Dynamics in Self-Help Groups and Banks in Punjab

The present study was undertaken to know the contribution of different banks (Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks and Cooperative Banks) in formation of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in Punjab. The data for different regions and states of India collected by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) were analyzed for the state of Punjab which agriculturally advanced state with the help of statistical tools like frequency and percentages. The findings revealed that Rajasthan (61.89%) and Andhra Pradesh (45.3%) have formed maximum numbers of Self-Help Groups among northern and southern region. Indian Overseas Banks in Punjab has formed maximum numbers of SHGs amongst public and private sector commercial banks. Regarding Regional Rural Banks, Punjab Gramin Bank contributed more than 70 per cent in formation of SHGs. The cooperative banks have formed 4096 SHGs, more than 10 per cent of the SHGs have been formed in Jalandhar and Fatehgarh district as compared to other districts.