Impact of Microcredit on Socio-Cultural Status of Members of Wshgs; A Study in Jagatsinghpur District

Abstract

Odisha is a mineral rich state in India but the economy of the state mainly dependents on agricultural. Majority of the population belongs to rural areas; therefore rural sector is the main source of economic development and manpower in the state. The western part of the state is rich with industrialization whereas the eastern part of the state is rich with highly futile lands. In eastern part one of the costal district is Jagatsinghpur. Development of rural areas is essential for the enhancement of overall economy and for the betterment of rural communities. The aim of the present study was to find the impact of microcredit on socio- cultural status of the WSHG members in rural areas of district Jagatsinghpur. The universe for the present study was all WSHG of the said district. The Sample of 187 respondents was selected from the targeted population using the simple random sampling technique. A survey was conducted to carry out the study in which a close ended structured questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to draw the results from the study. Through descriptive analysis, the study clearly demonstrated that microcredit has played a positive role in improving the socio cultural status of members of WSHGs. In this regard the study observed that microcredit played the positive role in changing and improving the women empowerment in the state.