a) the total number of groups such as Self Help Group (SHG) being run by the women belonging to the scheduled castes/ scheduled tribes/backward classes, State/ UT-wise;
(b) the funds allocated to the SHGs and spent by them in the country during the last three years, State/UT-wise;
(c) whether the Government has received proposals to increase the number of SHGs in States/UTs; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government to strengthen the SHGs?
(MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE)
(a) & (b): As per information compiled by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) from Banks, on 31st March 2017, there are 85.77 lakh Self Help Groups (SHGs) in the country out of which 73.22 lakh SHGs are exclusively Women SHGs which are savings linked. The State/Union Territory-wise details of savings linked SHGs and loan disbursed during the last 3 years are enclosed as Annexure I and II.
(c) & (d): Government have taken various steps to increase the number of SHGs and strengthen them. These include, inter alia, Women SHGs Development Fund being operated by NABARD in 150 most backward districts, interest subvention under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY – NRLM) to NRLM SHGs on loans upto Rs 3 lakh per SHG, grant and other support to Non Government Organisations (NGOs) and other Self Help Promoting Institutions for promotion and nurturing of SHGs formed by poor women in rural areas, etc.
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