Micro Financing Through Forest Protection Committees for the Empowerment of Women Self Help Groups in Punjab

Microfinance has been proved to be an effective tool in providing financial access to the poor people. Microfinance through self help groups has been recognised internationally as a modern tool to combat poverty and rural development. Self help groups act as instrument for empowerment of women. The opportunities created by microfinance through forest protection committees as a tool to alleviate poverty can be used to strengthen the rural women SHG. The study revealed that most of the respondents belong to middle aged group, schedule caste category, primary passed and lives in joint families. Average number of members per group was 14 and average saving was `110. Women of 0-30 years age groups and middle passed borrow maximum amount of loan. Family income of respondents increase more than double after joining SHGs. Dairy farming is most preferred income generating activity amongst studied FDAs. Microfinance help in improving the economic, psychological, social and managerial aspects of women thus helps in overall women empowerment.