Distinct Models of SHG Micro-Enterprises Organised in Diverse Regions of Jammu and Kashmir

This paper presents the findings of a field study of micro- enterprises of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), formed under Swaranjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Field study was conducted during June-July 2013 covering six districts. Findings revealed three distinct models of micro-enterprises evolving in SHGs in three different regions, of which two models appear as distortion and one model adheres to SGSY guidelines. Viewed in larger context, varied models of SHG micro-enterprises are reflective of social ethos of each region to be in tune with coping strategies adopted by rural people for survival against adversities in particular regions. Ladakh region has developed SHG micro-enterprises which operated largely on "joint-cooperative" lines. SHG micro-enterprises in Kashmir valley are mostly operated as " Employer-Employee Enterprises" (EEE) based on private employment relations developed between group leader assuming the role of employer and group members acting as wage-employees in SHG. In Jammu hilly region, SHG micro- enterprises are mostly characterised as "owner-operator units" of each member in SHG operating on independent individual lines. Resting on three distinct models of microenterprises, SHGs earn fairly good income for survival by way of joint-employment, wage-employment and self-employment relations developing within SHG framework in different regions of J&K. Transition of SGSY into NRLM is also traced to see whether models of micro-enterprises are compatible with NRLM requirements.