Despite the vast expansion of the formal credit system in the country, the dependence of the rural poor upon moneylenders is pronounced. In marginalized sectors of rural society, there are no officially recognized credit institutions. Read India Foundation has managed to develop a unique adaptation of the Micro Credit format to cater to the needs of members of our Self Help Groups.
Self Help Groups have evolved as both a viable alternative and a supplement to existing credit facilities. These are small, voluntary, economically homogeneous groups of women who share a single aim: they put savings into a common fund, which operate like mini banks, loaning money to group members at low interest rates following unanimous group decisions. The Women of the Self Help Groups can also avail bank loans from their link banks for any business venture.