Progress of SHG Bank Linkage Programme in Assam: An Analytical Study

Abstract

The Self Help Group Bank Linkage Progrmme (SBLP) has emerged as the largest microfinance programme in the world. SHG-Bank linkage has been considered one of the important instruments to uplift the marginalized section of people who have been living below poverty line. In view of the growing importance of SBLP as a tool of poverty reduction, the present study intends to shade light on the issues of outreach, sustainability, efficiency and fund disbursement of SHG bank linkage programme in Assam based on the available relevant secondary data. The results of the study show that the operation and popularity of SHG- Bank linkage programme has been predominant in certain districts of Assam and thus indicating spatial preferences. From the study it is observed that SHG- Bank Linkage Programme has made tremendous strides in Assam over the past few years and have taken many praise worthy initiatives to walk more with the poor and needy classes.