Title of the Project
FIELD PROJECT REPORT
Name of the Student
_____________________________________________________
SYBCOM – SEMESTER III- NEP- 2025-2026
Course
Commerce III – Management : Principles and Functions
Roll No__________
Seat No ___________
Under the Guidance of
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Swami Vivekanand Night College of Arts and Commerce
Dombivli (E)
Month of submission
September 2025
Rashtriya Shikshan Sanstha’s
Swami Vivekanand Night College of Arts and Commerce
Dombivli (E)
CERTIFICATE
I certify that Mr/ Ms. ___________________________________
Student of Swami Vivekanand Night College of Arts and
Commerce, Dombivli (E) studying in SYBCOM – SEM III has
completed a project titled ___________________________
In the area of Commerce (Major) / Accountancy Major/ Economics
Major for the A.Y. 2025-2026. To the nest of my knowledge the
work of the student is original and the information included in this
project is correct.
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I Mr/ Ms. ____________________________________ student of
Swami Vivekanand Night College of Arts and Commerce, Dombivli
(E) studying in SYBCOM – SEM III, hereby declare that I have
completed the field project entitled _____________________
during the academic year 2025-2026.
The report work is original and the information included in the
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Due credit is extended on the work of secondary survey by
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Acknowledgement
It gives me immense pleasure to present this project report as a part of my
academic curriculum for the Second Year B.Com (SYBCOM) – Semester III.
The successful completion of this project would not have been possible
without the guidance and support of several individuals.
First and foremost, I am sincerely grateful to my Internal Guide,
____________________, for their valuable guidance, constant
encouragement, and support throughout the project. Their expertise and
timely feedback greatly contributed to the quality of this report.
I also extend my heartfelt thanks to our respected Principal Dr. Anuja
Palsuledesai, for providing me with the opportunity and resources to
undertake this project and for creating a conducive learning environment in
the college.
I would like to express my deep gratitude to my family members for their
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project. Their encouragement has been a source of strength for me.
Lastly, I thank all those who directly or indirectly helped me in completing
this project successfully.
Thank you.
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Abstract
The present study aimed to analyze the role of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in the
socio-economic empowerment and overall development of rural women, with a
specific focus on Kalyan Tehsil. It also evaluated the perception of SHG
beneficiaries regarding the impact of these groups. A purposive sampling technique
was used to select 10 SHGs consisting of 80 members. Primary data was collected
through structured questionnaires, while secondary data was obtained from
published research papers and online sources. The collected data was coded, edited,
and analyzed systematically to draw meaningful interpretations.
The findings revealed a significant positive impact of SHGs on the socio-economic
and psychological well-being of their members. Most participants belonged to the
26–45 age group and had primary or secondary education, indicating that SHGs
were accessible to women with limited formal education. A comparison of the pre-
and post-membership status showed marked improvements in areas such as income
generation, self-confidence, social involvement, skill development, and decision-
making power. Although areas like self-worth and poverty reduction showed
relatively modest improvement, the overall impact was transformative. The study
concluded that SHGs played an effective role in empowering women, especially
from marginalized rural backgrounds, and contributed meaningfully to inclusive
and sustainable development.
Table of Contents
Chapter No. Title of the Chapter / subheading Page No.
1 Introduction 1
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Objectives 1
1.3 Scope of the study 1
2 Review of Literature 2
2.1 Introduction 2
2.2 Review of Literature 2
2.3 Research Gap 3
3 Research Methodology 4
3.1 Study area 4
3.2 SHGs in study area 4
3.3 Sample Size and Selection Method 4
3.4 Method of Data Collection 5
3.5 Data Analysis 5
4 Findings and Discussion 6
4.1 Introduction 6
4.2 Demographic Evaluation of respondents 6
4.3 The social and economic empowerment of 8
respondents
5 Conclusions and Recommendations 10
5.1 Conclusions 10
5.2 Recommendations 10
References 11
List of Tables
Table No. Title Page No.
1 Frequency table of the age of the respondents 6
2 Frequency Table of Educational Qualification 7
of respondents
3 The social status and empowerment of 8
respondent
List of Figures
Figure No. Title Page No.
1 Age of the respondents 6
2 Education Qualification of the respondents 7
A STUDY OF SELF HELP GROU1PS (SHG) IN
KALYANTALUKA TO UNDERSTAND ITS BENEFITS TO
MEMBERS
Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Introduction
Concept of self help group as defined by NABARD is a “small, economically
homogenous groups of rural poor, formed to save and jointly contribute to common savings to be
given to its members as per the group members decision and requirements”. A self-help group
also termed as a micro bank is a village-based financial instrument generally composed of 10–20
rural poor women. Members contribute small regular funds over a couple of months till there is
enough savings capital in the group to begin loaning. These saved funds might be then borrowed
back to the members or to others poor people in the village for any reason like for income
generation.
In Maharashtra, and particularly in the Kalyan Taluka of Thane district, SHGs have seen
notable growth in recent years. With support from government schemes, non-governmental
organisations (NGOs), and financial institutions, SHGs have helped many rural and semi-urban
families improve their standard of living. Besides economic benefits, SHGs also foster social
empowerment, increased self-confidence, and skill development among members.
1.2 Objectives of the Study
1. To analyze the role of Self Help Groups in the complete socio-economic growth of rural
women with their empowerment.
2. To evaluate the perception of beneficiaries about the role of SHGs.
1.3 Scope of the study
This study focuses exclusively on SHGs operating within the geographical boundaries of Kalyan
Taluka. It covers a sample of SHG members from both rural and semi-urban areas and includes
data related to their demography and empowerment of members of group before and after joining
these groups was collected. The scope is limited to understanding the perceived and measurable
benefits of SHG membership, rather than evaluating the detailed financial performance or
administrative aspects of all SHGs in the region.
1
Chapter 2: Review of Literature
2.1 Introduction
A review of literature is a crucial part of any research study as it helps to build a strong
foundation by examining existing knowledge, theories, and findings related to the research topic.
It provides clarity on what has already been studied, the methods used, and the outcomes
observed, thereby helping to avoid duplication and identify gaps that require further exploration.
For the present study focused on Kalyan Tehsil, the literature review is essential to compare
existing findings with local realities and highlight the need for research in this semi-urban
context.
2.2 Review of Literature
Veena sarangdevot and Kiran Soni (2018). The major objective of the study was to
evaluate the role of Self Help Groups in socioeconomic empowerment of rural women and also to
assess and analyze the changes, that arises in the socio-economic, cultural, and behavioral status
of the rural women members after involvement in the SHGs. The study was undertaken in rural
areas of Udaipur region. Both primary and secondary data were used for the study. Primary data
was gathered from a field survey in the study area. A sample of 10 SHGs had been taken to study
various aspects of the SHGs viz. educational profile, age, economic status and occupational
pattern etc. pre and post SHG joining. The results indicated that post-SHG’s period had recorded
significantly enhanced empowered rural women members and yielded increased self-esteem and
positive behavioral changes.
Satyveer Singh Meena. 2020, conducted descriptive research study in Tribal Sub Plan
(TSP) region of Rajasthan which includes Udaipur, Dungarpur, Banswara, Pratapgarh, Sirohi
districts of Rajasthan. The data was collected by using questionnaire from 300 members of SHGs.
The finding of the study highlights the benefits of joining Self Help Groups (SHGs), such as
improved access to internal loans, increased savings, business support, and overall family welfare.
It notes that SHGs play a key role in empowering members—especially in rural and tribal areas—
by providing easy credit and promoting self-reliance. Most members and villages reported
positive outcomes due to SHG activities and support schemes.
Jaiswal, Kumar, & Kumari (2024), conducted a research study titled Systematic Review
of Women’s Empowerment via SHGs. This systematic literature review analyzed 101
publications (1998–2023) through a PRISMA-based framework, identifying six major dimensions
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of women’s empowerment facilitated by SHGs, 21 antecedents, and outcomes. The authors used
the TCM‑ADO framework to integrate findings and propose six future research directions,
offering a robust roadmap for both theory-building and policymaking.
Sinha Babu (2024), in his study titled Empirical Study in West Bengal on SHG
Participation, collected data from 100 SHG members in a village in West Bengal. This study
explored education, economic, social, and political empowerment of members of SHGs. Results
showed 82% of women improved literacy skills, 90% reported increased family income, and 46%
gained awareness of property rights. However, the study found no significant gains in political
empowerment, highlighting both the strengths and limits of SHGs in grassroots empowerment.
Arjun & Subramanian (2025) — Financial Literacy Effects via SHG Micro‑Financial
Activities This March 2025 study investigated whether participation in SHG-based micro-
financial activities improved women’s financial literacy in Kerala (Kudumbashree NHG
members). Employing multiple linear regression and artificial neural network analysis, the
authors found that such participation did enhance financial literacy, whereas standalone financial
literacy programs did not. Factors like education and family income had positive effects;
demographics such as age, occupation, and marital status did not significantly affect outcomes.
2.2 Research Gap
Recent research underscores the multifaceted significance of Self‑Help Groups. Jaiswal,
Kumar, and Kumari (2024) provide a comprehensive theoretical synthesis, detailing the
empowerment pathways and future study areas. Meanwhile, Sinha Babu (2024) offers compelling
empirical evidence from rural West Bengal, showing marked gains in literacy, income, and
awareness, though political empowerment remains elusive. Extending the analysis into financial
domains, Arjun and Subramanian (2025) demonstrate that engagement in SHG micro-financial
activities tangibly improves women's financial literacy, but educational and income background
factors also play a critical role. Together, these studies affirm SHGs as vital instruments for socio-
economic empowerment while pointing to areas—like political agency—that warrant deeper
intervention. However, a notable research gap exists regarding the impact of SHGs in urbanizing
and peri-urban areas such as Kalyan Tehsil in Thane district, Maharashtra. These regions face
distinct challenges like population pressure, migration, informal employment, and mixed socio-
economic structures. Unlike rural setups, the functioning and outcomes of SHGs in such
transitional areas remain underexplored. Therefore, there is a pressing need to investigate how
SHGs operate and empower women in the evolving context of Kalyan, where both rural and
urban characteristics influence group dynamics and outcomes.
3
Chapter 3: Research Methodology
3.1 Study Area
Kalyan Tehsil had a population of about 1.56 million in 2011, with a significant majority
residing in urban areas. It exhibited high literacy rates—over 90%—and a considerable young
population, with around 10% under the age of six. The tehsil comprises over 377,000 households,
predominantly in urban zones.
Kalyan Tehsil, located in Thane district of Maharashtra, is a dynamic region that includes
both urban and rural areas. It plays a vital role in the economic and social landscape of the
Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The urban part of Kalyan is well-developed, featuring
modern infrastructure, transport connectivity, educational institutions, and commercial
establishments. It is governed by the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) and
houses a growing population with increasing urban needs.
In contrast, the rural areas of Kalyan Tehsil comprise several villages where agriculture,
small businesses, and local industries are the main sources of livelihood. These areas often face
challenges such as limited access to financial institutions, lack of formal employment, and slower
infrastructure development. However, various government and non-government initiatives,
including Self Help Groups (SHGs), have played a key role in improving the socio-economic
condition of rural communities.
Studying both rural and urban parts of Kalyan Tehsil provides a comprehensive view of
how SHGs function in different environments. It also helps to compare the impact of SHGs on
women’s empowerment, financial inclusion, and poverty reduction across varying socio-
economic settings within the same administrative region.
3.2 SHGs in Study Area
At the district level, under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Thane district
has about 10,493 SHGs. Another NRLM dashboard shows that Maharashtra state has over
6,82,000 SHGs. On the organizational front, Karunya Trust’s JAGRUT initiative supports 900
SHGs across Ambernath, Bhiwandi, and Kalyan talukas.
3.3 Sample Size and Selection Method
A sample of 10 SHGs consisting of 80 members has been taken for the present study
based on purposive sampling technique.
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3.4 Method of Data Collection
To achieve the objectives of the study, primary data had been collected with the help of
structured questionnaire from the members of SHGs in the study area. The secondary data was
collected from published sources using web search and research papers published.
3.5 Data analysis
After the collection of primary data through providing a questionnaire to the respondents,
the information is coded, edited, tabulated and presented in the form of tables, in a systematic
manner to enable purposeful analysis and for drawing meaningful interpretation.
5
Chapter 4: Findings and Discussion
4.1 Introduction
This chapter presents the key findings of the study and interprets them in the context of
the research objectives and existing literature. The data collected through, surveys has been
carefully analyzed to understand the benefits of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in Kalyan Tehsil. The
findings are organized thematically to reflect major areas such as demographic information of
members and impact on social development of members. Each theme is discussed with reference
to the participants’ responses and compared with prior research studies where relevant. The
discussion aims to highlight how SHG membership has impacted the socio-economic conditions
of members, and suggest implications for policy and practice.
4.2 Demographic evaluation of respondents
Table 1: Frequency table of the age of the respondents
Age Frequency Percentage
18-25 14 17.5
26-35 24 30
36-45 27 33.75
Above 45 15 18.75
Total 80 100
40
35 33.75
30
30 27
24
25
20 18.75 Frequency
17.5
14 15
15 Percentage
10
0
18-25 26-35 36-45 Above 45
Fig: 1 Age of the respondents
Interpretation of Age-Wise Distribution of Respondents
The above data represents the age distribution of 80 respondents who are members of Self Help
Groups (SHGs) in Kalyan Tehsil. The majority of respondents (33.75%) fall in the 36–45 age
group, indicating that middle-aged individuals are the most active participants in SHGs.
6
The second highest group is the 26–35 age range, comprising 30% of the total respondents. This
shows that young adults also form a significant part of SHG membership. Respondents above 45
years make up 18.75%, suggesting continued involvement of older individuals, although to a
lesser extent. The 18–25 age group represents the smallest share, with only 17.5% of the
respondents. This may indicate limited SHG participation among younger individuals, possibly
due to educational or early-career commitments. The findings suggest that SHGs in Kalyan
Tehsil are mostly composed of individuals aged between 26 and 45, which is typically the
economically productive age group. This age distribution highlights the relevance of SHGs as
tools for livelihood support and financial empowerment during the prime working years.
Table 2: Frequency Table of Educational Qualification of respondents
Educational Frequency Percentage
Qualification
Illiterate 12 15
Primary 31 38.75
Secondary 16 20
Higher Secondary 12 15
Graduate 09 11.25
Total 80 100
45
38.75
40
35
30
25
20 Frequency
20
15 15 Percentage
15 12 11.25
10
5
0
Illiterate Primary Secondary Higher Graduate
Secondary
Fig. 2: Educational qualification of respondents
Interpretation of Educational Qualification of Respondents
The table provides a breakdown of the educational qualifications of 80 Self Help Group (SHG)
members in Kalyan Tehsil. The highest number of respondents, 38.75%, have completed primary
education, indicating that SHGs are widely accessible to individuals with basic literacy and
schooling. 20% of the respondents have completed secondary education, and 15% have
7
completed higher secondary education, showing a moderate level of continued schooling among
members. 15% of the respondents are illiterate, highlighting the role of SHGs in reaching out to
under-educated populations and supporting their inclusion in economic and social development.
Only 11.25% are graduates, suggesting that individuals with higher education levels form a
smaller portion of SHG membership, possibly due to access to other financial or employment
opportunities. The data shows that a significant portion of SHG members in Kalyan Tehsil have
basic or limited education, with the majority being either primary or secondary school educated.
This suggests that SHGs are playing a crucial role in empowering women and individuals with
low educational backgrounds by offering them opportunities for savings, credit, and livelihood
support.
4.3 The social and economic empowerment of respondents
Table 3: The social status and empowerment of respondent
Sr. Variables Pre- SHG Post-SHG
No Mean SD Rank Mean SD Rank
of of
mean mean
1 Psychological well being 1.49 0.788 14 4.061 0.63 9
2 Self confidence 2.023 0.895 10 4.164 0.54 7
3
3 Self worthiness 2.421 0.823 7 3.048 0.76 18
9
4 Skill development 1.994 0.499 16 3.764 0.71 13
2
5 Women are economically 1.236 0.521 20 4.632 0.63 1
and socially empowered 2
6 Poverty reduced 1.861 0.213 18 3.197 0.61 16
7
The data presents a comparison of various personal and socio-economic variables before
and after participation in Self-Help Groups (SHGs), highlighting significant changes in the lives
of the members. The most notable improvement is seen in the area of women’s economic and
social empowerment, which had the lowest mean score (1.236) and ranked last (20th) before SHG
involvement, but rose to the highest mean score (4.632) and achieved the 1st rank post-SHG. This
clearly indicates that SHGs play a pivotal role in empowering women, both economically and
socially.
Self-confidence and psychological well-being also showed considerable improvement.
Self-confidence improved from a mean of 2.023 to 4.164, with its rank moving from 10th to 7th,
suggesting that SHGs help women become more assertive and self-assured.
8
Similarly, psychological well-being improved from a low pre-SHG mean of 1.49 (ranked
14th) to a post-SHG mean of 4.061, improving its rank to 9th. This indicates a strong positive
impact of SHGs on the emotional and mental health of their members.
Other areas like skill development and poverty reduction also witnessed positive changes.
Skill development showed an increase in mean score from 1.994 to 3.764, indicating
enhancement in members' abilities, although its post-SHG rank (13th) suggests that other factors
improved even more. Poverty reduction also saw progress, with the mean rising from 1.861 to
3.197. However, its lower post-SHG rank (16th) suggests that while SHGs helped reduce poverty,
the effect was moderate in comparison to other improvements.
Interestingly, self-worthiness, despite an increase in mean score from 2.421 to 3.048,
dropped in rank from 7th to 18th. This indicates that although members felt more valued, this
improvement was relatively less significant when compared to changes in other areas.
Overall, the data strongly supports the conclusion that SHGs have a transformative
impact, particularly in promoting empowerment, confidence, and psychological well-being
among women. The reduction in standard deviation across most variables in the post-SHG phase
also suggests more consistent and stable positive experiences among the members.
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Chapter 5 : Conclusions and Recommendations
5.1 Conclusion
The study of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Kalyan Tehsil reveals a significant positive
impact on the socio-economic and psychological empowerment of their members. The age-wise
distribution indicates that the majority of SHG participants fall within the 26–45 age range,
reflecting the involvement of economically active and productive individuals. Educationally, most
members have primary or secondary education, suggesting that SHGs are accessible to those with
limited formal schooling and are especially supportive of women from underprivileged
backgrounds. A comparison of pre- and post-SHG participation data highlights remarkable
improvements in key areas such as economic and social empowerment, self-confidence,
psychological well-being, skill development, and poverty reduction. The most significant gains
were observed in the area of women’s empowerment, where SHGs proved to be vital instruments
of transformation. Although some variables like self-worthiness and poverty reduction showed
comparatively lower ranks post-SHG, the overall trend indicates a strong, consistent, and
transformative impact of SHGs on the lives of their members.
5.2 Recommendations
1. Strengthen SHG Outreach Among Youth and Elderly
Efforts should be made to increase awareness and participation of the 18–25 and 45+ age
groups, who are currently underrepresented, through targeted programs and incentives.
2. Promote Functional Literacy and Life Skills Training
As many members have only basic education or are illiterate, regular capacity-building
programs focusing on literacy, numeracy, and vocational skills can enhance the effectiveness of
SHGs.
3. Encourage Leadership and Political Participation
Since gains in political empowerment were found limited in other studies, SHGs should be
encouraged to promote leadership development and civic engagement among women.
4. Conduct Periodic Impact Assessments
Regular monitoring and evaluation should be conducted to assess the long-term impact of
SHGs, identify gaps, and adapt strategies as per the changing socio-economic context.
5. Promote SHGs in Urban and Semi-Urban Areas
Given the urbanizing nature of Kalyan Tehsil, customized SHG models should be developed to
suit the needs of urban poor and migrant populations.
10
References
1. Satyveer Singh Meena. 2020. Opinion, Reasons and Benefits of Joining Self Help Groups
in Tribal Sub Plan Region of Rajasthan-An Evaluative Study.
Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci. 9(10): 3450-3460. doi:
https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2020.910.398
2. Veena sarangdevot and Kiran Soni (2018), Significance of the self help groups: a critical
evaluation, International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews 5 (4), E ISSN 2348
–1269, PRINT ISSN 2349-5138,
3. https://www.censusindia2011.com/maharashtra/thane/kalyan-
population.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Kalyan Taluka Population Thane,
Maharashtra, List of Villages & Towns in Kalyan Taluka"
4. Jaiswal, J., Kumar, B., & Kumari, P. (2024). Women empowerment through Self‑Help
Groups (SHGs): A systematic review and research agenda. Central University of South
Bihar. (Preprint; reviewed November 2024)
5. Sinha Babu, S. (2024). Women empowerment through participation in Self‑Help Groups
(SHGs): A way towards achieving sustainable development. Journal of Women
Empowerment and Studies, 4(4), Article 54.
[https://doi.org/10.55529/jwes.44.43.54](https://doi.org/10.55529/jwes.44.43.54)
6. Arjun, T. P., & Subramanian, R. (2025). Does participation in Self‑Help Group‑based
micro‑financial activities enhance the financial literacy of women? Evidence from India.
International Journal of Social Economics. Advance online publication.
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