GS IAS Logo

< Previous | Contents | Next >

4.1. What are SHGs?

Self-help group is a method of organizing the poor people and the marginalized to come together to solve their individual problem. The SHG method is used by the government, NGOs and others worldwide. The poor collect their savings and save it in banks. In return they receive easy access to loans with a small rate of interest to start their micro unit enterprise.

A Self Help Group is defined as a "self-governed, peer controlled information group of people with similar socio-economic background and having a desire to collectively perform common purpose."