An Analysis of the Impact of Self-Help Group Bank Linkage Program on Sustainable Development

Sripal Srivastava; Jaideep Sharma; Sandeep Kumar Gupta

doi:10.52756/ijerr.2024.v44spl.012

Authors

Sripal Srivastava School of Business, Galgotias University, Greater Noida-203201, India
Jaideep Sharma School of Business, Galgotias University, Greater Noida-203201, India
Sandeep Kumar Gupta School of Management and Liberal Studies, CMR University, Bengaluru- 560043, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2670-2858

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52756/ijerr.2024.v44spl.012

Keywords:

Female Empowerment, Microfinance, Multi-dimensional poverty, NABARD, Self Help Group, Social and financial empowerment, Vulnerable groups and E- shakti

Abstract

India's banking system has advanced its reach to the poorest people in urban and rural areas. It is recognized that their credit requirements are frequent, unpredictable and very small. However, these are crucial for the development of the rural regions. Therefore, the country's banking system has emphasized this area to promote savings and insurance financial products in this target population. Hence, alternative policies, procedures, and systems have been developed to fulfil these people's credit requirements. One such program is Self-help Group Bank Linkage, which is implemented to provide easy microfinance to members of these groups. This paper adopts a qualitative research methodology to discuss the impact of self-help bank linkage programs on sustainable development. This is assessed through a framework of UN’s 17 sustainable development goals. A systematic review has been conducted to determine the effectiveness of this program in attaining these goals in India. The study's results pointed out this program's impact on sustainable development. It has been found to directly and indirectly impact the attainment of many UN sustainable development goals. The study aims to analyze the effectiveness of microfinancing programs in rural India in achieving UN sustainable development goals. Entire rural India is considered for this paper. A qualitative research methodology has been adopted for this paper. Past research work and governmental data have been used to find the impact of self-help bank linkage programs on poverty alleviation. Household incomes have increased, and people have become financially empowered. There is a broader contribution to sustainable development practice and theory with the implementation of this program. People have gained access to better housing, education, clean drinking water, energy and health.

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