Social impact of microfinance on rural women development of ariankuppam block Meganathan M.*, Research Scholar, Kuzhandaivel R.**, Manager, Arumugam M.***, Lecturer in Commerce * Department of Commerce, School of Management, Pondicherry University, Puducherry. ** Lakshmi Vilas Bank, Podakudy Branch, Podakudy. *** Government Polytechnic College, Ooty-6. Online published on 10 July, 2012. Abstract “There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved. It is not possible for a bird to fly on only one wing” – Swami Vivekananda The concept of self-help groups gained significance, especially after 1976 when Prof. Mohammed Yunus of Bangladesh began experimenting with micro-credit and women SHGs. SHGs created on the above lines of functioning have been able to reach the poor effectively, especially women and help them obtain easy access to facilities like savings and credit and empower them (National Bank, 1995). The present study is mainly evaluates the socio impact of microfinance on rural SHGs members of Ariankuppam block in Puducherry. The researcher has collected primary data through questionnaire method and the sample of 120 members was selected on basis of convenience sampling method. The study major findings are majority of members fall under age group between 26–35 years, followed by 36–45 years, above 45 years and below 25 years. It is also showed that 75.0 per cent of them are taking decision based on consensus method, followed by voting (11.7 per cent) and group representative (13.3 per cent). From the above discussion we can conclude that the participation of rural women in Self Help Group improves the social impact of women such as decision-making, unity, mutual benefit, high group cohesiveness, knowledge sharing and discussion with peer group members in the study area. Women became independent they will gain greater social standing in the household, and in the rural village. Microfinance programme gives a hand to the rural people in a positive approach to lead their life in a better way. Top |