Effectiveness of women self-help groups (SHGs) and constraints perceived by them

On the basis of the present study, it can be concluded that age, educational qualification, size of family, primary occupation, annual income, media exposure, contact with lady mobilize, economic status, experience (in terms of years) as a member working in SHGs and knowledge of the respondents were found to be significantly and positively related to the effectiveness of women Self Help Groups. Family type, social participation and number of trainings received on SHGs were found to be non-significantly associated with the effectiveness of women SHGs. The regression coefficient were found to be significant and positive for the contact with lady mobilize, economic status, number of trainings received on SHGs, experience and knowledge test of the respondents with the effectiveness of women SHGs. On the other hand, regression coefficient were found to be non-significant with the nine selected independent variables, viz., age, educational qualification, family type, size of family, primary occupation, annual income, media exposure and social participation with the effectiveness of women SHGs. Constraints were also assessed by the researcher and it was found that all respondents made complaint for non-availability of insurance facilities to the SHG members. Similarly, high cost of inputs was felt as a constraint by 66.67 per cent of respondents. But tendency of others to underestimate a women's capability and negative social attitude factors were not so felt as constraints, therefore only 6.67 and 4.67 per cent of respondents opined their views in favour of these factors.