Self-Help Groups (SHGs) play a crucial role in fostering financial independence, women’s empowerment, and community development, especially in rural India. Recognizing their significance, both the central and state governments have introduced various schemes to support and enhance the functioning of SHGs. This article delves into the key support and schemes provided by the central government and the state government of Meghalaya for SHGs.
Central Government Support and Schemes for SHGs
1. National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM)
The National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), also known as Aajeevika, is a flagship program of the Ministry of Rural Development aimed at reducing rural poverty and enhancing livelihoods through SHGs.
- Financial Assistance: NRLM offers financial support to SHGs in the form of revolving funds, community investment funds, and interest subvention. This helps SHGs access credit at low-interest rates.
- Capacity Building: Comprehensive training programs are provided to SHG members to enhance their skills in financial management, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
- Market Linkages: NRLM facilitates market access for SHG products through rural haats, e-commerce platforms, and exhibitions, helping SHGs to sell their products at fair prices.
2. Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM)
DAY-NULM aims to alleviate poverty and vulnerability of the urban poor by enabling them to access gainful self-employment and skilled wage employment opportunities.
- Self-Employment Program (SEP): Provides financial assistance and skill training to urban SHG members to set up micro-enterprises.
- Social Mobilization and Institution Development (SM&ID): Focuses on forming SHGs, federations, and building their capacity to operate effectively.
3. Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY)
The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana offers loans to small/micro enterprises through three products: Shishu, Kishor, and Tarun, catering to different stages of business growth.
- Shishu: Loans up to ₹50,000 for new businesses.
- Kishor: Loans from ₹50,001 to ₹5 lakhs for growing businesses.
- Tarun: Loans from ₹5 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs for business expansion.
SHGs can access MUDRA loans to start or expand their enterprises, promoting entrepreneurship among members.
4. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G)
PMAY-G aims to provide affordable housing to the rural poor. SHG members can benefit from housing loans and subsidies under this scheme to secure decent housing.
Meghalaya Government Support and Schemes for SHGs
The state government of Meghalaya has introduced several initiatives to support and empower SHGs, recognizing their potential in fostering community development and economic growth.
1. Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society (MSRLS)
MSRLS is the nodal agency implementing NRLM in Meghalaya. It focuses on promoting SHGs and supporting them through various schemes and programs.
- Financial Inclusion: MSRLS facilitates the formation of SHGs and their linkage with banks to ensure access to credit and other financial services.
- Capacity Building: Offers training programs on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and skill development to enhance the capabilities of SHG members.
- Livelihood Promotion: Supports SHGs in initiating livelihood activities such as agriculture, livestock rearing, and small-scale businesses.
2. Meghalaya Community Led Landscape Management Project (CLLMP)
CLLMP aims to improve natural resource management through community-led initiatives, including SHGs.
- Sustainable Livelihoods: Supports SHGs in adopting sustainable livelihood practices and provides financial assistance for related activities.
- Capacity Building: Conducts training programs on sustainable agriculture, water management, and other eco-friendly practices.
3. Integrated Village Cooperative Societies (IVCS)
The IVCS scheme promotes cooperative societies in villages, including SHGs, to enhance community development and economic activities.
- Financial Support: Provides financial assistance to SHGs for starting and expanding their enterprises.
- Marketing Support: Facilitates market access for SHG products through cooperatives and other platforms.
4. Meghalaya State Women’s Empowerment Scheme
This scheme focuses on empowering women through SHGs by providing them with necessary support and resources.
- Training and Capacity Building: Offers training programs to enhance the skills of women SHG members in various trades and professions.
- Financial Assistance: Provides grants and loans to women SHGs to start and grow their businesses.
Both the central and Meghalaya state governments have implemented a range of schemes and support mechanisms to empower SHGs. These initiatives not only provide financial assistance but also focus on capacity building, skill development, and market access, ensuring the holistic development of SHGs. By leveraging these schemes, SHGs can significantly enhance their socio-economic status and contribute to the broader goal of community development and poverty alleviation.