 155(100.00%) 155 (100.00%) 310(100.00%)

A considerable number of the respondents reported that they were

encouraged by their family to join a SHG. The support of every family
member is very important for the women to be an active member of SHGs.

TABLE 5.11

KIND OF ENCOURAGEMENT

NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

KIND OF OFFICE MEMBERS TOTAL

BEARERS
ENCOURAGEMENT

Moral Support 94 (72.31%) 87 (75.65%) 181 (73.88%)

Financial Support 36 (27.69%) 28 (24.35%) 64 (26.12%)

TOTAL 130(100.00%) 115(100.00%) 245(100.00%)

Support of any kind in large or small measure is of vital importance for the
women who step outside to earn for the family. The study found the
women enjoyed moral and social support from the family to be a member
of SHG. In certain cases, they were also receiving financial support to
strengthen their position in SHGs.
 137 

TABLE 5.12

MEETING MODALITY

NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

MEETING OFFICE BEARERS MEMBERS TOTAL

MODALITY

Weekly 130 (83.87%) 130 (83.87%) 260 (83.87%)

Fortnightly 08 (05.16%) 08 (05.16%) 16 (05.16%)

Monthly 17 (10.97%) 17 (10.97%) 34 (10.97%)

TOTAL 155(100.00%) 155 (100.00%) 310(100.00%)

Meetings are a forum for group action and they were being conducted
weekly or fortnightly or monthly by the sample SHGs. Details of meeting
schedule were given in Table 5.12. It may be observed from Table 5.12
that 260 respondents opined that they meet every week in order to
manage their group routines and to discuss and plan their group activities.
The remaining 50 respondents revealed that their respective SHGs meet
together either once in a fortnight or once in a month.

As far as meeting modality is concerned, the majority of the respondents

have opined that weekly meeting is desirable and essential to carry out all
the activities of their groups. It will also helps them to avoid confusions
arouse while handling money.
 138 

TABLE 5.13

ATTENDING THE MEETING

NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

ATTENDANCE OFFICE BEARERS MEMBERS TOTAL

All Meetings Regularly 124 (80.00%) 117 (75.48%) 241 (77.74%)

Not Regularly 31 (20.00%) 38 (24.52%) 69 (22.26%)

TOTAL 155(100.00%) 155 (100.00%) 310 (100.00%)

When they go for bank loan the bankers rated them on the basis of
attending meeting also. if majority attended meetings regularly they will
get good marks. So that, almost majority of the respondents (77.74%)
attended their respective SHGs meeting regularly. The remaining 22.26
percent of the respondents were not attending the meeting because of
their other pre-occupations.

TABLE 5.13 (a)

ATTENDANCE OF MEETING AND AGE GROUP

AGE GROUP

ATTENDANCE < 40 > 40 TOTAL

All Meetings Regularly 201 (83.40%) 40 (16.60%) 241 (100.00%)

(86.27%) (51.95%) (77.74%)

Not Regularly 32 (46.38%) 37 (53.62%) 69 (100.00%)

(13.73%) (48.05%) (22.26%)

TOTAL 233 (75.16%) 77 (24.84%) 310 (100.00%)

(100.00%) (100.00%) (100.00%)

 139 

The above table 5.13 (a) shows that 83.40 per cent of the respondents
who belongs to the age group of below 40 were attending SHGs meetings
regularly whereas the above 40 years age group categories. It clearly
made us to understand that the young women were very dedicated and
more involved in the SHGs functions. Not only that the young people are
also very enthusiastic and energetic.

TABLE 5.14

REASONS FOR NOT REGULARLY ATTENDING

NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

REASONS FOR OFFICE MEMBERS TOTAL

NOT REGULARLY BEARERS
ATTENDING

Family Function 10 (32.26%) 14 (36.84%) 24 (34.78%)

Visiting Relatives 08 (25.81%) 11 (28.95%) 19 (27.54%)

Not Well 12 (38.71%) 13 (34.21%) 25 (36.23%)

Family Problem 01 (03.22%) - 01 (01.45%)

TOTAL 31 (100.00%) 38 (100.00%) 69 (100.00%)

The respondents cited ill - health, family function and visit of relatives as
the reasons for not being regular to the meeting. A small section of the
respondents reported that their family problem keeps them away from the
meeting.
 140 

TABLE 5.15

ACTION TAKEN FOR NOT ATTENDING THE MEETING

NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

ACTION TAKEN OFFICE MEMBERS TOTAL

BEARERS

Warning 11 (35.48%) 13 (34.21%) 24 (34.78%)

Fine 20 (64.52%) 19 (50.00%) 39 (56.52%)

Denial of Loan - 06 (15.79%) 06 (08.70%)

TOTAL 31 (100.00%) 38 (100.00%) 69 (100.00%)

The members who are not regular to the meeting were fined in many of
the Groups. The new members and members who rarely absent
themselves for the meeting are given warning. In some groups, the group
members who are not regular to the meeting face actions like denial of
loans.

TABLE 5.16

CO – OPERATION FLORISHES

NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

CO – OPERATION OFFICE MEMBERS TOTAL

BEARERS

Yes 112 (59.36%) 104 (58.07%) 216 (69.68%)

No 43 (40.64%) 51 (41.93%) 94 (30.32%)

TOTAL 155 (100.00%) 155 (100.00%) 310(100.00%)

 141 

More than half of the respondents (69.68%) have reported that the
members extend their co – operation in carrying out their group activities.
The rest of the respondents (30.32%) reported that the members do not
co-operate with each other to carry out the activities of the groups.

TABLE 5.17

REASONS FOR NOT CO – OPERATION

NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

REASONS OFFICE MEMBERS TOTAL

BEARERS

Internal Quarrels 21 (48.84%) 34 (66.67%) 55 (58.51%)

Not going for Bank 07 (16.28%) 06 (11.76%) 13 (13.83%)

Not Attending 09 (20.93%) 06 (11.76%) 15 (15.96%)

Outside Meetings

Not Interested to Join 06 (13.95%) 05 (09.81%) 11 (11.70%)

Business

TOTAL 43 (100.00%) 51 (100.00%) 94 (100.00%)

The SHG activities involve different types of work for the group members.
Maintaining accounts, call for meeting, recording minutes of the meeting,
liaison with NGOs and the Government Agencies, attending training
programmes and awareness camps, marketing etc. All the members of
the group do not take the responsibility of managing all these tasks. Only
certain group members are very active and take the initiative to finish the
important tasks mandatory for a SHG.
 142 

This situation was found common in almost all the SHG leads to non-
cooperation among the members of the group. The members quarrel with
other on these issues. Some of the members avoid certain types of tasks
like going to the bank and attending training programmes conducted
elsewhere. Some members were found to be not interested
entrepreneurship. These differences of orientation lead to rupture among
the group members.

TABLE 5.18

TRAINING PROGRAMME ATTENDED

NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

TRAINING OFFICE MEMBERS TOTAL

PROGRAMME BEARERS

Attended 150 (96.77%) 147 (94.84%) 297 (95.81%)

Not Attended 05 (03.23%) 08 (05.16%) 13 (04.19%)

TOTAL 155(100.00%) 155 (100.00%) 310(100.00%)

Training programme is an integrated part of SHG activities. NGOs and the

Government Agencies periodically conduct training programmes on
account keeping, entrepreneurship, leadership, communication skills,
marketing, etc. It is mandatory for every group member to attend certain
number of training programmes. In spite of the reported dislike for training
programmes a majority of the respondents have attended various training
programmes. The members who have attended the training programmes
opined that the programmes were useful and beneficial for their
development.
 143 

TABLE 5.19

WAYS OF USEFULNESS OF TRAINING PROGRAMME

NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

WAYS OF USEFULNESS OFFICE MEMBERS TOTAL

BEARERS

Learn New Things 66 (44.00%) 74 (50.34%) 140 (47.14%)

Learn to Communicate 32 (21.33%) 21 (14.29%) 53 (17.85%)

Well

How to Get along with 16 (10.67%) 11 (07.48%) 27 (09.09%)

People

To Gain Leadership 20 (13.33%) 19 (12.93%) 39 (13.13%)

Qualities

How to Write SHG 16 (10.67%) 22 (14.96%) 38 (12.79%)

Accounts

TOTAL 150(100.00%) 147 (100.00%) 297(100.00%)

The themes and topics of training programmes organized for the SHGs
are wider in scope. From essential skills like account keeping, the theme
includes issues like gender disparity in economy, society and politics.
Hence, it is not surprising that the majority of the respondents reported
that they have gained many new skills and ideas useful for their life. Skills
like account keeping, leadership, communication and interpersonal skills
are the skills acquired by the group members according to the opinion of
the sample respondents.
 144 

More than 40 per cent is of the opinion that the training has a tremendous
influence in enabling them to communicate well, get along well with the
peers also enhancing their leadership qualities. This process is a good
signal for achieving political empowerment for the people involved in the
future days.

TABLE 5.19 (a)

AGE GROUP AND WAYS OF USEFULNESS OF TRAINING PROGRAMME

AGE GROUP

WAYS OF USEFULNESS < 40 > 40 TOTAL

Learn new things 96 (72.73%) 36 (27.27%) 132 (100.00%)

(41.92%)  (52.94%) (44.44%)

How to write accounts 38 (79.17%) 10 (20.83%) 48 (100.00%)

(16.59%) (14.71%) (16.16%)

Learn to communicate 42 (79.25%) 11 (20.75%) 53 (100.00%)

(18.34%) (16.18%) (17.85%)

Get along with people 24 (82.76%) 05 (17.24%) 29 (100.00%)

(10.48%) (07.35%) (09.76%)

Gain leadership qualities 29 (82.86%) 06 (17.14%) 35 (100.00%)

(12.67%) (08.82%) (11.79%)

TOTAL 229 (77.10%) 68 (22.90%) 297 (100.00%)

(100.00%) (100.00%) (100.00%)

 145 

The above table 5.19 (a) is clearly shows that 297 respondents were told
that the training programmes given by the Mahalir Thittam was very useful
in the above said components. It was also indicated that, below 40 years
age category women, that is, 77.10 per cent were very good in learning
new things, writing in accounts, gain leadership qualities, learn to
communicate with others etc. when comparing with above 40 years age
group category women SHGs

TABLE 5.20

AIM OF SHG IN GENERAL

NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

AIM OF SHG OFFICE MEMBERS TOTAL

BEARERS

Training Programme 26 (16.78%) 23 (14.84%) 49 (15.81%)

Physical Support 31 (20.00%) 33 (21.29%) 64 (20.64%)

Financial Support 18 (11.61%) 19 (12.26%) 37 (11.94%)

Moral Support 43 (27.74%) 41 (26.45%) 84 (27.09%)

Guidance at Risky 37 (23.87%) 39 (25.16%) 76 (24.52%)

Situation

TOTAL 155(100.00%) 155 (100.00%) 310(100.00%)

In order to know the idea of SHG programme in the minds of the

members, the researcher asked the respondents to identify the important
aim of the SHG programme. In the opinion of the sample respondents the
important aim of SHG is to provide moral support to the members
(27.09%), guidance at risky situation (24.52%) and physical support
 146 

(20.64%). A significant number of respondents opined that the aim of SHG

is to train the members in various activities. A small section of the
respondents identified financial support as the main aim of SHGs. In
general opinion about the aim of SHG is that 41 per cent feel that SHG is
for enhancing political empowerment (Training and Guidance to handle
risky situation), 12 per cent feel that SHG is for enhancing economic
empowerment and 37 per cent feel that it is for enhancing social
empowerment.

TABLE 5.20 (a)

AGE INFLUENCE IN SHGs AIM

AGE GROUP

AIM OF SHG < 40 >40 TOTAL

Training Programme 58 (84.06%) 11 (15.94%) 69 (100.00%)

(24.89%) (14.29%) (22.26%)

Physical Support 41 (69.49%) 18 (30.51%) 59 (100.00%)

(17.60%) (23.38%) (19.03%) 

Financial Support 39 (76.47%) 12 (23.53%) 51 (100.00%)

(16.74%) (15.58%) (16.45%)

Moral Support 46 (66.67%) 23 (33.33%) 69 (100.00%)

(19.74%) (29.87%) (22.26%)

Guidance at Risky 49 (79.03%) 13 (20.97%) 62 (100.00%)

Situation
(21.03%) (16.88%) (20.00%)

TOTAL 233 (75.16%) 77 (24.84%) 310 (100.00%)

(100.00%) (100.00%) (100.00%)

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The above table 5.20 (a) clearly indicates that nearly 75.16 per cent of the
respondents who belongs to the age group of below 40 expressed their
views that formation and basic purpose of starting a SHG group gives
them overall development in training, physical, moral as well as financial
support. It is clearly shows that the aim of SHGs formation was very useful
among the young women, that is, below 40 years.

TABLE 5.21

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES MAINLY PERFORMED

NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS

COMMUNITY ACTIVITES OFFICE MEMBERS TOTAL

BEARERS

Street Light Facilities 26 (16.77%) 33 (21.29%) 59 (19.03%)

Water Facilities 39 (25.16%) 31 (20.00%) 70 (22.58%)

Sanitation Facilities 38 (24.52%) 42 (27.10%) 80 (25.81%)

Proper Distribution in PDS 08 (05.16%) 06 (03.87%) 14 (04.52%)

(Ration shop)

Domestic Violence 15 (09.68%) 17 (10.97%) 32 (10.32%)

Alcoholism / Drug Addiction 19 (12.26%) 20 (12.90%) 39 (12.58%)

Protest against Anti – Social 10 (06.45%) 06 (03.87%) 16 (05.16%)

Activities

TOTAL 155(100.00%) 155 (100.00%) 310(100.00%)

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Thirty three percent are involved either directly or indirectly in activities

relating to political empowerment and 67 percent are involved in social
activities as far as community activities are concerned. This is a good sign
and the 33 percent is well grows to a large number in future.

Thus, the researcher concluded from the above findings that the NGOs
played a vital role while forming the group and next to NGOs local area
women are the main motivators to join other women in the group, loan
was the first priority for them to join in the groups, they likely to keep
weekly meetings, they have undergone training programmes regularly
and they learnt many things from the trainings and they have also involved
in more community activities like getting street light, water, sanitation
facilities etc.

Based on the data analyzed the above tables, it is revealed that majority
of the Office Bearers and Members reported that their respective SHGs
were formed and functionary modality was to the satisfactory level of
encoded legislative thoughts. To particularize out of the tabulation they
meet every week to overcome their problems and their maintenance of
record keeping was found high among without considering disparitizaition..
Hence, the hypothesis - Formation and functionary approach of SHG will
not hold any disparity is proved.