Self help groups in Karnataka

Self Help Groups in Karnataka

The economy of Karnataka is essentially an agrarian and rural economy. It accounts for 56 per cent of workforce of the State. In addition it supports other economic activities such as Industry, transport, Trade and Commerce, etc. The rural economy supplies food articles and home-made products to non-farm sector. The agriculture in Karnataka has many problems like low productivity, existence of Unemployment and under EMPLOYMENT, lack of storage and Marketing facilities, insufficient credit, and transport amenities. Further, the pace of agriculture, rural and urban development is very much dependent on marketing of the produce of different products of rural and urban people.

the history of SHG promotion started with NGOs taking the lead in the mid-1980 and passing on to NABARD by the end of 1980s. After the SHG– Bank Linkage Programme was launched in 1991-92; the very first loans to SHGs in the country were given in Kolar district of Karnataka by the Vysya bank, Bangarpet branch to Venkateshwara Mahila Sangha of Muduguli on December 9th, 1991 and by Corporation bank, Andersonpet branch to Saraswathi Mahila Sangha of Boduguriki on January 30, 1992.

NABARD up-scaled the programme in Karnataka by initiating a series of measures that included training of NGO and bank staff, convening a regular meetings of all intervening agencies, analyzing reports and providing feedback for changes in operational systems to make them more user-friendly, and launching the first RRB (Regional Rural Bank), the Cauvery Grameena Bank of Mysore district, as an SHGs promoting institution (1994-95)10. In the 1990s, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), with World Bank collaboration and in PARTNERSHIP with the Government of India along six State Governments, including Karnataka, launched a similar programme titled Swashakti. This skill and knowledge encouraged Karnataka to launch a statewide programme called Stree Shakthi (Women’s power) based on the SHG strategy. Together, the initiatives of various stakeholders, (the government, NGOs, Banks) and others increased SHG coverage in Karnataka significantly. At recent estimates, 40,295 Anganwadi workers (Department of Women and Child Development), 561 NGOs, 8 Regional Rural Banks, 20 District Central Cooperative banks and many Commercial Banks are engaged in SHG promotion. Together they are estimated to have facilitated the creation nearly to 1, 95,000 SHGs in Karnataka.

Most of the Self-Help promoting institutions (SHPIs) in India have come in existence due to the drive to help the underprivileged people of Society. Their key objective is to help small and marginal farmers, landless agricultural labourers, poor artisans, women and people drawn from the scheduled castes and tribes of the rural areas. Moreover, the goals of SHPI are to provide various financial Services, empower people socially and support them in accessing various government programmes and incentives. In order to solve the economic and social problems of the poor and particularly women in the villages, SHPIs have chosen to support micro-finance programme as a major instrument of Empowerment and alleviation of POVERTY. The basic hypothesis is that microfinance programme was to form SHGs and link the groups to the banks by which they would provide a vital development mechanism for improving the standards of living of rural women. Overall such micro-finance programmes are expected to contribute in an increase income, consumption and production activities of the SHG members and facilitate their access to adequate and sustainable financial services. Moreover, they open a window for the Banking sector to expand their credit outreach by providing financial services to a large section of the rural Population. Today, there are no villages in Karnataka without SHGs. The State Government is the single largest SHG promoting institutions. In many government programmes, SHGs promotion is included and accounted to empower the women.

Stree Shakti in Karnataka

This programme was launched during 2000-01 and it is being implemented throughout the state to empower rural women and to make them Self-reliant. Stree Shakti groups are formed at village level to cultivate the habit of Savings among the members for empowering the women economically. About 15 to 20 women members who are from below Poverty Line families, landless agricultural laborers, SC/ST women joining together. Stree shakti formed through anganawadi workers and taluk federations. At present, there are 1.40 lakhs groups functioning in the state. Approximately 20.00 lakhs women members are organized.

Income Generating Activities of SHGs

One of the most important factors affecting the sustainability of a micro enterprise would be the identification of right product ideas. We have to develop a framework for identifying products which could be produced by micro enterprises promoted by SHGs. Micro enterprises face several constraints such as the inability to invest heavily and low skill sets available. The framework addresses the issues of profitability, marketability and pricing. The framework explores issues such as space for a new entrant in the market place, the level of consumption, competition in the market, entry and exit barriers, brand loyalty, willingness to switch over to products of micro enterprises, possibility of Niche marketing and alternate channels of marketing, presence of substitute products, possible geographical reach, presence of other competing SHGs, possibility of marketing along with other products etc. There is need for ensuring the quality in production. By their basic nature, production under micro enterprises could be happening in different homes and ensuring uniformity and standards is a major problem. The work force has to be trained on the importance of quality standards and they have to be made aware that they are competing very often with organized players and only quality will ensure the very survival of the enterprise. There is a need to undertake detailed study of a) the market factors – competition, customer, b) the production factors – costs and quality and c) profitability, one can safely arrive at a decision as to consider a product idea for a micro enterprise or not.

The following income generating activities have been under taken by the SHG members:

Vermi Compost: The use of chemical fertilizer is increasing day by day in order to get higher crop production from their fields. The excessive use of chemical fertilizer is badly affecting the social Health, to arrest this situation we are emphasizing to use organic manures such as compost, vermi compost, farm yard manures and green manure etc. Buffalo Rearing: Dairy development is a very good source of family income next to Agriculture; we are promoting this activity among SHG members.

Goatry: It is said that goat is a poor men’s cow, the land less and marginalized farmers are rearing goats.

Piggery: Pig rearing is very good income generating activity, but people of all caste are not adopting this activity.

Poultry: We are motivating the group members to take up this activity of least at a smaller scale.

Agarbathi making: Agarbathi making is also a Source Of Income to many women. Soap powder, Candle making, Wire bags, Tailoring is also the income generating activities of SHG members. Petty Business: The petty business shops are getting momentum in Karnataka.

Self-help groups (SHGs) are a type of community-based organization that are formed by people with a common interest. SHGs are often formed by women, who come together to save Money, access credit, and learn new skills. SHGs can play a vital role in the development of communities, and they have been shown to be effective in reducing poverty and improving livelihoods.

In Karnataka, SHGs have been around for over two decades. The first SHGs were formed in the early 1990s, and they have since grown to become a major force in the state’s economy. There are now over 2 million SHGs in Karnataka, with a membership of over 15 million people.

SHGs in Karnataka are of two types: informal and formal. Informal SHGs are those that are not registered with any government or non-governmental organization. Formal SHGs are those that are registered with a government or non-governmental organization.

The benefits of SHGs in Karnataka are numerous. SHGs provide a platform for women to come together and learn new skills. They also provide access to credit, which can be used to start businesses or improve livelihoods. SHGs can also help to reduce poverty and improve social cohesion.

The challenges faced by SHGs in Karnataka include lack of access to finance, lack of awareness about SHGs, and lack of support from the government.

The government of Karnataka has taken several initiatives to support SHGs. These initiatives include providing financial assistance, training, and marketing support. The government has also set up a number of institutions to support SHGs, such as the Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation (KSWDC) and the Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department (KRPD&RD).

There are many success stories of SHGs in Karnataka. One such story is that of the Mahila Mandali in the village of Hirehalli. The Mahila Mandali was formed in 1995 by a group of women who wanted to improve their lives. The Mahila Mandali has been successful in providing its members with access to credit, training, and marketing support. The Mahila Mandali has also been successful in reducing poverty and improving livelihoods in the village of Hirehalli.

There has been a lot of research on SHGs in Karnataka. This research has shown that SHGs can be effective in reducing poverty and improving livelihoods. However, there is still a need for more research on SHGs in Karnataka.

There are a number of policy recommendations that can be made to improve the effectiveness of SHGs in Karnataka. These recommendations include providing more financial assistance to SHGs, providing more training to SHG members, and providing more support from the government.

The future of SHGs in Karnataka is bright. SHGs have the potential to play a vital role in the development of the state. With the right support, SHGs can help to reduce poverty, improve livelihoods, and promote social cohesion.

Here are some additional details about self-help groups in Karnataka:

The first SHGs in Karnataka were formed in the early 1990s, with the support of the government and non-governmental organizations.
SHGs in Karnataka are typically formed by women, who come together to save money, access credit, and learn new skills.
SHGs can play a vital role in the development of communities, and they have been shown to be effective in reducing poverty and improving livelihoods.
The government of Karnataka has taken several initiatives to support SHGs, including providing financial assistance, training, and marketing support.
There are many success stories of SHGs in Karnataka, such as the Mahila Mandali in the village of Hirehalli.
There has been a lot of research on SHGs in Karnataka, which has shown that they can be effective in reducing poverty and improving livelihoods.
There are a number of policy recommendations that can be made to improve the effectiveness of SHGs in Karnataka, such as providing more financial assistance to SHGs, providing more training to SHG members, and providing more support from the government.
The future of SHGs in Karnataka is bright, with the potential to play a vital role in the development of the state.

What are the benefits of joining a self-help group?

There are many benefits to joining a self-help group. Some of the most common benefits include:

Social support: Self-help groups provide a sense of community and belonging. This can be especially beneficial for people who feel isolated or alone.
Education and training: Self-help groups can provide education and training on a variety of topics, such as financial management, parenting, and Stress management.
Peer support: Self-help groups provide a forum for people to share their experiences and offer support to each other. This can be helpful for people who are struggling with a difficult situation.
Advocacy: Self-help groups can advocate for the needs of their members and work to improve the conditions in their communities.

How do I find a self-help group?

There are a few different ways to find a self-help group. One way is to ask your doctor, social worker, or other healthcare provider for a referral. Another way is to search online or in the phone book for self-help groups in your area. You can also contact your local community center or library to see if they offer any self-help groups.

What are the different types of self-help groups?

There are many different types of self-help groups, each with its own focus and purpose. Some common types of self-help groups include:

Support groups: Support groups provide a forum for people to share their experiences and offer support to each other. These groups are often focused on a specific issue or condition, such as addiction, grief, or mental illness.
Education groups: Education groups provide information and training on a specific topic. These groups can be helpful for people who want to learn more about a particular issue or condition.
Action groups: Action groups work to improve the conditions in their communities. These groups may advocate for policy changes, raise awareness about a particular issue, or provide direct services to the community.

What are the costs of joining a self-help group?

The costs of joining a self-help group vary depending on the group. Some groups are free to join, while others may charge a small membership fee. Some groups may also require participants to purchase materials or supplies.

What are the risks of joining a self-help group?

There are few risks associated with joining a self-help group. However, it is important to be aware that some groups may be led by unqualified or inexperienced individuals. It is also important to be aware that some groups may have a hidden agenda or may be trying to sell products or services.

What should I do if I am not happy with a self-help group?

If you are not happy with a self-help group, you should talk to the group leader or another member of the group. You can also try to find another group that is a better fit for you.

Which of the following is not a type of self-help group?
(A) Credit union
(B) Rotating savings and credit association
(C) Women’s empowerment group
(D) Farmers’ cooperative
Which of the following is not a benefit of self-help groups?
(A) Increased access to credit
(B) Improved financial Literacy
(C) Reduced social isolation
(D) Increased political participation
Which of the following is not a challenge faced by self-help groups?
(A) Lack of access to financial Resources
(B) Lack of government support
(C) Internal conflict
(D) External competition
Which of the following is not a goal of self-help groups?
(A) To improve the economic well-being of members
(B) To empower women
(C) To promote social Justice
(D) To protect the Environment
Which of the following is not a characteristic of self-help groups?
(A) They are voluntary organizations
(B) They are democratically run
(C) They are financially self-sufficient
(D) They are focused on a specific goal or issue
Which of the following is not a factor that contributes to the success of self-help groups?
(A) Strong Leadership
(B) Clear goals and objectives
(C) Effective management
(D) Adequate financial resources
Which of the following is not a way to measure the success of self-help groups?
(A) The number of members
(B) The amount of money saved or borrowed
(C) The number of projects completed
(D) The level of satisfaction of members
Which of the following is not a way to improve the success of self-help groups?
(A) Provide training for leaders
(B) Offer technical assistance
(C) Provide access to financial resources
(D) Monitor the performance of groups
Which of the following is not a way to promote the use of self-help groups?
(A) Raise awareness of the benefits of self-help groups
(B) Provide information about self-help groups
(C) Offer training on how to start and run self-help groups
(D) Provide financial support for self-help groups
Which of the following is not a way to evaluate the impact of self-help groups?
(A) Survey members
(B) Conduct interviews
(C) Observe group meetings
(D) Analyze financial data