Self-Help Groups and Microfinance in India: Legitimacy, Accountability, and Sustained Impact
Introduction Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as a cornerstone of India’s poverty alleviation and women empowerment strategies. By pooling resources, encouraging savings, and facilitating access to microfinance, SHGs have sought to address issues of financial exclusion, social marginalization, and grassroots development. Over the last three decades, SHGs have grown into a robust network, supported by…