NTRODUCTION

What is rural Infrastructures?

Infrastructures are the physical and institutional
systems that underpin society. The word “infrastructure”
contains the Latin prefix “infra” which means “below.”
Without these foundational systems, modern, industrialized
life would not be possible. Learn more about the different
types of infrastructure and why they’re essential to the
function of daily life.
Infrastructure refers to the physical, social, and economic
systems that support society. Infrastructure development is
critical for the smooth operation of a modern, industrialized
nation. There are two primary categories of infrastructure:
hard and soft. Hard infrastructure is the physical components
that support daily life, such as electrical grids, roads, bridges,
and highway systems, as well as the goods that make them
operational such as mass transit, buses, and trains. Soft
infrastructure refers to human capital—social and economic
components such as health-care facilities,
telecommunications, and financial institutions.

 RURAL INFRASTRUCTURES
 The focus on ‘rural services’ can seem a little old
fashioned, limited and perhaps just a bit quaint.
 The outcomes of analyses of service provision depend on
which items are deemed significant.
 Rural pubs are closing at an alarming rate and this seems,
to some observers, to threaten and
 undermine the social life of communities. On the other
hand, volunteers are now running more
 community shops than ever before and this points to a
sustained vitality that is evident in many
 smaller villages. Likewise, post offices are closing but
the need for them is less than it was – and
 many general stores, where they exist, continue to
provide transaction services (for the payment
 of bills etc.). Past concern for rural services has
generally tried to capture two things: changes in
 the availability of provisioning infrastructure (goods and
services) and changes in the availability
 of physical places for interaction. Provisioning
infrastructure can be sourced publicly or privately.
 Interaction generates a social infrastructure that either
becomes a further source of provisioning
 (running a community facility or bus) or offers social
support.
 This infrastructure perspective on ‘services’ captures
more of what rural communities need,
 divided into the requisite operational ‘hardware’ and
‘software’. Although the labels ‘community’
 and ‘social’ infrastructure are often used inter-
changeably, the former includes those hard items
 supplied by the market or by tax-payers and the latter
comprises those soft things that people do
 for themselves. The idea of community infrastructure is
seldom extended to market goods such
 as retail, public houses or broadband. Shops and pubs
arise from private enterprise and
 broadband may be viewed as part of a ‘growth
infrastructure’, installed alongside other utilities to
 facilitate development. But in many rural areas, these
are often marginal activities, installed or
 operated with considerable difficulty. They are
provisioning infrastructure, delivering against
 community goals, which require either capital or labour
subsidy. In thinner markets, the line
 between private and public provisioning is blurred.
Therefore it seems reasonable to place
 supported private services in a general community
infrastructure group
 RURAL INFRASTRUCTURES
 The focus on ‘rural services’ can seem a little old
fashioned, limited and perhaps just a bit quaint.
 The outcomes of analyses of service provision depend on
which items are deemed significant.
 Rural pubs are closing at an alarming rate and this seems,
to some observers, to threaten and
 undermine the social life of communities. On the other
hand, volunteers are now running more
 community shops than ever before and this points to a
sustained vitality that is evident in many
 smaller villages. Likewise, post offices are closing but
the need for them is less than it was – and
 many general stores, where they exist, continue to
provide transaction services (for the payment
 of bills etc.). Past concern for rural services has
generally tried to capture two things: changes in
 the availability of provisioning infrastructure (goods and
services) and changes in the availability
  of physical places for interaction. Provisioning
infrastructure can be sourced publicly or privately.
 Interaction generates a social infrastructure that either

becomes a further source of provisioning

 (running a community facility or bus) or offers social

support.
 This infrastructure perspective on ‘services’ captures

more of what rural communities need,

 divided into the requisite operational ‘hardware’ and

‘software’. Although the labels ‘community’

 and ‘social’ infrastructure are often used inter-

changeably, the former includes those hard items

 supplied by the market or by tax-payers and the latter

comprises those soft things that people do

 for themselves. The idea of community infrastructure is

seldom extended to market goods such

 as retail, public houses or broadband. Shops and pubs

arise from private enterprise and

 broadband may be viewed as part of a ‘growth

infrastructure’, installed alongside other utilities to

 facilitate development. But in many rural areas, these

are often marginal activities, installed or

 operated with considerable difficulty. They are

provisioning infrastructure, delivering against

 community goals, which require either capital or labour

subsidy. In thinner markets, the line

 between private and public provisioning is blurred.

Therefore it seems reasonable to place

 supported private services in a general community

infrastructure group
RURAL INFRASTRUCTURES
The focus on ‘rural services’ can seem a little old fashioned,
limited and perhaps just a bit quaint.
The outcomes of analyses of service provision depend on
which items are deemed significant.
Rural pubs are closing at an alarming rate and this seems, to
some observers, to threaten and
undermine the social life of communities. On the other hand,
volunteers are now running more
community shops than ever before and this points to a
sustained vitality that is evident in many
smaller villages. Likewise, post offices are closing but the
need for them is less than it was – and
many general stores, where they exist, continue to provide
transaction services (for the payment
of bills etc.). Past concern for rural services has generally
tried to capture two things: changes in
the availability of provisioning infrastructure (goods and
services) and changes in the availability
of physical places for interaction. Provisioning infrastructure
can be sourced publicly or privately.
Interaction generates a social infrastructure that either
becomes a further source of provisioning
(running a community facility or bus) or offers social support.
This infrastructure perspective on ‘services’ captures more of
what rural communities need,
divided into the requisite operational ‘hardware’ and
‘software’. Although the labels ‘community’
and ‘social’ infrastructure are often used inter-changeably, the
former includes those hard items
supplied by the market or by tax-payers and the latter
comprises those soft things that people do
for themselves. The idea of community infrastructure is
seldom extended to market goods such
as retail, public houses or broadband. Shops and pubs arise
from private enterprise and
broadband may be viewed as part of a ‘growth infrastructure’,
installed alongside other utilities to
facilitate development. But in many rural areas, these are
often marginal activities, installed or
operated with considerable difficulty. They are provisioning
infrastructure, delivering against
community goals, which require either capital or labour
subsidy. In thinner markets, the line
between private and public provisioning is blurred. Therefore
it seems reasonable to place
supported private services in a general community
infrastructure group
themselves. But that community life, and everything it
generates and sustains, should be seen
as an important part of the infrastructure of rural communities.
The service challenge has
generally been regarded as one of ‘hard’ infrastructure and its
non- or limited availability in rural
places. Soft infrastructure is viewed as a compensation or
substitute. And yet, soft infrastructure
is more than this. It is a resource in its own right that shapes
the experience of living and
working in the countryside.
RURAL INFRASTRUCTURES
The focus on ‘rural services’ can seem a little old fashioned,
limited and perhaps just a bit quaint.
The outcomes of analyses of service provision depend on
which items are deemed significant.
Rural pubs are closing at an alarming rate and this seems, to
some observers, to threaten and
undermine the social life of communities. On the other hand,
volunteers are now running more
community shops than ever before and this points to a
sustained vitality that is evident in many
smaller villages. Likewise, post offices are closing but the
need for them is less than it was – and
many general stores, where they exist, continue to provide
transaction services (for the payment
of bills etc.). Past concern for rural services has generally
tried to capture two things: changes in
the availability of provisioning infrastructure (goods and
services) and changes in the availability
of physical places for interaction. Provisioning infrastructure
can be sourced publicly or privately.
Interaction generates a social infrastructure that either
becomes a further source of provisioning
(running a community facility or bus) or offers social support.
This infrastructure perspective on ‘services’ captures more of
what rural communities need,
divided into the requisite operational ‘hardware’ and
‘software’. Although the labels ‘community’
and ‘social’ infrastructure are often used inter-changeably, the
former includes those hard items
supplied by the market or by tax-payers and the latter
comprises those soft things that people do
for themselves. The idea of community infrastructure is
seldom extended to market goods such
as retail, public houses or broadband. Shops and pubs arise
from private enterprise and
broadband may be viewed as part of a ‘growth infrastructure’,
installed alongside other utilities to
facilitate development. But in many rural areas, these are
often marginal activities, installed or
operated with considerable difficulty. They are provisioning
infrastructure, delivering against
community goals, which require either capital or labour
subsidy. In thinner markets, the line
between private and public provisioning is blurred. Therefore
it seems reasonable to place
supported private services in a general community
infrastructure group
The focus on ‘rural services’ can seem a little old fashioned,
limited and perhaps just a bit quaint.
The outcomes of analyses of service provision depend on
which items are deemed significant.
Rural pubs are closing at an alarming rate and this seems, to
some observers, to threaten and
undermine the social life of communities.

RURAL INFRASTRUCTURES

The focus on ‘rural services’ can seem a little old fashioned,

limited and perhaps just a bit quaint. The outcomes of
analyses of service provision depend on which items are
deemed significant. Rural pubs are closing at an alarming
rate, and this seems, to some observers, to threaten and
undermine the social life of communities. On the other hand,
volunteers are now running more community shops than ever
before, and this points to a sustained vitality that is evident in
many smaller villages. Likewise, post offices are closing but
the need for them is less than it was – and many general
stores, where they exist, continue to provide transaction
services (for the payment of bills etc.). Past concern for rural
services has generally tried to capture two things: changes in
the availability of provisioning infrastructure (goods and
services) and changes in the availability of physical places for
interaction. Provisioning infrastructure can be sourced
publicly or privately. Interaction generates a social
infrastructure that either becomes a further source of
provisioning (running a community facility or bus) or offers
social support.
This infrastructure perspective on ‘services’ captures more of
what rural communities need, divided into the requisite
operational ‘hardware’ and ‘software’. Although the labels
‘community’ and ‘social’ infrastructure are often used inter-
changeably, the former includes those hard items supplied by
the market or by taxpayers and the latter comprises those soft
things that people do for themselves. The idea of community
infrastructure is seldom extended to market goods such as
retail, public houses or broadband. Shops and pubs arise from
private enterprise and broadband may be viewed as part of a
‘growth infrastructure’, installed alongside other utilities to
facilitate development. But in many rural areas, these are
often marginal activities, installed or operated with
considerable difficulty. They are provisioning infrastructure,
delivering against community goals, which require either
capital or labour subsidy. In thinner markets, the line between
private and public provisioning is blurred. Therefore, it seems
reasonable to place supported private services in a general
community infrastructure group.

Rural Infrastructure in India

Types of Infrastructure
Here is a closer look at six examples of hard infrastructure.
1. Energy infrastructure: Coal, natural gas, and nuclear
power plants supply power to the energy grid.
Innovations in power and energy infrastructure seek to
prioritize environmental sustainability by investing
in renewable energy sources, such as solar power, wind,
and geothermal infrastructures.
2. IT infrastructure: Information technology infrastructure
supports the exchange of data and other digital resources.
Examples of IT infrastructure include operating systems,
data centres, and cloud computing systems.
3. Telecommunications: A telecommunications
infrastructure includes technological assets that enable
communication systems, such as broadband access and
internet connectivity. It also includes telephone lines,
satellites, mobile network systems, and radio broadcasting.
4. Transportation infrastructure: Transportation
infrastructures are the physical systems that enable travel,
 including roadways, highway systems, toll roads, railways,
airports, and air traffic control. It also includes public
transit, such as subways, buses, and trains. Newer
infrastructure laws may aim to ease climate change’s
impact and set more environmental protections by limiting
greenhouse gas emissions and investing in electric vehicle
charging stations.
5. Waste management: Waste management involves the
collection and treatment of waste. Examples of waste
management infrastructure includes landfills, trash
collection, sewer systems, and recycling facilities.
6. Water infrastructure: A constant supply of clean
drinking water is critical for sustaining human life. Water
systems provide water for drinking, irrigation, and energy.
Water supply infrastructure includes water pipelines, wells,
dams, gutters, and pumping stations.
Why Does Infrastructure Matter?
There are several notable reasons infrastructure is essential to
society. Infrastructure:
 Enables economic growth: Infrastructure is essential to
a region’s economic development. It allows for business
operations, provides jobs, and promotes the exchange of
goods and services.
 Reduces supply chain disruptions: Disruptions to the
supply chain can have disastrous effects on a region’s
economy. Critical infrastructure aims to reduce the
number of disruptions to the workforce, importing and
exporting, and economic activities.
 Supports quality of life: Without infrastructure, access
to clean drinking water, food, health care,
communications systems, and housing would not be
 possible. Infrastructure provides the basis for making life
tenable.

RURAL
INFRASTRUCTURES
The focus on ‘rural services’ can
seem a little old fashioned, limited
and perhaps just a bit quaint.
The outcomes of analyses of
service provision depend on which
items are deemed significant.
Rural pubs are closing at an
alarming rate and this seems, to
some observers, to threaten and
undermine the social life of
communities. On the other hand,
volunteers are now running more
community shops than ever before
and this points to a sustained
vitality that is evident in many
smaller villages. Likewise, post
offices are closing but the need for
them is less than it was – and
many general stores, where they
exist, continue to provide
transaction services (for the
payment
of bills etc.). Past concern for rural
services has generally tried to
capture two things: changes in
the availability of provisioning
infrastructure (goods and services)
and changes in the availability
of physical places for interaction.
Provisioning infrastructure can be
sourced publicly or privately.
Interaction generates a social
infrastructure that either becomes a
further source of provisioning
(running a community facility or
bus) or offers social support.
This infrastructure perspective on
‘services’ captures more of what
rural communities need,
divided into the requisite
operational ‘hardware’ and
‘software’. Although the labels
‘community’
and ‘social’ infrastructure are often
used inter-changeably, the former
includes those hard items
supplied by the market or by tax-
payers and the latter comprises
those soft things that people do
for themselves. The idea of
community infrastructure is seldom
extended to market goods such
as retail, public houses or
broadband. Shops and pubs arise
from private enterprise and
broadband may be viewed as part
of a ‘growth infrastructure’,
installed alongside other utilities to
facilitate development. But in
many rural areas, these are often
marginal activities, installed or
operated with considerable
difficulty. They are provisioning
infrastructure, delivering against
community goals, which require
either capital or labour subsidy. In
thinner markets, the line
between private and public
provisioning is blurred. Therefore
it seems reasonable to place
supported private services in a
general community infrastructure
gr
RURALFRASTRUC
The focus on ‘rural services’ can
seem a little old fashioned, limited
and perhaps just a bit quaint.
The outcomes of analyses of
service provision depend on which
items are deemed significant.
Rural pubs are closing at an
alarming rate and this seems, to
some observers, to threaten and
undermine the social life of
communities. On the other hand,
volunteers are now running more
community shops than ever before
and this points to a sustained
vitality that is evident in many
smaller villages. Likewise, post
offices are closing but the need for
them is less than it was – and
many general stores, where they
exist, continue to provide
transaction services (for the
payment
of bills etc.). Past concern for rural
services has generally tried to
capture two things: changes in
the availability of provisioning
infrastructure (goods and services)
and changes in the availability
of physical places for interaction.
Provisioning infrastructure can be
sourced publicly or privately.
Interaction generates a social
infrastructure that either becomes a
further source of provisioning
(running a community facility or
bus) or offers social support.
This infrastructure perspective on
‘services’ captures more of what
rural communities need,
divided into the requisite
operational ‘hardware’ and
‘software’. Although the labels
‘community’
and ‘social’ infrastructure are often
used inter-changeably, the former
includes those hard items
supplied by the market or by tax-
payers and the latter comprises
those soft things that people do
for themselves. The idea of
community infrastructure is seldom
extended to market goods such
as retail, public houses or
broadband. Shops and pubs arise
from private enterprise and
broadband may be viewed as part
of a ‘growth infrastructure’,
installed alongside other utilities to
facilitate development. But in
many rural areas, these are often
marginal activities, installed or
operated with considerable
difficulty. They are provisioning
infrastructure, delivering against
community goals, which require
either capital or labour subsidy. In
thinner markets, the line
between private and public
provisioning is blurred. Therefore
it seems reasonable to place
supported private services in a
general community infrastructure
group
The outcomes of analyses of
service provision depend on
which items are deemed
significant.
Rural pubs are closing at an
alarming rate and this seems, to
some observers, to threaten and
undermine the social life of
communities. On the other hand,
volunteers are now running more
community shops than ever before
and this points to a sustained
vitality that is evident in many
smaller villages. Likewise, post
offices are closing but the need for
them is less than it was – and
many general stores, where they
exist, continue to provide
transaction services (for the
payment
of bills etc.). Past concern for
rural services has generally tried
to capture two things: changes in
the availability of provisioning
infrastructure (goods and services)
and changes in the availability
of physical places for interaction.
Provisioning infrastructure can be
sourced publicly or privately.
Interaction generates a social
infrastructure that either becomes
a further source of provisioning
(running a community facility or
bus) or offers social support.
This infrastructure perspective on
‘services’ captures more of what
rural communities need,
divided into the requisite
operational ‘hardware’ and
‘software’. Although the labels
‘community’
and ‘social’ infrastructure are
often used inter-changeably, the
former includes those hard items
supplied by the market or by tax-
payers and the latter comprises
those soft things that people do
for themselves. The idea of
community infrastructure is
seldom extended to market goods
such
as retail, public houses or
broadband. Shops and pubs arise
from private enterprise and
broadband may be viewed as part
of a ‘growth infrastructure’,
installed alongside other utilities
to
facilitate development. But in
many rural areas, these are often
marginal activities, installed or
operated with considerable
difficulty. They are provisioning
infrastructure, delivering against
community goals, which require
either capital or labour subsidy.
In thinner markets, the line
between private and public
provisioning is blurred. Therefore
it seems reasonable to place
supported private services in a
general community
infrastructWhat is rural
poverty?
Objective’s
 To study about rural poverty and how poverty can be
decreased.
 To study about self-help groups and its benefits.
 To study about rural education and its important, and
problems.
 To study about the unemployment.

Need of study
Hence, the rural infrastructure helps in the development of
rural power, water, sanitation, irrigation, and road
infrastructure which helps increase income, savings,
productivity, and tourism resulting in better job and health
facilities for rural people.
The study of poverty is extremely important on moral
and philosophical and, political grounds. Further, evidence is
available to show that poverty affects growth adversely. We,
therefore, have tried to review some of the important studies
on poverty in India.
Social integrity – SHGs encourages collective efforts
for combating practices like dowry, alcoholism etc. Gender
Equity – SHGs empowers women and inculcates leadership
skill among them. Empowered women participate more
actively in gram Sabha and elections.
Rural communities can benefit from Education
by having more productive workers, increasing their overall
income. Education boosts a person's ability to lead a group of
people successfully and effectively since it gives them more
information, confidence, skills, and experience.
What is rural poverty?
Poverty is about not having enough money to meet basic
needs including food, clothing, and shelter. However,
poverty is more, much more than just not having enough
money.
The World Bank Organization describes poverty in this way:
“Poverty is hunger. Poverty is lack of shelter. Poverty is
being sick and not being able to see a doctor. Poverty is
not having access to school and not knowing how to
read. Poverty is not having a job, is fear for the future,
living one day at a time.
Poverty has many faces, changing from place to place
and across time, and has been described in many ways.
Most often, poverty is a situation people want to escape.
So, poverty is a call to action -- for the poor and the
wealthy alike -- a call to change the world so that many
more may have enough to eat, adequate shelter, access
to education and health, protection from violence, and a
voice in what happens in their communities.”
In addition to a lack of money, poverty is about not being
able to participate in recreational activities; not being able to
send children on a day trip with their schoolmates or to a
birthday party; not being able to pay for medications for an
illness. These are all costs of being poor. Those people who
are barely able to pay for food and shelter simply can’t
consider these other expenses. When people are excluded
within a society, when they are not well educated and when
they have a higher incidence of illness, there are negative
consequences for society. We all pay the price for poverty.
The increased cost on the health system, the justice system
and other systems that provide supports to those living in
poverty has an impact on our economy.

Rural poverty
Several factors are responsible for poverty in the rural areas
of India. Rural populations primarily depend on agriculture as
their livelihoods, which in turn, is highly dependent on rain
patterns and monsoons. Inadequate rain and improper
irrigation facilities can obviously cause low, or in some cases,
zero production of crops followed by the obvious but
sometimes catastrophic repercussions that often follows.
An Indian family unit can be often very large, which can
exacerbate the effects of poverty. Also, the caste system
which is still found a lot in India (although it is getting less) is
a major reason for rural poverty for it keeps people locked in
the endless cycle with less facilities and opportunities for the
lower castes. The government has planned and implemented
poverty eradication programs, but the benefits of all these
programs have yet to reach the core of the country.
Types of Poverty

There are two types of poverty in India: absolute poverty and

relative poverty.
Both of these kinds of poverty are concerned with money
and consumption. However, poverty is sometimes linked to
more than just economics; it is also linked to society and
politics.

Absolute Poverty

This notion simply considers the amount of money required

to cover fundamental requirements such as food, clothes,
housing, safe drinking water, education, healthcare, and so
on. People living below the poverty level are unaffected in
this sort of poverty, even if their nation is economically
booming. In a different way, absolute poverty can be
understood as, regardless of how rich and successful the
economy is, those living in abject poverty receive no
advantages from their country’s economic progress.
Absolute poverty, on the other hand, does not consider
larger quality of life concerns or the general level of
inequality in society. What the notion fails to comprehend is
that people have essential social and cultural demands as
well.

Relative Poverty

It is the circumstance in which individuals are deprived of the

bare minimum of income required to sustain the average
level of living in the society in which they live. As a result,
even while persons and households living in relative poverty,
or relative deprivation, as it is frequently called, have some
money, it is insufficient to provide fundamental needs. This
sort of poverty, on the other hand, defines poverty in relation
to the economic position of other members of society. This
implies that it evolves in tandem with the country’s economic
prosperity.
Although persons in this sort of poverty are not in total
(absolute) poverty, they cannot afford the same level of living
as the rest of society. This can occasionally relate to a lack of
television, Internet access, clean clothes, quality and safe
housing, and education. Although it appears to be less severe
than extreme poverty, it is nonetheless a category that may
last a lifetime. Some families cannot afford the same quality
of living as others. As a result, they are restricted to low
income and unable to break past the obstacles.
How can poverty be decreased?

Education – Children who live in dangerous areas have lower

rates of school attendance and completion. Giving these
youngsters a house with appropriate lighting and no leaks
allows them to learn and finish their schoolwork. This is how
these youngsters develop into responsible, educated adults.
Opportunities for employment – In order to obtain a job,
one must have a registered address and Internet connection.
A great housing leads to better health, which is essential for
both finding and keeping a job. Furthermore, creating a
home-based small business is an excellent approach to earn
money. A person needs adequate space and security in order
to establish a company and thereby sustain his or her entire
family.
Safety – A quality home provides protection from natural
calamities such as storms, rain, cold, and earthquakes. It also
ensures the safety of the entire community since decent
housing contributes to strong education systems and healthy
community connections.
Security – Having a lockable door in a home reduces the
chance of theft and crime. Safe houses and surroundings
contribute to societal stability and security.
SELF HELP GROUPS
Self-help groups are made up of disadvantaged individuals
from rural areas (especially women). The objective is to assist
them in organizing themselves, providing financial assistance,
providing jobs, and assisting them in other areas, including
domestic concerns. These groups are informal gatherings of
people who are dealing with similar issues. These folks band
together to form a group to solve their mutual concerns and
raise their living standards. They are typically from the same
socioeconomic background and are involved in little savings
between themselves at banks. This sum serves as the SHGs’
fund and is utilized to make loans to its members. It is a
critical instrument for lifting people out of poverty and
improving social standing by encouraging self-employment.

 Self-help groups exist within local communities for

people with disabilities and their family members.
  Self-help group members develop knowledge and skills
that enable them to become contributors in their
families and communities.
 People with disabilities and their family members can
access mainstream self-help groups that are available to
other members of the community.
 Self-help groups promote CBR, and members become
involved in the planning and implementation of CBR
programmes.
 Self-help groups join together to form federations and
become self-sufficient.
Benefits of SHGs
 Social integrity – SHGs encourages collective efforts
for combating practices like dowry, alcoholism etc.
 Gender Equity – SHGs empowers women and
inculcates leadership skill among them. Empowered
women participate more actively in gram Sabha and
elections.
 There is evidence in this country as well as
elsewhere that formation of Self-Help Groups has a
multiplier effect in improving women’s status in
society as well as in the family leading to
improvement in their socio-economic condition and
enhances their self-esteem.
 Pressure Groups – their participation
in governance process enables them to highlight
issues such as dowry, alcoholism, the menace of
open defecation, primary health care etc and impact
policy decision.
 Voice to marginalized section – Most of the
beneficiaries of government schemes have been
from weaker and marginalized communities and
hence their participation through SHGs ensures
social justice.
 Financial Inclusion – Priority Sector Lending norms
and assurance of returns incentivize banks to lend to
SHGs. The SHG-Bank linkage programme pioneered
by NABARD has made access to credit easier and
reduced the dependence on traditional money
lenders and other non-institutional sources.
 Improving efficiency of government schemes and
reducing corruption through social audits.
 Alternate source of employment – it eases
dependency on agriculture by providing support in
setting up micro-enterprises
e.g., personalised business ventures like tailoring,
grocery, and tool repair shops.
 Changes In Consumption Pattern – It has enabled
the participating households to spend more on
education, food, and health than non-client
households.
 Impact on Housing & Health – The financial
inclusion attained through SHGs has led to reduced
child mortality, improved maternal health and the
ability of the poor to combat disease through better
nutrition, housing and health – especially among
women and children.
  Banking literacy – It encourages and motivates its
members to save and act as a conduit for formal
banking services to reach them.

RURAL EDUCATION
“Education is the key to unlocking the world, a
passport to freedom” – Oprah Winfrey
“A good education is a foundation for a better future.” Our
past has taught us that education is very important. It is the
most powerful weapon with which you can change the world.
The Importance of Education in Rural Areas Are
as Follows:

1. Bridges the Gap of Unemployment

Educating the youth bridges the gap between the employed

and the unemployed.

2. Decreases Poverty

Education of the rural youth directly leads to employment.

Employed youth earn a decent living thus eliminating
poverty.

3. Increases Productivity

Education and employment lead to the productivity of youth

in the rural areas. Youth will now be occupied in the labour
sector and will therefore be productive.
4. Education Eliminates Vices
Good education of the youth in rural, as well as urban areas,
decreases the possibility of picking up immoral values and
habits. Educations develop skills
knowledge, values and moral habits.
Problems faced in rural education in India:
India is quickly developing, and while many steps
have been taken to help rural India, much more needs to be
done. Schools in rural India are dealing with a few issues. The
following are some of these issues:

Lack of infrastructure: Many schools in villages lack adequate

infrastructure. There are no proper seating facilities, and
children are often forced to sit on the floor due to a lack of
furniture. Since the school building lacks doors and windows,
the wind and animals can freely enter.
Low income: Teachers in rural areas earn far less than
teachers in urban schools. Teachers who are dissatisfied with
their salaries are less likely to pay attention to their pupils.
Lack of transportation facilities: This is one of the most
serious issues that children attending village schools face.
Since there are no adequate transportation options, children
choose not to drive long distances to attend school. Fewer in
number: Compared to the number of schools in developed
areas such as towns and cities, there are very few schools in
villages or rural areas.
Lack of basic amenities: Simple services such as drinkable
water, clean toilets, and so on are also lacking in many village
schools.
Lack of extra-curricular activities: Apart from the course
programme, children in rural schools are unable to
participate in extracurricular events such as athletics,
cocurricular activities, or tournaments. Such events and
activities aim to aid children’s overall growth. – There is no
such thing as too much supplementary schooling.
Deficiency of funds: One of the severe hurdles in the
education system in rural India is the unavailability of funds.
Some schools do not have funds even for purchasing
benches, blackboard.
UNEMPLOYMENT
Unemployment is a critical issue that continues to
challenge the economic landscape of India. As one of the
world’s most populous nations with a diverse workforce,
fluctuations in the unemployment rate have far-reaching
implications for the country's growth and development. So,
what is the current unemployment rate in India?
The latest data indicates a glimmer of hope, as India's
unemployment rate has recently declined. According to
the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), the
unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 years and above
in urban areas decreased to 6.8 percent during January-
March 2023 from 8.2 percent a year ago. This positive
development suggests a potential turnaround in the job
market amidst the prevailing economic complexities.
However, continued vigilance and effective policy measures
remain crucial to foster sustainable job growth and secure
the nation's future prosperity.
In this blog, we discuss the current unemployment rate in
India a little more in-depth, along with the unemployment
rate in the last ten years.

The Current Unemployment Rate in India:

Unemployment remains a pressing concern in India,
with fluctuations observed across different regions and
sectors. According to the recent Bloomberg report that
references data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian
Economy (CMIE) for July, the overall unemployment rate in
India is 7.95 percent as of July 2023.
The recent weather patterns across the country have brought
about significant changes in economic conditions. As the
rains have covered large parts of India, impacting nearly half
of the agricultural land, expectations of higher farm
production have risen. This positive development has the
potential to contribute to overall economic growth.
However, despite the boost in the agricultural sector due to
improved rains, there has been a notable drop in demand for
labour from the non-agricultural sector in rural areas during
July. As a result, the number of rural labourers seeking
employment has decreased, leading to a decline in the rural
employment rate.
The labour force in rural India experienced a reduction of
approximately five million individuals. This decline in labour
force participation was also witnessed in urban areas,
indicating a broader economic weakness that demands
attention.
These changing trends in labour demand and employment
rates call for thoughtful policy measures to address the
prevailing economic challenges and ensure sustainable
growth in rural and urban areas. It highlights the importance
of diversifying economic activities to create more
employment opportunities and bolster the country's financial
resilience.

Unemployment Rate in India: Historical

Data

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
YEAR (PERSENT)

2023 8.4 (in August)

2022 7.33
2021 5.98
2020 8.00
2019 5.27
2018 5.33
2017 5.36
2016 5.42
2015 5.44
2014 5.44
2013 5.42
 2012 5.41

2011 5.43
2010 5.55
2009 5.54
2008 5.41

HOW IS THE CURRENT UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

CALCULATED?
The past and current unemployment rate in India is a critical
economic indicator expressed as a percentage that varies
based on the prevailing economic conditions.
When job opportunities become scarce during economic
downturns, unemployment tends to increase. Contrarily,
during economic growth and prosperity periods, with many
job opportunities available to the public, the unemployment
rate is expected to decline.
The formula to calculate the current unemployment rate in
India is as follows:
Unemployment Rate = Number of Unemployed Persons /
Civilian Labor Force
Or,
Unemployment Rate = Number of Unemployed Persons /
(Number of Employed Persons + Number of Unemployed
Persons)
To be classified as unemployed, an individual must meet
specific criteria:
They must be at least 16 years old and available to work full-
time in the last four weeks.
They should be actively seeking employment during this
period.
Some exceptions include individuals who are temporarily laid
off and actively looking to rejoin their previous jobs.

MAJOR ECONOMIC EVENTS IMPACTING THE

RATE IN INDIA IN THE PAST
Throughout our economic history, several significant events
have significantly impacted the unemployment rate in India.
1. Global Financial Crisis (2008-2009): The 2008 global
financial crisis severely affected India's economy,
leading to a slowdown in growth and reduced
employment opportunities in various sectors.
2. Demonetisation (2016): The government's decision to
demonetise high-value currency notes in 2016 caused
economic disruptions, particularly in the informal sector,
resulting in temporary job losses.
3. Goods and Services Tax (GST) Implementation
(2017): The introduction of GST aimed to simplify the
tax structure, but it initially caused short-term
disruptions in the economy, affecting businesses and
employment.
4. Covid-19 Pandemic (2020): The Covid-19 pandemic and
the subsequent lockdown measures profoundly
 impacted the Indian economy, resulting in a surge in
unemployment as businesses closed and economic
activities came to a standstill.
5. Inflationary Pressures: India has also faced inflationary
pressures over the years, influencing the current
unemployment rate in India. High inflation rates can
erode the purchasing power of consumers, leading to
reduced demand for goods and services. This can have a
cascading effect on businesses, resulting in cost-cutting
measures, including layoffs, and hiring freezes, leading
to higher unemployment rates.

Review of Literature
Rural roads are the foundational infrastructure
requirement on which socio-economic upliftment of rural
communities depends. They are the gateway to opportunities
providing access to goods and services in nearby villages,
major towns market centres. The provision of rural roads
increases the mobility of men and materials us facilitating
economic growth. poverty and lead to overall social
development. have established that there is a strong
relationship rural roads and socio-economic development.
 P. Maheshwari & S.L. Tandon (1959) “Agriculture and
Economic Development in India” highlighted the role of
agriculture in the Indian economy by stating that the
agriculture sector still holds an important place in the Indian
economy and emphasized on improved agricultural
production for both food and raw material for industries. It
will help in boosting the economy and for that effective
agricultural marketing is needed.
 Hine (1982) reviewed several impact studies conducted in
about countries. Most of these studies are optimistic about
the relationship between road investment and agricultural
development.  Howe and Richards, (1984) in their book
‘Rural Roads and Poverty Alleviation’ considered transport as
an important component of all facets of social and economic
development. Rural roads are defined primarily as those
which link villages and open up more opportunities for
villagers to travel, and for their products to reach the market.
 Central Road Research Institute (1987) conducted a study
under the aegis of the Indian Road Congress to examine the
socioeconomic impact of rural roads in nine districts. The
finding showed a positive result on agriculture production,
fertilizer consumption, an increase in non-agriculture
activities, and better utilization of existing infrastructure.
 On the same lines, another survey was conducted by
Central Road Research Institute (1989) in remote areas of
India showed that villages located on the main road are
comparatively well developed than those away from the
road.
 Cesar Queiroz and Surhid Gautam (1992), in their policy
working research paper in World Bank, establish a correlation
with country’s national income with selected Their study
pointed out that the average density of paved roads is 59
times that in the low-income group.
 Binswanger, Khandker, & Rosenzweig (1993), in their
journal article, “How Infrastructure and Financial institutions
affect Agriculture output and Investment in India”, hold the
view that agriculture input and an output price in India is
affected by infrastructure decisions of the government.
 Cervero, and Leinbach (1995), in their journal
“Transportation and research part A: Policy and Practice”
recognized transport and particularly land transport acts as
catalysts to economic development in most third world
countries thereby holding a major share in budget
allocation.
 SD Ellis (1995-1996) in his thesis “The Economies of the
provision of Rural Transport Services in Developing
Countries” reflected that countries such as Thailand, Sri
Lanka, and Pakistan which have a high density of rural
population have better access to motorized vehicles. Better
transport vehicles lead to better speed and load carrying
capacity, it also reduces the unit cost of transport. As a, they
improve marketing efficiency opportunities raises incentives
to increase agricultural production.
 Fan, Hazell, Thorat (2000) in their work “Government
Spending, Growth and Poverty in Rural India” formulated a
model to measure the impact of government expenditures
on growth and poverty in rural areas. They prioritized
different items of expenditures and considered investments
in rural roads at utmost significance which can greatly affect
the poverty reduction and growth in agriculture.
 India Infrastructure Report (2007) published by Oxford
University Press stated that PMGSY roads have made a
positive impact on agriculture in terms of marketing, buying,
and selling of agricultural goods. There has been a change in
cropping patterns from food crops to cash crops, boosting
animal husbandry which leads to a rise in the marketing of
dairy products, especially in Rajasthan.
 Khandker, Bakt, and Koolwal (2009), in their World Bank
Policy Research, working paper; examine the impacts of
rural road projects in reducing poverty of developing
countries in Bangladesh.
 Tim Lomax and David Schrank (2010) in “Developing a
Total Travel Time Performance Measure: A Concept Paper”
related changes in the distributional pattern in a land with
mobility in urban areas. Through its performance measure
indices, they studied that both speed and travel time is less in
closely spaced location.
 Guajiro & Lukoma (2011) opines that infrastructure mainly
roads are a contributor to farm productivity transaction costs
input and output markets.
 Okoko, E (2011) in his paper “Rural Transportation and
Rural Development: The instance of Akwapin South district
in Ghana” put forth his notion of the invaluable role of
transport in the development of any geopolitically organized
area. In his study of Akwapin district, he underlines the role
of feeder roads in the development of agriculture extension
services.
 Clive Bell (2012) in his policy research working paper,
“Estimating the Social Profitability of India’s Rural Roads
program. A bumpy ride” undertook the study of PMGSY and
its impact on different sectors of society. He evaluates the
social profitability of the project in both qualitative and
quantitative terms. He evaluated the social viability,
externalities, spillovers effect of constructing these roads in
terms of cost, and benefits analysis.
 Indian Rural Development Network port (2012-2013), by
IDFC Rural Development Network, incorporated the studies
conducted by different groups on the socio-economic
benefits of PMGSY. It highlighted the fact that the program
has successfully established village to market linkages
resulting in more favourable input and output prices of
agricultural products.
  Dominic Bonsu (2014), in his dissertation about the
implication of road access for sustainable agriculture in the
Northern Ghana region of Africa, observed that with access
to road transport there was farm expansion, reduce damage
to the crop, better time management, ease access to factors
of production.
 World Bank (2014) report “Rural Road Development in
India: An assessment of the distribution of PMGSY project
benefits in three states by gender and ascribed social
groups” conducted village survey in three states of
Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh. The study
found new employment and economic opportunities were
opened by PMGSY connectivity due to direct movement.
PMGSY roads influenced the cropping patterns to shift
towards commercial crops.
 Chandran (2017) “Transportation Inclusion and
Community Wellbeing: Exploring Public Transit Accessibility
of Winnipeg’s North End Neighbourhoods” discussed both
qualitatively and quantitatively public transit accessibility for
the well-being of marginalized communities. Well-being
indicators include income, employment, and social capital.

More recently, Cynthia Duncan (1999) in World's

Apart: Why Poverty Persists in Rural America, suggests that
the depth and persistence of rural poverty are rooted in a
rigid two-class system of haves and have-nots. Based on
years of fieldwork in Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta,
Duncan paints vivid and intricate portrait of power and
privilege. The “haves” wield their power over jobs and
opportunities to maintain their privilege, while at the same
time subjugating the “have-nots” who are desperately poor
and socially isolated. In both settings those historically in
power have manipulated all facets of the local social
structure to maintain their position. Moreover, she finds that
the social isolation of those at the bottom has deprived them
of 5 the "cultural tool kit" they need to participate. For
comparison, Duncan also studied a paper-mill town in Maine
and found no evidence of the same rigid class hierarchy.
Rather, because of its unique economic and social history,
the town was characterized by inclusiveness, trust,
widespread community participation, and high social capital.
Importantly, this work and that of Fitchen underscores that it
is much more than just economic variables that drive place
effects. Local power relationships and levels of social
isolation also are critical. Before we turn to the quantitative
studies that are the focus of this review, we caution that the
quantitative-qualitative dichotomy should not be taken too
far. Hybrid studies that incorporate a mix of methods also
hold a key place in the literature.
One such study is Nelson and Smith’s (1999) Working
Hard and Making Do: Surviving in Small Town America. For
them, the important feature that structures rural economic
well-being is that between good jobs and bad jobs – good
jobs being more stable, well-paying, more benefits, greater
flexibility, and so forth; bad jobs lack these qualities – and
how this dichotomy affects livelihood strategies. A key
finding is that good job households, by virtue of the greater
security, stability, social connections, and other advantages
that come with a good job, are better positioned than bad
job households to engage in other economic pursuits (e.g.,
moonlighting, secondary earners, entrepreneurship) that
benefit the household. In this sense good job households are
doubly advantaged and bad job households doubly
disadvantaged. Due to data limitations, they cannot address
the exogenous factors that sort people into good jobs and
bad jobs in the first place. Qualitative and mixed-method
studies, of which these are only a sampling, are important for
providing rich insight into the lives of the rural poor and the
importance of place. Because such studies are extremely
time-consuming and expensive, they are necessarily limited
to a relatively small number of places, and low sample sizes
constrain what can be done in terms of 6 multivariate
analysis. We now turn to a review of quantitative studies of
the interaction of place and rural poverty and note that many
of them also are limited in what they can say. Recent
Quantitative Studies3 What can quantitative research tell us
about how rural residence affects poverty and how rural
residence moderates the effects of individual characteristics,
community characteristics and policy? Following Brooks-
Gunn et al. (1997), we distinguish “community” and
“contextual” studies. Community studies are those that
explain differences in rates of poverty across communities as
a function of community demographic and economic
structure variables, including whether the community is a
rural or urban community. Contextual studies are those that
explain differences in individual poverty outcomes as a
function of individual demographic characteristics and
community social and economic characteristics, including
whether the community is a rural or urban community.
(“Communities” in these rural quantitative studies are
usually counties or Labor Market Areas.) Contextual studies
are most relevant for understanding place effects as they
directly examine the impact of community-level factors on
individual outcomes. Community studies are useful
complements, however, to the contextual studies. As
Gephart notes, “[t]o the extent that the social structural and
compositional characteristics of neighbourhoods and
communities predict differences among communities in rates
and levels of behavior, our confidence in interpreting their
contextual effects on individual behavior increases” (Brooks-
Gunn et al., 1997, Vol. I, p. 12) Each of these types of studies
has methodological and conceptual challenges. Community
studies are subject to ecological fallacy problems, to drawing
unwarranted conclusions about the effect of community
characteristics on individual outcomes. Contextual studies
avoid ecological bias because the individual outcomes (not
group outcomes) are 7 observed. However, these studies
have other formidable data and methodological challenges.
Assuming that the available data accurately represent the
theoretical constructs and that the boundaries of the
geographic units for which the data are collected represent
accurately the relevant community of influence, there are
methodological issues. Foremost among these are possible
misspecification due to endogenous membership and
omitted contextual variables. These issues will be discussed
in a later section of the paper. The remainder of this section
of the paper is organized as follows. Although much of the
rural poverty literature implicitly assumes that people are not
mobile, in fact people can and do move between rural and
urban places. Thus, we begin with a discussion of how
migration affects the spatial distribution of poor people and
households. We then review the several “community
studies” seeking to understand rural and urban differences in
poverty rates. This is followed by a review and discussion of
recent contextual studies of how individual poverty
outcomes and transitions are affected by living in a rural or
urban place. A major conclusion from this review is that,
even when many individual-level and community-level are
controlled, rural households are much more likely to be poor
than urban households. There is a large unmeasured
difference between rural and urban places that increases the
odds of being poor in rural places.

 Galab S and Rao N. C.1 (2003) Studied about, ‘Women’s

Self-Help Groups, Poverty Alleviation and
Empowerment’. The paper is based on the review of
some relevant studies. In this article strategy for poverty
alleviation and women empowerment has been
discussed. Study found that government of Andhra
Pradesh has provided considerable space for women’s
self-help groups. This paper attempted to address some
 of the issues. These issues are mainly what are the
characteristics of the women-based group models of
poverty alleviation and women empowerment that are
being implemented in the state? How are the poor
women organized into groups? How do the group’s
function? And what has been the contribution of these
models to poverty alleviation and women
empowerment? In this paper detailed analysis of the
formation, functioning and impact of the models on
poverty and women 23 empowerment is elaborated in
detail. Author concluded that the participation in SHGs
has improved the access of women to credit.
 Mahendra Varman P.2, (2005), studied about ‘Impact of
Self-Help Groups on Formal Banking Habits.’ The theme
of the article was impact of self-help groups on formal
banking habits. The main objectives of the articles were
to examine the impact of micro-financing SHGs on
individual bank account holding status with respect to
females. This article based on secondary data. Data was
collected from two appropriately sampled villages of
Tamil Nadu. In these article researchers has revealed
that microfacet SHGs in India, which are classified under
informal organizations, intentionally or unintentionally
help formal banks by increasing the number of accounts
by inculcating banking habits in rural women. In this
paper makes modest attempt to examine whether there
is any association between the growth of SHGs and the
increase in female bank deposit accounts and whether
SHGs tend to influence account holding in formal banks.
 In this paper tries to trace the socio-economic factors
that determine deposit and credit account holdings
(banking habits) in formal banks, among individuals and
households. In this paper analysis also reveals that being
a member in SHGs and, more importantly, having
leadership experience in SHGs greatly influences the
bank account holding. In this articles researcher has
inculcate banking habits at a higher magnitude; thereby
enhancing the advantage of banks in acquiring large
numbers of deposit accounts. Number of deposit
accounts was increasing. The paper concludes that the
use in overall deposit accounts were due to the increase
in deposit account holding of females.
 Kannabiran V.3 (2005) Studied about ‘’Marketing Self-
Help, Managing Poverty” Published by ‘Economic and
Political Weekly’ Vol -XL, No 34. The theme of the article
is marketing self-help, managing poverty. In this article
analysed has the increasing participation of women in
microcredit and formation of women’s self-help groups
have done little more than assuring short-term relief to
ease immediate needs.
 Kadam P.B.4 (2006) In her Ph.D. Thesis “Assessment of
the Contribution of Self-Help Groups to Women's
Empowerment - A Study with Reference to Satara
District." She has analysed the work and scope of SHG
movement in Satara District. She observed that the
maximum SHGs in Satara 24 District. The number of SHG
members varies between11 to 15. The monthly interest
rate on internal loan of maximum SHGs in Satara District
 is 2 percent. She suggests that a proper facilitation and
awakening should be done among women in BPL as well
as APL groups in connection to original concept
objectives and role of SHG in women empowerment.
 Sriramulu G.5 (2006) In his Book ‘Empowerment of
Women through Self-Help Groups’ ‘Published by, Kalpaz
Publications, New Delhi. Writer has analysed to the
evolution of SHGs and its credit facilities and their
meaning, aims, objectives and implementation process.
The author mainly focused its attention an
empowerment of women, topography, socioeconomics
background of the rural women in District selected for
study. It covers the problems and perspectives of self-
help groups and suggested several measures.
 Umashankar D.6 (2006) in her Dissertation, "Women’s
Empowerment: Effect of Participation in Self-Help
Groups.” She has sought to explore the impact of
participation in self-help groups on the empowerment
of women in the context of the great importance being
given to the group approach while conceptualizing any
programme for rural women. The study is situated in
District Mewat in the northern state of Haryana, a state
which faces the conundrum of rapid economic growth
juxtaposed with poor social indicators and uses the
personal narrative method to give a voice to women’s
perspective. The objective of this study is to determine
whether and to what extent participation in self-help
groups has an impact on the empowerment of women
members. She has looks at various dimensions of
 empowerment material, cognitive, perceptual, and
relational.
 Randhawa.V and Mann S. K. 7 (2007), In Their
Research,” Structure and Functioning of Self-Help
Groups in Punjab ‘Published by, Indian J. Agric, Vol. 41,
No. 3. The main objectives of the articles are to explore
the functional aspects of SHGs in promoting micro
saving and inter loaning activities. This article based on
survey research design covered all the 17 Districts of
Punjab. In their articles focused on tracing the genesis
and structure and evaluate the functional aspects of
SHGs. The major findings revealed that majority of SHGs
were promoted by GOs and there were few SHGs
promoted by NGOs. The results of the study revealed
that monthly 25 meetings were their regular feature and
majority of SHGs was using saving for inter loaning
purposes. Further, majority of the SHGs were
performing badly in terms of capacity building of
members. Therefore, future focus of SHG must be on
capacity building and skill up gradation of rural women.
 Udupi P.S.8 (2008), In her M Phil Dissertation "A Study
of Women Self-Help Groups in Walwa Taluka, District
Sangili". She has analysed the history and development
of SHG in Walwa Taluka. The general information
includes information about SHGs, information about
SHGs members, internal loan, use of revolving fund,
uses of group loan are analysed, interpreted other
problems of self-help groups. She observed that there
are mixed self-help groups of women from general
 category and women form scheduled caste, 83 percent
women were married. She suggested for improvement
in the working and management of self-help groups of
BPL women.
 Reddy.A.R.9 (2008) Studied about ‘Self-Help Groups in
India - A Catalyst for Women Economic Empowerment
and Poverty Eradication’ Published by 33rd Global
Conference of Ices, Tours (France). The theme of the
article is self-help groups in India - a catalyst for women
economic empowerment and poverty eradication’. This
research papers based primary and secondary sources.
In this paper analysed the impact of SHGs on women in
the state of Andhra Pradesh. The author found that the
self-help group movement in Andhra Pradesh to be the
biggest one. In this article finding that the financial
status of households had improved due to improvement
in access in a across to formal credit institutions, since
SHGs are linked with banks. In this conclude that the
impressed by the remarkable success of women self-
help groups in Andhra Pradesh, the World Bank said that
the model could be replicated in other states in India
and in other countries.
 Kumar.B.10 (2009), In his Book ‘Women Empowerment
and Sustainable Development’ Published by, Regal
Publications, New Delhi. In their edited book volume on
‘women empowerment and sustainable development’
an effort has been made to highlight the importance of
the role of women. The theme Centre’s the importance
of women in socio-economics spheres. This edited
 volume concentrates mainly on four parts. Part first is
concerned with ‘women and sustainable development’.
Part second is deals with the ‘empowerment of women
and entrepreneurship. Part third is 26 ‘empowerment of
women policies and programs. Part fourth concentrates
mainly on ‘empowerment of rural women.
 Venkatesh J and Kala.K11 (2010) Studied about
‘Empowerment of Rural Women All the Way through
Self-Help Groups’ ‘Published by International Journal Of
Management, Valyl. In their paper related to the
economic empowerment of women in the south Tamil
Nadu. In this article is also focusing the economic
improvement of women after joining SHGs. The main
objectives of the articles are to study the income,
expenditure, and savings of the members after joining
SHGs. In this article has discussed about the group
savings, rotation of sangha funds, bank loan, repayment
of loan, social and community action programmes. The
authors found after joining SHGs the income of the
women has been augmented. So, the monthly
household outflow also has been lifted considerable
level. The paper concludes that the economic activities
of SHGs are quite success. In this way SHGs in North
Tamil Nadu are very victorious to extend women
empowerment and rural areas.
 Ghosh C and Banerjee T.12 (2010) Studied about, ‘Self-
Help Group Participation and Employment of the
Women: Myths and the Reality ‘Published by ‘Obada
University Keleti Karoly Faculty of Business and
 Management. In this paper investigates the factors
influencing the employment status of a selected group
of self-help group members. The same set of self-help
group members has been surveyed twice, once during
2005 and again during 2009 to collect information. In
this paper study will try to examine the influence of
socio economic, demographic, and political factors on
the employment status of the members based on
primary survey conducted in some villages of north 24
parganas, West Bengal, India. This paper has also tried
to investigate the loan use pattern of this set of self-help
group members, Along with the past occupation of the
member the local politics at village level have been
found to influence the employment status as well as
loan use pattern of the members. The authors observed
that about 55 percent of the self-help group members
have turned into housewives. This paper has tried to
identify the factors responsible for continuity of
employment status of the woman members of the self-
help groups. In this paper conclude that the other factor
that influences the employment status of the member is
the past occupation. 27 Those women who were
working as labourers during 2005 survey have mostly
become unemployed compared to other categories of
profession.
 Sathiabama.K13 (2010), In an Article Title ‘’Rural
Women Empowerment and Entrepreneurship
Development” In their articles analysed empowerment
of women has emerged as an important issue in recent
 times. The economic empowerment of women is being
regarded these days as a Sonequa-none of progress for
a country; hence, the issue of economic empowerment
of women is of paramount importance to political
thinkers, social scientists and reformers. The self-help
groups have paved the way for economic independence
of rural women. The members of SHGs are involved in
micro entrepreneurships. Through that, they are
becoming economically independent and providing
employment opportunities to others. This article deals
with empowerment of rural women through
entrepreneurship and the advantages entrepreneurship
among the rural women. In this research article
conclude that the increased participation of women in
the labour force is a prerequisite for improving the
position of women in society and self-employed women.
Particularly the entry of rural women in micro
enterprises will be encouraged and aggravated. Rural
women can do wonders by their effectual and
competent involvement in entrepreneurial activities.
 Prasad Rao M.14 (2010) In his Ph.D. Thesis, “Impact of
Self-Help Group -Bank Linkage Programme And Its Role
On The Upliftment Of The Poor “(special reference to
Raigad District, Maharashtra State). He has an
investigation of the implications of scaling up process on
the poverty alleviation mission through SHG bank
linkage program. He has analysed the socio-economic
profile of the SHGs and their members and impact of
bank linkage on SHGs. He has analysed the quality and
 extent of financial services to members and issues in
and perceptions around SHG bank linkage. This study
found majority of the cases where the availability
subsidy had affected the formation and quality of SHGs,
but our study suggests that the fear of this is an
important reason for bankers’ hesitation to increase
their SHG loan portfolios. He has concluded that the
overall positive impact of SHG bank linkage programme
on the socio-economic conditions of rural poor. It is
reported that significant changes in the living standards
of SHG members have taken place in terms of increase
in income level, assets, savings, borrowing capacity and
income generating activities. There are signs of
empowerment taking place among women members 32
of SHGs.
 Mhlongo S. D.1S (2010) In his Ph.D. Thesis “A Process of
Empowerment through A Self-Help Group for Divorced
Women” The focus of the research study was to
investigate specific processes through which one goes to
achieve empowerment when participating in a self-help
group for divorced women. The significant finding in this
study was how the self-help group can facilitate the
process of empowerment for divorced women, which
contrasted with other studies in which a sense of
community was critical to personal empowerment. The
interactions which were both positive and negative with
others were the foundations for the process of
empowerment in the form of critical reflections. The
findings of the research study suggested that the
 process of empowerment within a self-help group
structure is interactive rather than linear. The process of
empowerment through the self-help Group encounters
included discovering the reality of the divorced status,
the role of Frustration in the process of empowerment,
critical reflection as the powerful force behind the
process of empowerment and taking charge of one’s life
as a motivational factor that facilitated the self-help
group activities and the process of empowerment. The
only interpersonal factor that was significant in the
study was the role of social support by group members
in the process of empowerment.
 Prasad Rao S and Raavi Radhika16 (2011) In Their
Research’ Sanctions & Disbursement of Loans to Self-
Help Groups (A Study with Reference To Deccan
Grameen Bank, Hyderabad), ‘Published by, International
Journal of Innovation, Management and Technology,
Vol. 2, No. 1. This research paper begins with a
background discussion about unemployment and
poverty in rural areas and why low-income persons seek
self-employment as a viable option towards building
social and human capital to work towards poverty
alleviation. In this paper focusing on the rural and the
urban poor generally and women particularly. The main
objectives of the research paper are to pilot test other
micro-credit delivery mechanisms as alternative
channels to the formal banks. This paper suggested that
the micro finance has been instrumental in empowering
women; therefore, more effort should be put for
women’s development through micro finance. In this
29-research paper conclude that the micro finance is
provided by the some rural banks only, to develop
poverty the micro finance will be provided by all
commercial banks. SHG based micro finance which has
now developed deep roots in many parts of the country.