RURAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH WOMEN SELF HELP GROUPS (WSHGS): A STUDY OF NAMCHI DISTRICT, SIKKIM, INDIA

Abstract

To improve the socio-economic conditions of WSHGs in rural areas through the North-East Rural Livelihood Project (NERLP) and National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) has played a vital role in Sikkim. Now, in Sikkim, the Sikkim State Rural Livelihood Mission (SSRLM) under the Rural Development Department has been functioning in all the districts of Sikkim. Rural development is a continuous process of aiming to increase the welfare of societies and upgrade the quality of life of rural people. Rural Development is an effective process that comprises the socio-economic, environmental, political, and welfare of the rural poor people living in sparse areas.WSHG has also been helping in uplifting women's empowerment as well as the work participation of women in the rural economy of the country. So, that they can use their local resources and generate income for rural development for their people. This paper focused on how the WSHGs have contributed to the society and rural development in Sikkim. It examines the degree of income inequalities among the respondents and to analyze the factors that determine the socio-economic status of WSHGs.It also helps to examine the changes in the level of income, expenditure, and savings before and after joining the WSHGs. The present study is based on primary data and secondary data. The data was collected from 7 blocks viz., Namchi, Ravongla, Namthang, Sikkip, Sumbuk, Temi Tarku, and Yangyang of Namchi districts, South Sikkim. The sample size considered for the study is 100 WSHGs consisting of 1 respondent from each selected group. Descriptive and inferential statistics have been used for analyzing the data. The descriptive statistics tools such as simple percentage, mean, average, and standard deviation were used. To test the hypotheses, OLS, Logit model, and Z-test were used. The result shows that income inequalities exist between the members of WSHGs in the study area. The factors determining the Socioeconomic status of WSHG among the members of groups such as age, and income. education and house type have a positive impact on the socio-economic status of WSHGs. The WSHGs' potentialities like age, experience, and house type have a positive impact on the rate of income of WSHGs after joining the groups. Therefore, the average annual income and saving of respondents has increased after joining the WSHGs.

Keywords: Women Self Help Groups (WSHGs), Rural Development, Income Inequalities, Saving, Income, Z-test.

JEL Classification:D31, E21, R11, R12, R15