Vikram Singh Chundawat, Jaishree Mandowara
This study examines the impact of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) on the income growth and economic empowerment of women in the Udaipur district of Rajasthan—a region characterized by tribal concentration, rural livelihoods, and limited access to institutional finance. SHGs have increasingly emerged as grassroots instruments for fostering financial inclusion and enhancing income-generation capabilities among marginalized women. The research is based on a mixed-method approach, utilizing both primary and secondary data. A total of 256 women from 32 SHGs were selected using purposive and convenience sampling, ensuring equal representation from four administrative blocks—Bargaon, Girwa, Kurabad, and Mavli.To evaluate the economic impact, statistical tools such as one-sample t-test and multiple regression analysis were employed. The t-test results showed a significant difference in income levels after SHG participation (mean = 2.7617; t = -2.643; p < 0.05), indicating moderate but positive income growth. The regression model revealed that variables such as improved household contribution, access to new income opportunities, enhanced financial stability, and bargaining power were strong predictors of income growth. The findings confirm that SHGs have positively influenced women’s income, self-reliance, and socio-economic participation. The study provides policy-level insights for strengthening SHG-based financial interventions and expanding their role in sustainable rural development and gender empowerment.
Self-Help Groups, Women Empowerment, Financial Inclusion, Income Growth, Rural Development