Contribution of self-help groups on economic life of people in Punjab

A study was conducted to understand the growth, impact assessment and constraints of self- help groups in Punjab. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire from members of self-help groups. Ten districts of Punjab were chosen as these districts account for 65 per cent of self-help groups in Punjab. Five self-help groups were selected from each district and further, four members of each self-help group (including head of self help group) were included in the present study. A total of 200 self-help group members were studied. The study revealed positive impact of self-help groups on economic life of its members. Self-help groups faced difficulties like marketing of products manufactured by the group, limited credit facilities and lack of community support. No significant difference has been found regarding the perception of respondents categorized on the basis of income, age, and education towards various constraints faced by the self-help groups.