---

Women empowerment in India - A study on self help groups focuses on the Self Help Groups (DWCRA Groups), as sub-scheme of integrated Rural Development Scheme (IRDP), started in Andhra Pradesh in 1982-83 with UNICEF cooperation with the primary objective of focusing attention on the women members of rural families living below the poverty line with a view to generate self employment on a sustained basis. SHG is a viable alternative to achieving the objective of rural development and community participation in all rural development programmes. Thewomen-led SHGS have successfully demonstrated how to mobilise and manage thrift, appraise credit needs, maintain linkage with the blank and face financial self-discipline. In fact, SHGs are necessary to overcome exploitation, create confidence regarding economic self-reliance among the rural poor, particularly among women, who are mostly invisible in the social structure. These groups enable them to come together for a common objective and gain strength from each other to deal with exploitation, which they are facing, in several forms. The group becomes the basis for action and change.

---

Mrs V.Gowrilakshmi is faculty of Finance and Accounting done M.Com,MBA, M.Phil From Andhra University having 12 years teaching and research for Post graduate students. have presented research papers in International and National conferences.

---