An Analytical Study on the Performance and Expansion of Self-Help Groups in Andhra Pradesh
Keywords:
DAY-NRLM, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Rural Poverty Alleviation, Women Empowerment, Financial InclusionAbstract
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) is a flagship programme of the Government of India designed to alleviate rural poverty by organizing economically disadvantaged women into Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The mission facilitates access to financial services, credit support, and livelihood opportunities through a decentralized and flexible implementation framework, enabling states to adopt context-specific strategies. In addition to SHGs, the programme encourages the formation of collective institutions such as farmer groups, dairy cooperatives, and producer organizations to strengthen income generation.
A key focus of DAY-NRLM is the inclusion of marginalized sections, including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), minorities, and persons with disabilities, identified through the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC). Since its inception in 2011, the mission has successfully mobilized a large number of rural women across the country. Among all states, Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a leading performer in terms of SHG formation, credit linkage, and repayment efficiency. Furthermore, SHGs actively contribute to the implementation of major rural development programmes such as MGNREGA, thereby strengthening grassroots governance and community participation.
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