Government Women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Eligibility and Benefits
A Self-Help Group (SHG) is a group of 12 to 20 women aged between 18 and 60 years, usually from the same locality, who come together to improve their social and economic well-being through savings, lending, and income-generating activities.
In Tamil Nadu, SHGs are promoted and supported by the Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women (TNCDW) through NGOs and Panchayat Level Federations (PLFs).
Eligibility
- Women aged 18 to 60 years
- Generally 12–20 members from the same locality
- Willingness to save regularly and participate in group activities
How SHGs Function
- Members contribute regular savings
- Internal lending among members is encouraged
- Groups follow democratic decision-making practices
- Each SHG elects one Animator and two Representatives to manage records and bank accounts
Training and Support
Members receive training in:
- Group management
- Bookkeeping and record maintenance
- Savings and lending practices
- Accessing bank credit and government schemes
Key Benefits
- Encourages regular savings habits
- Access to bank loans and revolving funds
- Priority under government welfare and subsidy schemes
- Support for self-employment and income-generating activities
- Training, entrepreneurship guidance, and marketing support
- Promotes women`s financial independence and social empowerment
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