Introduction Public service delivery is central to the legitimacy and effectiveness of the modern state. In a country like India, where social diversity, population size, and regional disparities pose serious governance challenges, the state often struggles to deliver services efficiently, equitably, and inclusively. This has led to increasing attention toward civil society organizations (CSOs) and…
Introduction Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as one of the most significant grassroots institutions for promoting participatory development in rural India. By organizing poor households—particularly women—into small, informal collectives, SHGs aim to enhance financial inclusion, livelihood opportunities, social empowerment, and community participation in development programmes. Over the past three decades, SHGs have been integrated into…
Introduction Gender inequality, poverty, and malnutrition are three interlinked social challenges that continue to affect the socio-economic fabric of developing nations like India. These problems are not isolated; they reinforce one another, creating a vicious cycle that traps women and marginalized communities in conditions of deprivation and underdevelopment. Poverty limits access to food, healthcare, and…
Introduction Poverty remains one of the most pressing challenges in India, particularly in rural areas where limited access to resources, employment, and credit constrains development. Traditional welfare measures, though important, often fail to address the structural aspects of poverty, such as lack of assets, financial exclusion, and vulnerability to shocks. In this context, microfinance has…
Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are informal associations of individuals, typically from similar socioeconomic backgrounds, who come together to address common issues, improve their living conditions, and promote self-reliance. These groups, often composed of 10 to 25 members, primarily focus on savings, credit, and income-generating activities. SHGs have gained prominence, particularly in India, as a means of…