Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University’s School of Business recently hosted an interactive session focused on the pivotal role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in poverty reduction and women’s empowerment. The session featured Neetu Dhar, Chairperson of Jammu Pariyatan Vikas Cooperative Ltd and Director of Unati Agri and Allied Multistate Cooperative Ltd, who shared her insights and experiences with the participants.
The event commenced with a warm welcome from Prof. Ashutosh Vashishtha and Prof. Suparn Kumar Sharma, who introduced Neetu Dhar and set the stage for the insightful discussions that followed. Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that, the session aimed to provide students with a deeper understanding of the mechanisms through which SHGs function and contribute to the socio-economic development of rural communities, particularly focusing on the empowerment of women through financial inclusion and self-reliance.
Neetu Dhar, addressing the audience, elaborated on the fundamental role of SHGs as effective grassroots instruments in alleviating poverty. She underlined how these groups facilitate savings, provide access to credit, encourage collective decision-making, and foster self-reliance among women. Dhar’s presentation highlighted practical approaches for strengthening these vital community organizations.
Dhar further emphasized the steadfast commitment of the Government of India to supporting SHGs through the National Rural Livelihoods Mission. She discussed several key initiatives, including DAY-NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission) and the SHG-Bank Linkage Programme, which have significantly bolstered women-led development initiatives across rural India. The SHG-Bank Linkage Programme, in particular, enables these groups to access formal banking services, expanding their financial capabilities and supporting their entrepreneurial endeavors.
The session also spotlighted the pioneering efforts of NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) in promoting financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and SHG-bank linkages. NABARD’s contribution has been instrumental in providing the necessary resources and training to facilitate the growth and sustainability of SHGs. The contribution of the J&K Rural Livelihood Mission in empowering SHGs across the Jammu and Kashmir region was also highlighted, demonstrating the coordinated efforts to uplift rural communities.
While acknowledging the significant progress, Dhar also addressed several challenges that SHGs continue to face. These include limited awareness about available resources and opportunities, financial constraints that restrict their growth potential, and market access barriers that hinder their ability to sell their products and services effectively. To overcome these challenges, Dhar emphasized the need for stronger SHG networks to foster collaboration and mutual support. She also advocated for digital empowerment to enhance access to information and market opportunities, improved market linkages to connect SHGs with buyers, and greater youth participation to ensure the sustainability and innovation of these groups.
The interactive session was coordinated by Dr. Divya Jamwal, Dr. Sarabjot Singh, and Dr. Ritu Rana, who facilitated the discussions and ensured the smooth flow of the event. Their efforts contributed to a successful and engaging session that provided valuable insights into the role of SHGs in rural development and women’s empowerment.
The interactive session at SMVDU’s School of Business served as a platform for students to learn about the practical implications of SHGs and their impact on rural communities. By bringing together experts and participants, the session fostered a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in promoting sustainable development and women’s empowerment in the region.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.