Impact of Micro Finance Institutions on the Socio-economic Upliftment of Rural Women

Description

Page: 103-106

Rijul Sihag¹, Monika Devi², and Jatesh Kathpalia³ (Department of Agricultural Economics, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana^1,2 and Department of Sociology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana³)

This study investigates the socio-economic impact of microfinance institutions (MFIs) on rural women in Haryana, focusing on Hisar, Bhiwani, and Karnal districts. A sample of 80 female beneficiaries engaged in self-help groups was selected from these districts, with data collected through a structured questionnaire. The findings indicate that microfinance has positively influenced the social and economic status of women, leading to improved awareness, decision-making power, and recognition within the family. However, challenges such as increased work burden, lack of family support, and educational constraints persist. The study suggests that timely information dissemination about government subsidies and facilities, along with skill development training, can further empower rural women economically. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of microfinance initiatives in promoting the holistic development of rural women in Haryana.