Perceived Economic Empowerment through Self-Help Groups: A Statistical Study of Scheduled Caste Women in Ramgarh District, Jharkhand, India

The issue of financial inclusion and economic upliftment among marginalised sections, particularly Scheduled Caste (SC) women, continues to pose a major challenge in India's development process, including in Jharkhand. In this context, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as a crucial mechanism for promoting socio-economic advancement and empowerment at the grassroots level. Participation in SHGs not only enables women to achieve financial independence but also helps them acquire essential skills and strengthens their collective voice within their communities. This study aims to examine the transformative impact of SHGs on the economic empowerment of SC women in Ramgarh district, Jharkhand. A total of 100 women associated with SHGs across five blocks—Gola, Mandu, Chitarpur, Ramgarh, and Patratu—were selected for the study. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and interviews, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied to assess changes in participants' economic conditions before and after joining SHGs. The findings reveal a statistically significant improvement in key economic indicators after participation in SHGs, highlighting their strong positive influence on economic empowerment. There has been a notable increase in members' annual income and savings, along with improvements in employment duration. These results demonstrate the tangible benefits of SHG involvement in enhancing livelihood opportunities and financial stability. The study further suggests that sustained efforts—particularly through targeted training and skill development programs aligned with local market demands—are essential to maintain and expand these gains. It also emphasises the need for further research and supportive policy initiatives to strengthen and extend SHG programs, ensuring continued positive impact on the lives of Scheduled Caste women.