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Journal for Studies in Management and Planning
Available at
http://edupediapublications.org/journals/index.php/JSMaP/
e-ISSN: 2395-0463
Volume 02 Issue 12
December 2016
Available online: http://edupediapublications.org/journals/index.php/JSMaP/ P a g e | 1
Self-help Group (SHGs) in Kolar Town of Karnataka: Case Study
Dr. Shankar Chatterjee1
; Dr. R. Chinnadurai2
; Dr. Aruna Jayamani3
1
Professor & Head (CPME), NIRD & PR, Hyderabad-50030, email: <shankarjagu@gmail.com>
2
Associate Professor(CDP), NIRD & PR, Hyderabad-50030, email: <chinnadurai.nird@gov.in>
3Assistant Professor(CPME), NIRD & PR, Hyderabad-50030, , email: <raruna2008@gmail.com>
Abstract:
This article is based on field study
carried out in Kolar town of Karnataka by
contacting Self-help Group (SHGs)
members. Usually, we know SHGs are
function in rural areas but here the cases
belong to urban SHGs. It was reported that
good number of SHGs have been
functioning in Kolar urban areas, promoted
by Kolar Municipality and out of these,
three SHGs formed in early 2000 were
contacted in November 2016 by contacting
the SHGs as these are sustainable
indicating last 14/15 years they have been
functioning and earning income. The study
is based on primary survey. Of the three
SHGs functioning with women members,
one is exclusively by Muslim women of 20
members. Such model may be replicated in
other parts of the country particularly in
urban fringe. Further, few important
particulars of Kolar district are presented
here for the benefit of readers.
Key Words: Income, Kolar town,
Karnataka and SHG.
In India, normally Self Help Groups have
been functioning in rural areas across the
country. Accordingly many studies have
been conducted-large or small. But in
Kolar district, of Karnataka self-help
groups (SHGs) have been formed in urban
areas which are unique in nature. . It was
reported that good number of SHGs have
been functioning in Kolar urban areas,
promoted by Kolar Municipality. These
SHGs did not get subsidy –whether interest
subsidy or capital subsidy - but provided
with bank loan. It is pertinent to mention
that greatest advantage of forming SHG is
that through the thrift, money can be rolled
as credit and thus micro-credit enhances
economic development. In this context
Prof. Muhammad Yunus may be quoted,
“If the goals of economic development
include improved standards of living,
removal of poverty, access to dignified
employment and reduction in inequality
then it is quite natural to start with women.
Page 2 of 7
Journal for Studies in Management and Planning
Available at
http://edupediapublications.org/journals/index.php/JSMaP/
e-ISSN: 2395-0463
Volume 02 Issue 12
December 2016
Available online: http://edupediapublications.org/journals/index.php/JSMaP/ P a g e | 2
They constitute the majority of the poor, the
under-employed and the economically and
socially disadvantaged. And since they
were closer to the children, women were
also our key to the future of Bangladesh.
Studies undertaken by Grameen, comparing
how male borrowers use their loans versus
female borrowers, consistently confirm this
analysis. So gradually we focus almost
exclusively on lending to women. This was
not easy. The first and most formidable
opposition came from the husbands. Next to
the mullahs. Then the professional people,
and even government officials.” He further
feels that “Our repayment rate has remained
high all along. Generally, it is our success
with repayment that most people find
unbelievable. In Bangladesh the richest
who borrow from the banks make it a habit
not to pay back. I am always amazed by the
mockery that goes on in the name of
banking. Public deposits go through the
banking system, through the government
banks, through private banks, to people
who will never pay back the money”.
According to him, “There is no reason for
religious or cultural wars if the poorest can,
through their own self-help, their own
micro-capital, develop and become
independent, active thinking and creative
human beings”. In connection with the
micro-credit his view is that “Micro-credit
may not be a cure-all, but it is a force for
change, not only economic and personal,
but also social and political” (Muhammad
Yunus, 2007).
Few important particulars of Kolar district
are presented here to get an idea about the
socio-economic situation about the district.
Table – 1: Kolar district at a glance pertaining to urban areas
Sl.
No.
Item Issues
1. Population
a) Urban 480073
b) Total 1536401
2. Geographical area (in hectare) (2014-15) 374916
3. Sex ratio (2011)
a) Urban 973
b) Total 979
4. % of SC population to total population (2011)
a) Urban 28.84
b) Total 30.32
5. % of ST population to total population (2011)
a) Urban 1.40
b) Total 5.13
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Journal for Studies in Management and Planning
Available at
http://edupediapublications.org/journals/index.php/JSMaP/
e-ISSN: 2395-0463
Volume 02 Issue 12
December 2016
Available online: http://edupediapublications.org/journals/index.php/JSMaP/ P a g e | 3
6. Per capita income of the district’s population (in Rs.)
(at constant prices in 2004-05) 2014-15
35664
9. BPL card holders (no)
a) Urban 4600
b) Total 28164
10. Normal Rainfall 724 mm
In 2014 Rainfall 500 mm
11. City Municipal corporation 03
12. Town Municipal Corporation 03
13. Total 06
Source: www.kolar.nic.in (Dt. 23.11.2016)
Although points in the table are self- explanatory, however few important points
as observed from the table are:
Sex ratio in urban areas is less than
the district average.
In recent years district has been
getting less rainfall.
The SC & ST populations are less in
urban areas indicating they stay in
rural regions.
BPL card holders are less urban
areas indicating BPL households
are more in rural zones.
It has to be admitted that through
formation and sustainable development of
SHGs, women can be empowered. The
SHG Movement worldwide aimed at
systematically empowering marginalized
women by way of their enhancing income
and capacity building. Mahatma Gandhi
once told “One step for women ten steps for
nation”. The various studies different
authors including the authors of this article
have evinced that earning of women is
spent for welfare of the family like for good
food, clothes, school stationery items etc.
And because of SHG movement many
women members have been elected in the
Panchayats. The debate on women’s
political rights are the forefront of many
formal and informal campaigns. This
concept appears to be the outcome of
several important critiques and debates and
because of economic development. The
economic empowerment requires
transferred of skills of management and
control of the economic activities, which
enable them to feel confident and being
involved in the decision making process. In
real sense, empowerment would be attained
when women are actively involved in the
larger struggle for social change. And with
the formation of SHGs, women have been
taking keen interest in controlling of dowry,
child marriage, child labour, even
controlling of liquor and tobacco etc. There
are cases across the country studied and
