Development of an appropriate methodology and framework for creating a database of Self Help Groups

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India has entrusted KDS the task of developing an appropriate methodology and framework for setting up a database on SHGs in India. SHGs carry out multiple activities in different social and economic sectors. Many state governments and government agencies have been utilizing SHGs for the implementation of several rural and urban development programmes. SHGs have tremendous potential in the planning and execution of development programmes, especially at the grassroots level. Though SHGs have become a powerful social capital in India there is a huge data gap in respect of them in various states. Different evaluation studies show that SHGs, by and large, carry out multiple activities in different sectors such as health and education. Despite these studies, most states do not have proper information about SHGs and there is a huge data gap in respect of SHGs. The present project is an attempt to conduct a study on structure and functions of SHGs in Kerala and West Bengal, two states located in two different regions, having relatively strong SHG networks. The main objective of the project is to develop an appropriate methodology and framework for setting up a database on SHGs in India by studying Kerala and West Bengal. Dr. N.J.Kurian is the Director and Dr. Jacob John is the Co-ordinator of this research project.