THE ROLE OF SELF-HELP GROUPS (SHGS) IN WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN INDIA

The population in India is increasing at alarming rate without any growth in opportunities. The situation in rural
India is more pathetic. Women comprises 50 % of India’s total population and they are backbone of the family.
In past few years the role of the women is changing due to economic needs, various schemes launched by
Government. Women entrepreneur are in both the sectors organised and unorganised. The concept of Self- Help
Groups (SHGs) is playing an important role in empowerment of poor women in developing countries, including
India. Self Help Group is also a source of community participation and rural development. SHGs are providing
financial aid to rural women through employment. The possible outcomes of women entrepreneurship through
SHGs are self-employment, better status of women in society, financial independent, social wellbeing. This study
is based on secondary data and the paper attempt to focus on role of Self-Help Groups in Women
Entrepreneurship development in India. It also highlights the opportunities though different schemes of SHGs
for women entrepreneurs and the challenges faces by women entrepreneurs. The result of this study will give
the directions to the researchers.