In India, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have become a strong community force, mainly involving women. They transform how loans are given out, preferring mutual trust and group responsibility over traditional security. This article offers an in-depth look at the SHG model's credit risk assessment process, emphasising its educational and empowering facets.
Understanding The Integral Role Of SHGs
These groups commence their journey towards economic empowerment with a pivotal step: discussing and evaluating credit needs among their members. This initial stage is crucial, as it sets the groundwork for a transparent and collective decision-making process. Members openly discuss their financial aspirations and challenges, carefully weighing the various loan options available to them. This ensures that every loan application is backed by a deep understanding of individual and group needs, aligning closely with the community's broader objectives of empowerment and economic self-reliance.
The journey of loan application in SHGs begins at the sangha level, a fundamental unit within the SHG ecosystem. Sangha is a collective where members guarantee each other's loans. Here, the emphasis is on collective wisdom and guarantorship, where members vouch for each other's credibility.
This grassroots approach to credit evaluation focuses on several key areas:
Historical Repayment Behavior: Assessing a member's track record with previous loans.
Support Systems: Evaluating the presence of family or alternative support mechanisms.
Income Stability: Considering stable income sources, such as pensions.
These discussions are pivotal, ensuring that loans are granted based on a comprehensive understanding of an individual's financial landscape.For further reading on the foundational principles of SHGs, NABARD's SHG Bank Linkage Programme provides extensive resources and insights.
Loan Purpose and Empowerment in SHGs
A unique aspect of SHGs is their focus on the purpose behind loan requests and the potential for personal and economic empowerment. This evaluative process encourages members to think critically about their financial decisions, steering them towards sustainable and empowering choices. Key considerations include:
Investment vs. Consumption: Encouraging investment in assets over consumption-based spending.
Market Saturation: Advising on the viability of business ventures in saturated markets.
Property Ownership: Promoting women's property ownership to enhance their economic and social standing.
A loan for a daughter's wedding might be advised against in favour of more sustainable investments. Similarly, opening another sari shop in a village saturated with them might be discouraged in favour of exploring new ventures. This dialogue extends to considerations of property ownership and decision-making autonomy for women, fundamentally aiming at enhancing their socio-economic standing.
Educational resources like MicroSave's toolkit on SHGs offer comprehensive guides on implementing these principles effectively.
The Cooperative’s Board: Beyond Initial Assessment
Following the sangha's review, the cooperative's board undertakes a secondary level of risk assessment. This stage introduces formal financial education on interest rates, repayment terms, and the efficient use of loans. They reiterate the importance of thoughtful loan utilisation, explaining the specifics of interest rates and repayment terms. Interestingly, this formal counselling is complemented by informal advice exchanged among loan applicants, enriching the decision-making process with peer insights.
Sustained Support and Monitoring by SHGs
The relationship between the SHG and the borrower extends beyond the loan disbursement. Regular follow-ups ensure the loan’s impact is positive and address any repayment challenges. This ongoing support system underscores the SHG model’s commitment to financial education and empowerment. Rang De works with 14 SHGs across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam , Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. Rang De Social Investors have funded 3600 + borrowers with low interest loans for various livelihood activities. The loan disbursed to SHGs by Rang De Social Investors till date amounts to ₹14.95 crores
Through a community-driven approach to credit risk assessment, these groups not only safeguard their financial interests but also foster an environment where women can thrive economically and socially. The SHG model exemplifies how financial systems can be more inclusive, empathetic, and empowering, offering lessons far beyond their immediate context.
You can invest in women farmers and entrepreneurs at rangde.in
Recommended reading : How rural women benefit from loan advice