Status and Prospects of Fisheries Self Help Group in Kabirdham District, Chhattisgarh, India

The present study analyzed the status and performance of women’s Self Help Groups in fisheries of Kabirdham district of Chhattisgarh state. Two blocks namely Kawardha and Bodla blocks of Chhattisgarh, India were selected for the study. Total 140 numbers of respondents from twenty SHGs were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussion. It has been revealed that women participation in Self Help Groups made a significant impact on their empowerment despites the majority of them were being illiterate (42.85%). The performance analysis conducted using NABARD checklist revealed that sixty percent of the SHGs fall under the category of good and 20 percent as very good. Nevertheless, the major constraints that deter the activities of the SHGs were reported as political biasness existing in the study area followed by lack of capital and awareness among the members. And hence, it has been concluded that the women SHGs in the study area have greater influence and benefitted the respondent members both socially and economically.