• Dr. Umesh Balu Gadekar

India, as a developing nation, sustains a predominantly rural population, where the enduring issue of poverty has persisted over the course of a 62-year journey in rural community development programs. To elevate the economic standing and social standing of rural women, numerous initiatives have been undertaken across the country. Among these endeavors, the establishment of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and the empowerment of women through them have emerged as significant pathways. The SHG movement contributes substantially to enhancing the social and economic conditions of women within its fold. The fundamental principle of cooperative development underpins the functioning of SHGs. Therefore, evaluating the outcomes of women's empowerment efforts becomes an essential task. Through the platform of SHGs, the transformation of socio-economic status among impoverished rural women is actively pursued. This study focuses on assessing the role of SHGs in the socio-economic advancement of women associated with them in Manpadale Village, situated in the Hatkanangale taluka of Kolhapur district. In this pursuit, a mixed-method approach has been employed by the researchers. The primary data source for this study is Panpadale Village, where 110 samples were selected through a lottery method from a pool of 220 SHG members. The essence of this research asserts that SHGs serve as a pivotal instrument for driving socio-economic progress among disadvantaged rural women. Participation in SHGs facilitates greater integration into society and augments their societal roles. This comprehensive development encompasses an enhancement not only in their economic well-being but also in their social standing.

Self-Help Group (SHG), Women, Socio-Economic Status, Women Empowerment

"An Investigation into the Socio-Economic Status of Members in the Self-Help Group of Manpadle Village", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.10, Issue 8, page no.c414-c421, August-2023, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2308248.pdf

"An Investigation into the Socio-Economic Status of Members in the Self-Help Group of Manpadle Village", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.10, Issue 8, page no. ppc414-c421, August-2023, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2308248.pdf