Socio-economic profile of members of self-help groups in rural Haryana: A sociological study

Abstract

The study follows an exploratory-cum-descriptive research design, and information related to research is collected through an interview schedule, observation methods, and secondary sources. Using stratified random sampling, 480 respondents were selected from the universe of the study. The study found that most respondents in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) were in the age range of 31-40 and 41-50 years, with a majority being Hindu and illiterate or having only received primary level education. They mostly came from joint families and belonged to the below poverty line category, with occupations such as agriculture, self-employment, and labor before joining the SHGs. The primary reason for joining the SHGs was to meet household expenses and financial support. The study also found that many members reported that their SHGs accounts were up to date, but upon examination, it was found that they were not properly maintaining their records. The highest percentage of account records were maintained by Mohd. Ahir village at 81.2%, while the lowest percentage in Dhatir, Nasibpuri, and Dulhera Khurd villages at 0%.