Self-Help Groups and Women's Entrepreneurial Development: An Empirical Assessment of Their Contribution to Inclusive Rural Economic Growth in Kandhamal District, Odisha, India

The emergence of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) has significantly altered the rural economic landscape 
in India by fostering women's entrepreneurship and grassroots financial inclusion. This study 
empirically assesses the socioeconomic impact of SHGs on women's entrepreneurial development 
in the tribal-dominated Kandhamal district of Odisha. Using a robust dataset of 5,000 SHG 
members, the study evaluates demographic profiles, income generation, enterprise diversification, 
and household decision-making capacity before and after SHG intervention. The findings reveal a 
215% average increase in monthly income post-SHG integration, alongside marked improvements 
in financial independence and household decision-making. The research concludes that SHGs are 
a critical driver for inclusive rural economic growth, recommending targeted institutional support 
to scale micro-enterprises.