Kudumbashree Report

IMPACT OF ‘KUDUMBASHREE’ PROGRAMME
ON RURAL WOMEN IN KOTTAYAM

DISTRICT OF KERALA
CHITHRA N. NAIR
PAK 9108
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION

UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
BANGALORE - 560065
2011
IMPACT OF ‘KUDUMBASHREE’ PROGRAMME
ON RURAL WOMEN IN KOTTAYAM
DISTRICT OF KERALA
CHITHRA N. NAIR
PAK 9108
Thesis submitted to the
University of Agricultural Sciences, BANGALORE
in the partial fulfillment for the award of the degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE (AGRICULTURE)

IN
AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION
BANGALORE JULY, 2011

To Lord Almighty
Who has given me,
the serenity to accept the things I cannot

change,
the courage to change the things I can, and,
the wisdom to know the difference.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION
UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
BANGALORE-560065
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the thesis entitled “Impact of ‘Kudumbashree’

Programme on Rural Women in Kottayam District of Kerala”
submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of MASTER OF
SCIENCE (Agriculture) in AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION to the
University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore is a bonafide record of
research work carried out by Ms. CHITHRA N. NAIR, ID No. PAK 9108
under my guidance and supervision and no part of the thesis has been
submitted for the award of any other degree, diploma, associateship,
fellowship or any other similar titles.
Place: BANGALORE Dr. K. C. LALITHA

Date: July, 2011 Professor and Major Advisor
APPROVED BY:
Chairperson : ___________________________
(K.C. LALITHA)
Members : 1. ___________________________
(M.S. NATARAJU)
2. ___________________________
(Y.N. SHIVALINGAIAH)
3. ___________________________
(K.N. KALYANA MURTHY)
4. ___________________________
(H.S. SURENDRA)
Acknowledgement
This endeavor is the result of two years of hard work whereby am highly indebted to
many people who directly and indirectly helped me for its successful completion.
Words fail to express the feelings, when I wish to acknowledge my beloved parents
and sister. It was their encouragement, support and sacrifice that sustained my interest and
enthusiasm during the course of my study. I owe a lot to their moral support.
I am extremely delighted to place on record my profound sense of gratitude to

Dr.K.C.Lalitha, Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension, UAS, Bangalore and
Chairman of my advisory committee for her valuable guidance and constructive suggestions at
every step during the thesis work. I thank her for the creative criticism and continued co-
operation throughout the period of the study.
I acquired a lot of knowledge and valuable suggestions from discussions with the
members of my advisory committee, Dr. M.S.Nataraju, Co-ordinator, RC-NAEB, Dr. Y.N.
Shivalngaiah, Programme Co-ordinator, KVK, Tiptur, and Dr.K.N.Kalyanmurthy, Professor,
Department of Agronomy, UAS, Bangalore and Mr. H.S.Surendra, Associate Professor,
Department of Agricultural Statistics, UAS, Bangalore. I am grateful to each of them for
providing impetus and valuable suggestions throughout this study.
I avail this opportunity to express my profound thanks to Dr. D. Nanjappa, Professor

and Head, Department of Agricultural Extension, for the timely help, support and
suggestions, which helped a lot in the betterment of my student carrier.
Also extent my sincere thanks to all staff members of Agricultural Extension

Department for their help rendered to me during the course of my study.
I can never forget the untiring help of lab assistant and technicians, Department of
Agricultural Extension.
A special note of thanks to the rural women of Kottayam for their kind co-operation
during my primary data collection. I thank Mr. Vishwanathan, Agricultural officer, Pampady,
for his valuable guidance in finding out the actively working ‘Kudumbasree’ groups. I also
want to thank Radha madam, Vinayan sir, Ammini chechi and all others who helped me in
data collection of my research work.
I thank Mrs. Indira, Extension Officer, Pampady Block Panchayat, for the kind
cooperation and support offered during data collection and interaction with rural women.
I sincerely thank Ayoob chettan who helped me a lot during data analysis and
interpretation.
I thank all my seniors and juniors of the department, especially Ms. Mamathalakshmi,
Ms. Chithra, Ms. Lavanya and Ms. Swetha, who helped me a lot during the course of work.
If friendship is a blessing, I am really blessed, and it was my friends who made my

journey, traversed during the academic carrier, zestful and enjoyable. I thank Aparna,
Rahianath, Neetha, Priya, Remya, Silpa and Chinnu who were with me during my ups and
downs, for their moral support and everlasting friendship. I thank Savithri and Pallavi, for
being my good comrades and rendering great help during my Post Graduation. I thank
Vrushali,, Sameer, Suvana, Asha, Prathibha, Anusha, Padma, Baphi, Bindhu,
Haritha,Sarika, for the nice moments we shared during the two years period.
I use this opportunity to sincerely thank my classmates, Ananthnag, Shankaraiah,

Pruthvi, Suchith, Pradeep, Yashodhara, Praveen, Devraj, Leonci, Augustin, Aimable, Prosper,
Sandeep, Kantharaju, for their friendship and making the two year study memorable.
I am very much grateful to I.C.A.R for the financial assistance provided for my study
in the form of Junior Research fellowship.
Above all, I thank Lord Almighty for the blessings showered on me.
Bangalore.
July, 2011 CHITHRA N. NAIR
THESIS ABSTRACT
Impact of ‘Kudumbashree’ Programme on Rural Women in Kottayam District of
Kerala
Chithra, N.Nair
‘Kudumbashree’ is the poverty eradication mission of Kerala State and is a

community based self-help initiative involving poor women. The present research study
was conducted to know the impact ‘Kudumbashree’ programme on rural women. The
data were collected from a sample of 120 respondents from Kottayam, Vaikom and
Changanassery taluks of Kottayam district in Kerala State.
The major findings revealed that about 83.3 per cent of the beneficiaries and 76.7
percent of the non-beneficiaries were partially aware of the ‘Kudumbashree’ programme.
About 40.0 per cent of the beneficiaries had medium level of participation and 98.3 per
cent of the beneficiaries had an improvement in the financial conditions and betterment in
social status. The variables viz., education, social participation, mass media exposure,
achievement motivation, age, family dependency ratio had significant relationship with
the awareness level of beneficiaries. The variables like mass media exposure,
achievement motivation, occupation, education and social participation had significant
relationship with the awareness level of non-beneficiaries. The variables like education,
mass media exposure, achievement motivation, family type and social participation had
significant relationship with the extent of participation of beneficiaries. While, the
variables such as social participation, achievement motivation, education, mass media
exposure and family type had significant relationship with the benefits derived by the
beneficiaries of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme.
Lack of proper marketing place, disturbance from daily household work were the
major constraints faced by the beneficiaries of programme and need oriented training
came up as the major suggestion from the rural women.
Dept. of Agril. Extension Dr.K.C.Lalitha
UAS, GKVK, Bangalore-65 (Major Advisor)
July, 2011 the

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CONTENTS
CHAPTER
TITLE PAGE No.
No.
I INTRODUCTION 1-11
II REVIEW OF LITERATURE 12-47
III METHODOLOGY 48-61
IV RESULTS 62-93
V DISCUSSION 94-121
VI SUMMARY 122-130
VII REFERENCES 131-147
APPENDICES 148-159
LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
TITLE
No. No.
Socio-economic characteristics of the beneficiaries and non-

1. 66-67
beneficiaries of “Kudumbashree” programme
Overall awareness level of beneficiaries and non

2. 71
Awareness level of the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries

3. 72-73
about different components of “Kudumbashree” programme
Extent of participation of beneficiaries in different group

4. 75
activities and programmes (Overall)
Extent of participation of beneficiaries in different group

5. 76
activities and programmes
6. Benefits derived by beneficiaries of “Kudumbashree” group 78
Subsidiary occupation of the beneficiaries of

7. 78
“Kudumbashree” programme
Improvement in the financial position of the

8. 79
“Kudumbashree” group members
9. Extent of savings made by members of “Kudumbashree” 79
Nature of betterment in social status of “Kudumbashree”

10 81
group members
Relationship and contribution of independent variables

11. towards awareness level of beneficiaries of Kudumbasree 82
programme

12. towards awareness level of non-beneficiaries of 84
Kudumbashree programme

13. towards extent of participation of beneficiaries of 86
Table Page
TITLE
No. No.

14. towards benefits derived by the beneficiaries of 88
Constraints faced by the beneficiaries during their

15. 91
participation in “Kudumbashree” programme
Suggestions given by the beneficiaries for the effective

16. 93
implementation of “Kudumbashree” programme
LIST OF FIGURES
Sl. Between
TITLE
No. Pages
1. Map of Kottayam district showing the study area 48-49
2. Conceptual model of the study 61-62
Overall awareness level of beneficiaries and non-

3. 71-72
beneficiaries of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme
Extent of participation of the beneficiaries of

4. 75-76
Benefits derived by the beneficiaries of Kudumbashree

5. 78-79
group
Subsidiary occupation undertaken by the members of

6. 78-79
Kudumbashree group
Extent of savings generated by the beneficiaries of

7. 79-80
Kudumbashree group
Empirical model showing the relationship between

8. 88-89
dependent and independent variables
LIST OF PLATES
Sl. Between
TITLE
No. Pages
1. ‘Kudumbashree’ members in tailoring centre 88-89
2. Women beneficiary benefitted from cattle rearing 88-89
3. Women beneficiaries in catering unit 88-89
4. Women engaged in coffee powder preparation 88-89

INTRODUCTION

I. INTRODUCTION
“Millions of women in our hamlets know what unemployment means. Give

them access to economic activities and they will have access to power and
self-confidence to which they hitherto have been strangers”
Mahatma Gandhi
India is a developing country with vast section of its population

suffering from illiteracy, malnutrition, unemployment and poor health. In
the post liberalization phase, the major problem confronted by India is
the lack of an efficient mechanism, which enables all the sections in the
society to get the benefits of economic growth and development.
As per the 2001 census, the total Indian population was 1027.01
million, of which women accounted for 495.73 million. Therefore, women
constitute 50 per cent of population, perform two third of work and
produce 50 per cent of food commodities consumed by the country. They
earn one third of remuneration and own 10 per cent of the property in
the country.
Women development strategies vary depending on a country's

macroeconomic, structural and social policies and programmes.
Nevertheless, all strategies should reflect the country's characteristics
and should be participatory with proper diagnostics with appropriate
targets, indicators and systems for monitoring and evaluating progress.
The widely acclaimed strategy of promoting Self-Help Groups (SHGs) of
the poor has proved to be ideal in many countries in alleviating poverty
and fostering rural development. By the early 1970s, welfare and
charitable organisations concentrated on working with neighbourhood or
village groups on self-help initiatives and grassroots economic projects.
Now, SHGs worldwide foster a process of on-going change in favour of
the rural poor. This process can be sustained by them through building
and managing appropriate and innovative local level institutions rooted
in values of justice, equity and mutual support.
The concept of self-help groups gained significance, especially after

1976 when Prof. Mohammed Yunus of Bangladesh began experimenting
with micro-credit and women SHGs. The strategy made a quiet revolution
in Bangladesh in poverty eradication 'by empowering the poor women'
(CIRDAP Digest, 2000). SHGs are small informal associations created for
the purpose of enabling members to reap economic benefit out of mutual
help, solidarity and joint responsibility. The benefits include mobilization
of savings and credit facilities and pursuit of group enterprise activities.
The group based approach not only enables the poor to accumulate
capital by way of small savings but also help them to have access to
formal credit facilities (Shylendra, 1998). In general, the SHGs created
were implemented to effectively reach the poor, especially the women,
help them obtain easy access to facilities like savings and credit and in
the long run in alleviating poverty by empowering them.
Like many other developing countries, India devotes much

attention to micro credit schemes and SHGs to empower women and as a
strategy of eradicating poverty. National Bank of Agriculture and Rural
Development (NABARD) initiated women Self Help Groups (SHGs) in
India with the support of local NGOs. The formation of SHGs led to the
implementation of Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY),
launched by the Ministry of Rural Development.
Kudumbasree, the poverty eradication mission of the State of

Kerala is a community based self-help initiative involving poor women. It
has been envisaged as an approach to poverty alleviation focusing
primarily on micro finance and micro-enterprise development, and
integrally linked to local self-government institutions. ‘Kudumbashree’ is
sponsored by local self-government institutions in Kerala. Though local
government institutions are not originally linked to ‘Kudumbashree’, they
are active partners in the programme.
Under ‘Kudumbashree’, women have organized themselves under a

three – tier community based organization. The bottom of the
‘Kudumbashree’ programme is formed by the Neighbourhood Groups
(NHGs) comprising of 20-40 women members selected from poor families.
The second is the Area Development Society (ADS) which is formed at the
level of ward of local government by federating 8-10 NHGs. The
Community Development Society (CDS), the top most tier formed at the
village Panchayat level or at the municipality (town) or corporation (city)
is a federation of ADSs. CDS is the federation of all the ADSs in the
respective panchayat (rural) or municipality (town) or corporation
(city).The ‘Kudumbashree’ system works in close association with both
the urban and rural local governments through a network of Community
Based Organizations working with women.
As on March 2008, ‘Kudumbashree’ has covered 36,53,655

families through 1,85,309 NHGs, 16,950 ADSs and 1058 CDSs. It also
plays an important role as a nodal agency for anti-poverty programmes
sponsored by central, state and local governments with focus on micro
enterprise development. It has become a conduit for a variety of
government programmes. This women-oriented self help group
programme strives to tackle poverty in an integrated manner through an
effective convergence of resources and actions.
Micro finance, especially provision of thrift and credit services

using bank linkage appears to have proved its viability. Thrift and Credit
activities at the level of NHGs promote saving habit among the poor and
help them access loans for both consumption and investment purposes.
‘Kudumbashree’ mission is also implementing projects for the destitute.
Various development activities in the state of Kerala are being
brought together through the group dynamics developed under the
‘Kudumbashree’ programme. This has resulted in convergence of
resources leading to poverty reduction (Jose, 2006).
It is significant to examine the functioning of ‘Kudumbashree’

programme in the state of Kerala which has caught the world-wide
attention, due to high social and equitable development in the backdrop
of limited economic growth. Kerala, despite having a relatively low Gross
National Product, has achieved life expectancies comparable to
industrially advanced countries. Among various Indian states it has an
impressive Human Development Index (HDI). From the gender
perspective also, it has made impressive performance. The sex ratio in
Kerala state is 1,058 females per 1,000 males compared to all India ratio
of only 933 females per 1,000 males. In terms of HDI, Kerala has
consistently held the top position among the major states for 1981, 1991
and 2001 (Anonymous, 2002). The gender gap in literacy rates is much
smaller in Kerala, compared to other regions in India. Education of
women has been linked to the low fertility rates, which together are key
indications of the emancipation of women (Dreze and Sen, 2002). Infant
mortality rates stand impressive in Kerala at one fifth of India’s rate.
The specific objectives of ‘Kudumbashree’programme are as

follows:
1. Identification of the poor families through risk indices based

surveys, with the active participation of the poor and the
communities to which they belong.
2. Empowering the poor women to improve the productivity and

managerial capabilities of the community by organizing them into
Community Based Organisations (Structure of Community Based
Organisation is indicated in Appendix III.)
3. Encouraging thrift and investment through credit by developing

Community Development Societies to work as informal bank of the
poor.
4. Improving incomes of the poor through improved skills and

investment for self -employment.
5. Ensuring better health and nutrition for all.
6. Ensuring basic amenities like safe drinking water, sanitary

latrines, improved shelter and healthy environment.
7. Ensuring a minimum of 5 years of primary education for all

children, belonging to risk families.
8. Enabling the poor to participate in the decentralization process

through the Community Development Societies, as it is a
subsystem of the local government, under which it works.
Organisation
The following are the community structures suggested for the rural
areas of the State:
1. Kudumbashree Ayalkoottam or Neighbhourhood Groups.
2. Kudumbashree Ward Samithy or Area Development Society
3. Kudumbashree Panchayat Samithy or Community Development

Society
The paradigm shift in the approach is that any woman who is

residing in the Grama Panchayat can become a member of the
Kudumbashree Ayalkoottam irrespective of whether that she belongs to a
below poverty line (BPL) family or not. Since this aspect gives an opening
for the above poverty line (APL) families to enter into the community
structures envisaged by ‘Kudumbashree’, it is further ensured that
majority of the office bearers should belong to BPL families. These
structures give added importance to women empowerment in both social
and economic aspects. The organizational structure of ‘Kudumbasree’ is
given in Appendix II.
Strategies
The action plan charted out for ‘Kudumbashree’ is: -
1. Formation of women collectives.
The poor women identified from different families will be organised

into Neighbourhood Groups (NHG) representing 15 to 40 families. A five-
member team elected from the NHGs will be the cutting edge of the
programme. NHGs will be federated democratically into Area
Development Societies (ADS) at the Panchayat/Municipality Ward level
and then into Community Development Societies (CDS) at the
Panchayat/Municipal level. Their organizational structures will provide
opportunities for collective public action.
2. More information/training.
Weekly meetings of NHGs, sharing of experiences, discussions,

organised/unorganized trainings etc., will broaden their outlook on
better health, better education, better social and economic status.
3. Skill up-gradation training.
To facilitate economic development, suitable skill upgradation

trainings will be given to women.
4. Thrift - credit operations and 24 hour banking system.
Enabling women to realize their latent potential and strengthening

them through self-help are the main objectives of ‘Kudumbashree’. Small
savings generated at the families are pooled at various levels as thrift and
used to attract credit from banks, which will operate as 24-hour bank for
the poor, acting as a sub-system of the formal banks.
5. Better living conditions - Infrastructural facilities.
The needs identified at NHG level are shaped as micro plans which
are integrated into mini plans at ADS level and action plan at CDS level.
This will be the anti-poverty sub plan of the local body and this will
facilitate convergent delivery of Government programmes meant for the
poor. Rather than the traditional system of heavily subsidized approach,
‘Kudumbashree’ promotes self-help approach for building houses,
latrines, access to drinking water, sanitary facilities etc., availing the
minimum support from Government. Common infrastructural facilities
in the community strengthen them further.
6. Micro-enterprises for sustainable economic development.
Providing skill up-gradation trainings, self-employment

opportunities and infrastructural development through wage
employment schemes are the preparing grounds for further development
of successful micro enterprises. ‘Kudumbashree’ is bent on giving
necessary resource support and facilitate forward/backward linkages
etc., to promote micro-entrepreneurship among poor women.
7. Power to the people especially the poor women.
The skill for identification of needs, fixing priorities, availing

resources, bridging gap between needs and resources in a cost effective
manner etc., are taught to the poor women groups in various phases. In
the decentralization of power to the local bodies and common man,
‘Kudumbashree’ can act as a healthy sub-system facilitating
participation of poor women in the planning, implementation and
monitoring of the programme.
8. Leadership - decision making power.
Interaction in women collectives will help them to have a better

understanding, which will lead to the emergence of leadership. This will
help to ensure efficient women leadership to elected governments in
future.
9. The ultimate goal.
Reaching out family through women, and community through

family, is the ultimate target of Kudumbashree.
Scope of the programme
‘Kudumbashree’ is the largest women movement in Asia with a

membership of 36 lakhs representing equal number of families. 36 lakh
poor families brought under the Community Based Organisations (CBO)
consisting of 1.87 lakh Neighbourhood Groups (NHG), 17,000 Area
Development Societies (ADSs) and 1,058 Community Development
Societies (CDSs) - rural and urban. They have mobilised a sum of Rs.
1,105 crores as thrift and disbursed loans amounting to Rs.2, 818 crores
to the members of Neighbourhood Groups.
Program Implementation Team
The activities of ‘Kudumbashree’ mission is controlled by a state

level office, headed by an IAS officer and at district level a District
Mission Team. At the Panchayat level, a charge officer is given the
responsibility of the administration along with the CDS governing
committee.
Need for the study
Women play an important role in the development of family and

hence considered as backbone of the family. Now a days, women are
considered as active agents participating and maintaining their own
development. If these women are empowered to a greater extent, they can
contribute to alleviate poverty to a greater extent. By looking into the
past experiences with poverty alleviation programmes, it shows that they
have been successfully implemented, if they are targeted and focused on
women.
Keeping the above aspects in view, a comprehensive study entitled

“Impact of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme on Rural Women in Kottayam
district of Kerala” was contemplated with the following objectives:
1. To study the socio-economic characteristics of the beneficiaries and

non-beneficiaries of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme
2. To study the awareness level of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of

‘Kudumbashree’ programme
3. To study the extent of participation and benefits derived by the

beneficiaries of ‘Kudumbasree’ programme
4. To assess the relationship and contribution of socio-economic

characteristics of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries on the
dependent variable
5. To identify the constraints faced by beneficiaries and their

suggestions for the improvement of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme
Scope of the study
Evaluation of the performance of poverty alleviation programmes

on beneficiaries is very much needed to improve their standard of living.
In the present study, attempts are made to know the impact of
‘Kudumbashree’ programme in terms of benefits derived and its merits
over the non-beneficiaries.
The study will provide valuable information to the rural

development workers, executive officers and planners to implement the
programme in a pragmatic manner. The study will throw light on the
extent to which the agency has created awareness among women
beneficiaries about its programmes, sources of information for the
participant beneficiaries and how far it has contributed to the up-
liftment of women folk in the rural areas and the advantages derived by
the beneficiaries over non-beneficiaries.
Limitations of the study
The study was confined to Kottayam, Changanassery and Vaikom

taluks of Kottayam district. Since it is a student research, which has
limitation on time, resources etc., generalization made based on the
findings of the study may not be directly applicable to other areas and
need to be substantiated with other studies. Since the study is based on
ex-post facto research design the memory bias on the part of respondent
cannot be ruled out.
Operational definitions used for the study
Awareness: Awareness refers to the first hand information obtained by

the beneficiaries about the activities of ‘Kudumbashree’ programmes, its
implementation process and its operational procedure.
Participation: Participation refers to the extent of involvement of the

women beneficiaries in the group activities and also in various
programmes conducted for the benefit of ‘Kudumbashree’ group
members.
Benefits derived: It refers to the benefits derived by the beneficiaries in
terms of improvement in financial conditions and social status, by
obtaining loan in the form of cash and carrying out various income
generating activities and by participating in various social activities.
Presentation of the study
The study is presented in seven chapters. The first chapter deals

with introduction covering presentation of problems, objectives, scope
and limitations of the study. The review of literature in the light of
present investigation and conceptual frameworks are given in the second
chapter. The third chapter deals with the methodology, results and
discussion are presented in the fourth and fifth chapters; summary and
references are presented in the sixth and seventh chapters followed by
appendices respectively.

REVIEW OF
LITERATURE

II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Keeping in view of the objectives of the study, an attempt has been

made to include the review of related studies and is presented under the
following headings in this chapter.
2.1. Socio-economic characteristics of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries

of development programmes
2.2. Awareness level of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries about

development programmes
2.3. Extent of participation of members in development programmes
2.4. Benefits derived by the beneficiaries of the development programmes
2.5. Influence of personal and socio-economic characteristics of

beneficiaries on impact of development programmes
2.6. Constraints faced by the beneficiaries during their participation in

development programmmes
2.7. Suggestions given by the beneficiaries on the content and

operational aspects of development programmes
2.1. Socio-economic characteristics of beneficiaries and non-

beneficiaries of development programmes
AGE
Waghmare et al. (1988) observed that middle age respondents had

good information about the various government programmes.
Singh et al. (1990) found that two third of the women of self-help
groups were young i.e less than or equal to 35 years of age in their study
conducted in Hissar district of Haryana state.
Hemalatha Prasad (1995) reported that majority of the group
members of self-help group were in the age group of 20-30 years, few of
them being 35-40 years.
Kumaran (1997) in the study conducted at rural areas of Tirupati

blocks of Andhra Pradesh reported that, the mean age among the SHG
members varied from 22 to 41 years.
Singh (1997) in the study conducted at Hissar district of Haryana

on DWCRA beneficiaries revealed that majority of the respondents
belonged to the age group of 35-50 years (47.00%).
Prasad (1998) in the study conducted at Salem district of Tamil

Nadu found that the majority of women (60%) were in the age group of
25-45 years, of whom 40 per cent were in the age-group of 30-40 years
and about 40 per cent were between 26-30.
Victorianefa and Someswar (1998) reported that, majority of the

beneficiaries of self-help group belong to the age group of 30-40 years
and also indicated that the women beneficiaries participation in
economic activity declined as the age grows.
The socio-economic survey of self-help and DWCRA groups

conducted in all the districts of Andhra Pradesh revealed that nearly 58
per cent of the women were in the age group of 19-35 years and more
than 87 per cent of the members are in middle age group of 19-50 per
cent in which 63 per cent of women are SCs, 12 per cent are STs, among
14.75 lakh self-help groups more than 75 per cent of women belonged to
poor families.
Puhazhendi and Jayaraman (1999) reported that, 62 per cent of

the members of self-help groups were less than 40 years but in case of
stabilized groups (groups more than 4 years old) it was as high as 75 per
cent.
Murugan and Dharmalingam (2000) in the study conducted at

Tamil Nadu reported that the age group of members lies between 21 and
60.
Rangi et al. (2002) in the study conducted at Fatehgarh Sahib

district of Punjab reported that, 70 per cent of the respondents of the
SHGs were in the young age group of 25 to 45 years, 18 per cent were in
45 to 55 years, 6 per cent were between 55 to 65 years and 4 per cent
were of less than 25 years. Only one respondent was of more than 65
years of age. This analysis showed that young women are more energetic
and can take responsibility of additional work in the household.
Therefore, they preferred to become members of the SHGs.
Banerjee (2002) conducted in Tamil Nadu reported that members

in the age group of above 40 years participated actively in the group
activities. Groups which were more than 3 years old had 42 per cent of
the members of age above 40 years. On the other hand increased
participation of members below 40 years was observed among newly
formed groups.
Raghavendra (2002) conducted a study on the comparative

performance of women self help groups in Kolar district and found that
majority (50%) of the respondents from Gram Vikas belonged to the
middle age of 36-50 years.
Anonymous (2004) in a study on self-help groups in Kerala

reported that majority of the respondents (43.3%) belonged to the age
group of 31-40.
Chethana (2005) revealed that majority (56.67 per cent) of the
women belonged to the middle age groups while 36.67 per cent of the
women were young and the remaining (6.66 per cent) were old.
Panicker et al (2008) revealed that majority (40 per cent) of the

beneficiaries belonged to the age group of 25-35 years.
George (2009) in Wayanad district of Kerala reported that more

than half of the respondents were in the age group 25-35 years.
EDUCATION
Kaushik (1993) conducted a study on IRDP beneficiaries and

reported that majority of the beneficiaries were illiterate.
Tejaswini (1996) on DWCRA beneficiaries reported that most of the

beneficiaries were illiterate.
Kumaran (1997) in the study conducted at Andhra Pradesh

revealed that more than three quarters (76%) of the members were
illiterates.
Singh (1997) conducted at Hissar district of Haryana on DWCRA

beneficiaries revealed that majority of the respondents were illiterate
(54.00%) with low family educational status (57.00%).
Hardikar (1998) conducted a study on IRDP and DWCRA

beneficiaries and reported that majority of the beneficiaries were
illiterate.
Prasad (1998) found that about 42 per cent of the women were
illiterates followed by 38 per cent who had studied up to primary level.
Puhazhendi and Jayaraman (1999) reported that on the whole 67
per cent were illiterate and 30 per cent had primary schooling, while in
the stabilized groups the percentage of illiterates were comparatively bit
lower at 55 per cent and those studied up to secondary school level
comprised 10 per cent. The study thus highlighted an inverse
relationship between illiteracy level and age of the group.
Mangasri (1999) reported on “Empowerment of women in DWCRA

groups” that the structural characteristics of DWCRA groups indicated
that majority of them were with 3-4 years of working age (55.00%) had
15-20 members (78.33%) low literacy level (71.67%).
Suriakanthi (2000) in the study conducted at Gandhigram of

Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu from her survey of 120 SHGs found that
95 per cent of the members and 75 per cent of the office bearers were
illiterate as they were not from the economically affluent families. In 50
per cent of the groups surveyed, literate members write the minutes and
accounts if the office bearers are illiterate, when asked whether they
knew how much they had saved as a group, 10 per cent of the illiterate
members said that they did not know.
Singh (2001) explained that education increases women’s

awareness which lead to their overall development and thereby helping
the nation to prosper. Education helps women to resist exploitation
besides empowering them to be self-reliant.
Raghavendra (2002) conducted a study on women self-help groups

in Kolar district and found that majority of the respondents were
illiterate.
Bharat Dogra (2002) in a case study at Saharanpur district of

Uttar Pradesh found that Phoolkalai, a dalit women heads a SHG called
Nai Umang. Nirmala, a co-ordinator of her group says ‘although
Phoolkali is completely illiterate; yet her ability to do all the arithmetic
work, relating to the groups accounts is astounding.’ Phoolkali first took
a loan of Rs. 5,000 to take a stake on level for farming; she grew wheat
and rice on this land. She was able to promptly return this loan.

district of Punjab reported that 70 per cent SHG members were educated
and the rest 30 per cent were totally illiterate. Among the educated
category of the respondents, majority (about 57%) had education upto 5th
to middle school and about 29 per cent were educated upto 9th and 10th
standard. Therefore, even the educated groups of the respondents were
not highly qualified.
Vasudevarao (2003) conducted a study at three districts of Andhra

Pradesh and reported that illiterates formed only 11 per cent, while 60
per cent have gone to school.

reported that majority (65.2%) of the respondents has educational
qualification above high school level.
Bhuvaneshwari et al (2011) revealed that peri-urban SHGs had

more number of literate members (36.23%) compared to rural SHGs
(17.90%).
FAMILY TYPE
Mooley (1986) conducted in a village of Vidarbha, Maharashtra,

revealed that majority of the families had four to six members.
Verma (1986) on IRDP beneficiaries reported that majority of the

respondents were living in nuclear family.
Indravati et.al. (1992) conducted a study in rural areas of Hissar
district revealed majority of the families were of small size(52%).
Kumaran (1997) in the study conducted at Andhra Pradesh found

that the average family size among the group members varied from three
to six.
Mahapatra et al. (1997) reported that the average size of family is

five.
Prasad (1998) reported that the dominant category was nuclear

family with an average family size of five.
Gayathridevi (2000) conducted a study on TRYSEM and DWCRA

beneficiaries and reported that 70 per cent of the beneficiaries belong to
nuclear family.
Rangi et al. (2002) revealed that 56 per cent of the respondents

were having upto five family members, whereas, 44 per cent had six to
ten family members. The latter categories of the respondents were living
in the joint families.
Ritu et al. (2003) in the study conducted at different parts of the

country stated that the family pattern of the SHG members and non-
members was found similar and non-significant.

reported that majority (67.0%) of the families were nuclear in nature,
while extended families constituted more than one fourth (25.3%), and
the remaining (7.7%) were joint families.
FAMILY DEPENDENCY RATIO
Nagaratna (1992) indicated that 26 per cent of the workers families

had three earning members, followed by two earning members 26 per
cent, five members 17 per cent and more than six earning persons 7 per
cent.
Kavitha (1994) indicated that 30 per cent of the farm women

families had two earning members and 22 per cent had more than six
earning members respectively. Only eight per cent had earning members.
Lalitha (1997) in a study on “Rural women empowerment and

development banking” reported that the average family dependency ratio
of the beneficiaries was 1:2.56.
Anitha (2004) indicated that nearly one fifth (20.8 per cent) of the
farm women families had high dependency ratio, 55.8 per cent of farm
women had medium level of dependency ratio and less than one fourth
(23.03 per cent) of farm women had low dependency ratio.
LAND HOLDING
Kaushik (1993) conducted a study on IRDP beneficiaries and

reported that majority was landless.
Singh (1997) conducted a study at Hissar district of Haryana on

DWCRA beneficiaries revealed that as high as 72 per cent of respondents
were land less and had agriculture as their main occupation.
Sukhdevsingh (1997) reported in the study on IRDP beneficiaries

that majority of the respondents were landless and small farmers.
Hardikar (1998) conducted a study on IRDP and DWCRA

beneficiaries and reported that majority were landless.
Gayathridevi (2000) conducted a study on TRYSEM and DWCRA
beneficiaries and reported that majority was landless.
Puhazhendi (2000) recorded that only 11 per cent of the members

were landowners with 2 to 4 ha of dryland.

district of Punjab reported that about two-third of the respondents did
not own any land whereas about one-third had their own land. The latter
comprised only of small and marginal farmers.
Vasudevarao (2003) in the study conducted at Andhra Pradesh

reported that the average size of the land was around 3 acres, dominated
mainly by wetland.
Chethana (2005) in the study conducted in the Tumkur district of

Karnataka stated that majority of the beneficiaries (66.67 per cent) had
marginal land holding followed by 33.33 per cent had small holding.
OCCUPATION
Kaushik (1993) in the study on IRDP beneficiaries indicated that

majority were peasants followed by labourers.
Koch and Soetjipto (1993) conducted a study in five provinces;

Bali, North Sumatra, central Java, Yogyarkrata and west Java in
Indonesia. Results revealed that agriculture is the major source of
income of SHG members, followed by trade and handicrafts industry.
Tejaswini (1996) conducted a study on DWCRA beneficiaries and

reported that traditional occupation of majority of the beneficiaries was
found to be income generating activities and the occupation of the
remaining 16 per cent beneficiaries was agriculture.
Kumaran (1997) found that more than one third (36%) of the
members were agricultural labourers followed by those who professed
household chore (27%), dairy (21%), handicrafts (7%), petty shops (4%),
house servants and dhobis 2 per cent each and tailor (1%).
According to Prasad (1998) 83 per cent of the women were engaged

in agriculture, as agricultural labourers or cultivars.
Puhazhendi and Jayaraman (1999) reported that majority of the

respondents (70%) were agricultural labourers, followed by those who
depend on non-farm activities (15%) and rural artisans (9%). Only 6 per
cent were marginal rain fed farmers.
Sudharani (2002) reported that as far as the main occupation of

the head of the household was concerned, 54 per cent of them were non-
agricultural workers, 18 per cent were agricultural workers, eight per
cent each were workers in the dairy farming and employees in
public/private/co-operative sector. The rest 12 per cent were self-
employed mainly doing the business of grocery shop. Out of 50
respondents in the sample, 44 respondents had subsidiary occupation
also. Among these 44 respondents, 75 per cent reported doing dairy
farming as subsidiary occupation, followed by tailoring (about 11%), 9
per cent were working as anganwadi workers and the rest 5 per cent
were training female villagers in stitching.
Gayathridevi (2000) reported that half of the beneficiaries were

housewives followed by labourers.
Raghavendra (2002) reported that the occupation of majority of the

respondents was agriculture and allied activities and only 5.0-6.6 per
cent respondents were agricultural labourers.
reported that self employed respondents were found more (31%) in
Kudumbasree while it was only 17.5% among the NGOs.
Chethana (2005) found that occupation of most of the beneficiaries

(97.50 per cent) was agricultural and allied activities and only 2.50 per
cent of the beneficiaries were agricultural labourers.
Panicker et al (2008) in a study revealed that majority (55.00 per

cent) of the beneficiaries of self-help groups were unemployed.
George (2009) reported that nearly one third of self-help group

beneficiaries indicated that their primary occupation was agriculture
with some animal husbandry component.
SOCIAL PARTICIPATION
Tejaswini (1996) reported in a study on DWCRA beneficiaries that

majority of them have low social participation.
Singh (1997) in a study conducted at Hissar district of Haryana on

DWCRA beneficiaries revealed that a vast majority of the respondents
(92.00%) had no participation in social organizations.
Hardikar (1998) reported in a study on IRDP beneficiaries that

more than four fifth of the beneficiaries had no social participation.
Usharani (1999) reported that 36.25 per cent of the beneficiaries

were members of Mahila Mandal.
Raghavendra (2002) reported that among women self help groups

majority of the respondents had medium level of social participation
followed by 31.6 per cent of the respondents had high social
participation, whereas 25.0 per cent of the respondents had low social
participation.
EXTENSION PARTICIPATION
Patil (2000) conducted a study in Dharward district of Karnataka

state on beneficiaries of selected rural developmental programmes and
found that majority of the beneficiaries (52.15 per cent )had medium
level of extension participation.
Vanithachetan (2002) conducted a study on SGSY beneficiaries

and indicated that majority of women (83.33 per cent) had low level of
extension participation followed by 9.17 per cent women belonged to
medium extension participation category where as only 2.5 per cent of
them belonged to high extension participation category.
MASS MEDIA EXPOSURE
Mayuri (1998) opined that T.V. is a powerful medium to mobilize

opinion on many issues related to women’s groups. She also indicated
that programmes depict problems, discussion and dilemma of women’s
groups generally shunned by not only male but also female viewers.
Pappachen (2001) reported in a study on beneficiaries of self-help

group that majority of the respondents did not listen to radio. 51.55 per
cent followed by 38.93 per cent and 9.92 per cent are regular and
occasional and regular listners.
Vanithachetan (2002) revealed that mass media utilization of the

45.83 per cent of women beneficiaries was high followed by 28.33 per
cent of women belonging to medium category while 25.83 per cent of
women had low mass media utilization.
Raghavendra (2002) reported that majority 51.7 and 53.3 per cent
of the respondents from GV and MYRADA respectively had medium level
of mass media exposure followed by high and low level of mass media
exposure.
Rangi et al. (2002) in the study conducted Fatehgarh Sahib district

of Punjab reported that women participated in planning, implementation
and monitoring activities of village level bodies such as panchayats, zilla
parishads, village committees and samities.
Ritu Jain et al. (2003) in the study conducted at Kanpur reported

that the quantum of exposure to mass media increased after joining
SHGs.
ACHIEVEMENT MOTIVATION
Hardikar (1998) reported that majority of (63.89 per cent) of the

respondents from IRDP and 74.23 per cent from DWARCA belonged to
medium level categories.
Prasad Rao (1998) reported that majority of respondents in

attitude towards crop loan scheme belonged to low categories.
Usharani (1999) reported that 72.50 per cent of the beneficiaries

belonged to medium level of achievement motivation from DWARCA.
Arulprakash (2004) reported that majority (60.00%) of the

respondents from SGSY belonged to medium categories.
ANNUAL INCOME
Kumaran (1997) in the study conducted at Andhra Pradesh

reported that family income per month varied from Rs. 255 to Rs. 890
amongst the various group members.
Singh (1997) in a study conducted at Hissar district of Haryana on
DWCRA beneficiaries revealed that agriculture as their main occupation
and were having less than Rs. 1500 per month (62.00%).
Prasad (1998) found that majority (60%) of SHG members had per
capita income ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 per month.
Snehalatha and Reddy (1998) showed that education, achievement

motivation, education of children, food intake and health care, knowledge
on thrift and credit showed positive and significant correlation with
additional income generated. Majority of the respondents had an annual
additional generated income as Rs. 24000 – Rs. 36000 (31.87%) followed
by (25.83%) earning about Rs. 1201-2044. Only 6.67 per cent could earn
above Rs. 3601 per annum while the remaining 18.33 earned only upto
Rs. 1200.
Sharma and Parashar (1998) in a study on TRYSEM in Agra

district of Uttar Pradesh indicated that out of 94 beneficiaries who had
established their production units, about 46 per cent recorded their
annual net income as more than Rs. 5000 per annum. While remaining
were in position to earn Rs. 3000 to Rs. 5000 per annum. It indicated
that a large number of beneficiaries were not able to push up their
annual income. However, they were able to increase their family income
above the poverty line and improved their standard of living to a higher
level.
Mangasri (1999) reported that the structural characteristics of

DWCRA groups indicated that majority of them were with 3-4 years of
working age (55.00%) had 15-20 members (78.33%) low literacy level
(71.67%). Groups were taking up economic activities individual (90.00%)
involved in traditional activities (85.00%) working at different places
(96.67%) and marketing their produce independently (80.00%). They
received Rs. 1000 to 2000 as financial assistance per member (43.33%)
received low training (51.67%), involved in fortnightly group meeting
(33.33%) and had medium supportive environment (55.00%).
Murugan and Dharmalingam (2000) in the study conducted at

Tamil Nadu revealed that all the members of the SHGs were below the
poverty line.
Patil (2000) conducted a study in Dharward district of Karnataka

state on beneficiaries of selected rural development programmes and
indicated higher percentage of beneficiaries (94 per cent) belonged to low
income group.
Puhazhendi (2000) reported that 49 per cent of the group members

belonged to the poorest of the poor and 40 per cent were very poor.
Banerjee (2002) in the study conducted at various parts of South

India reported that 49 per cent of the group members belonged to poorest
of the poor category and was represented mainly by landless labourers
with seasonal employment. About 40 per cent of them were poor and
they had income from other sources in addition to the wage earnings.
The remaining 11 per cent of the group members were landowners with
activities such as dairy, poultry etc.
Rangi et al. (2002) found that majority (58%) of the respondents’

families had net monthly income between Rs. 2000 and Rs. 6000, 12 per
cent of the families had between Rs. 6000 and Rs. 8000, 2 per cent of the
families had Rs. 8000 and Rs. 10,000 and 22 per cent had Rs. 10,000
and above. The casually employed workers in agricultural and non-
agricultural sectors had comparatively low income because employment
was for a limited period in each month.
Vanithachetan (2002) indicated that the family of majority (65.83
per cent) of the women beneficiaries belonged to the medium income
group whereas only 15.83 per cent of them belonged to high income
category.
Raghavendra (2002) indicated that the family income of majority of

the respondents were at low level followed by medium and high level of
family income.

reported that majority of the respondents (85.2%) had a monthly income
of less than Rs. 2000.
Panicker et al (2008) revealed that majority (55 per cent) of the

beneficiaries of self-help groups were having the income between 25 USD
-75 USD.
George (2009) in a study in Wayanad distirict of Kerala reported

that their average yearly income was reported by them to be Rs 3768.
2.2. Awareness level of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries about

development programmes
Muthaya et.al (1983) reported that majority of the respondents (73

per cent) were aware of the different schemes under IRDP. The schemes
under agriculture and animal husbandry was better known for the
respondents perhaps their affinity towards their traditional occupation.
Charayula et al. (1985) revealed that the small farmer beneficiaries

under the IRDP were aware of the schemes in order to approve their
socio-economic status.
Chittema and Vimala (1989) found that there was beneficiaries
awareness about facilities and the way of utilizing the services was more
regard to DWCRA programme.
Naidu and Vikram Singh (1990) conducted a study in Dharmapuri

district of Tamil Nadu, revealed that 67 per cent of the respondents were
aware of DPAP whereas 52 per cent of the respondent were aware of the
role played by the government in DPAP.
Venkataramaiah and Srinivasulu (1992) conducted a study in

coastal Andhra Pradesh and reported that large majority of the
beneficiaries were aware of different officers executing the scheme of
IRDP.
Kalivardhan and Nanjiyan (1995) conducted a study in the

Pondicherry region and reported that 59 per cent posses low level of
awareness, 48 per cent of the women were aware of the credit facilities
for the purchasing of milch cattle, while 44 per cent were aware of credit
facility for the purchase of sheep unit. So, on the whole they inferred that
the awareness level of the women beneficiaries about the IRDP
programme was significantly less.
Tejaswini and Veerabhadraiaha (1997) reported that the women

beneficiaries know that the tailoring was one of the important activities
that were being implemented under DWCRA.
Chethana (2005) reported that all the beneficiaries were aware of

reapayment of loan and mode of repayment.
Sarangi and Lahiri (2007) reported that majority of the

beneficiaries were aware of the training programmes under SGSY but it
suffered from a number of problems ranging from coverage among
Swarojgaries, duration, efficacy etc.
Ugbomeh et al (2007) in a study on self-help groups in Nigeria
reported that the women were aware of the repayment of loan. The mean
amount of loan disbursed to farmers was Naira 18,147.3 while the mean
amount of Naira 15,000 was repaid. Loan repayment percentage was
determined to be 83.73% while percentage default was 17.27%.
Raghavan (2008) reported that ‘Kudumbashree’ mission tried set

up ‘Clean Kerala Business’ units in an organized and planned manner
entrusting to women entrepreneur groups to segregate, collect and
transport solid waste from the households, commercial establishments ,
hotels , etc. and more units are getting aware of the enterprise.
Nidheesh (2009) reported that among the self-help groups in

Kerala, there was unanimity on the tremendous increase in knowledge
and awareness among women as a result of involvement in the SHGs.
Pallavi (2009) reported that the ICT endeavors for agriculture

belong to a wide array of agencies, i.e. private sector, public sector, self-
help groups and NGOs, and also include combined endeavors. The
exposure to ICT resulted in the increased level of awareness of various
development programmes.
Bhuvaneshwari et al (2011) revealed that the level of education

among the members in the SHGs influence the level of awareness and
understanding of the management aspects of SHGs.
2.3. Extent of participation of members in development programmes
Rao (1982) stated that in Andhra Pradesh, 60 new milk co-

operative were organized and total of 2000 new members enrolled. Thus
participation of the women in the dairy field has increased.
Oxman (1983) has reported that there was intermittent
participation of women in peasant organization and her political
participation was restricted.
Nagaraja (1987) found that there was a considerable increase in

the social participation, extension contact and extension participation, of
the beneficiaries as a result of their participation in the Shree Kshethra
Dharmasthala Rural Development Project. Most of the beneficiaries
developed their land as a result of technical and financial assistance
from SKDRDP.
Dwarki et al (1997) stated that, through periodic review of the

credit and recovery situation within the SHG, in which every member
participate, each one of them view problems of SHG as their own. This
enables each member to take the objective stock of the situation and
reorient herself. This participatory management of the group enables the
villager to arrive right in the middle where money is peripheral as in the
case of formal sources.
Veluswamy and Manoharan (1998) reported that in women

development programmes majority of the respondents participated and
benefitted in getting training in maintaining dairy animals and loans.
Joseph (1998) proved about Preshitha service society that women

were no longer the recepients of benefits but active participants in
developmental programmes. They have established that they could be
good entrepreneur, good decision makers and employment providers.
There was realization at all levels of the society that self-help is the best
strategy of well being.
Srivasthava (2000) stated that voluntary organizations operating in

the area can play a greater role in securing peoples participation because
of their easy access to the rural minds and firsthand experience of the
local needs, problems and resources available at grass root level.
Chethana (2005) revealed that 95.00 per cent were regular in

attending meetings followed by 83.34 per cent participated in offering
suggestions.
Jayaraman (2005) reported that as a result rural women are

coming forward to undergo family planning, out of the 41 SHGs
contacted, 11.7 % of the fisherwomen respondents adopted temporary
sterilization and 71.2 % of them adopted permanent sterilization.
Sarangi and Lahiri (2007) reported that large number of training

programmes only indicates that they have 'supply-driven and not
'demand- driven'. Nearly fifty per cent of the Swarojgaris had not been
interested in obtaining any training as they may have found that these
would not be economically viable.
Siwal (2008) reported that the Kudumbasree mission organises the

children of the poor families of the State into Balasabhas as a part of its
holistic approach to wipe out poverty. ‘Catch them young and nip poverty
in the bud’ is the guiding slogan behind the Balasabha movement initiated
by the mission.
Nidheesh (2009) reported that the most common activity taken up

as a result of the Kudumbashree seemed to be cattle rearing among both
laboring and farming women.
Shukla and Singh (2009) studied land reclamation and its

rehabilitation programme by self-help groups, launched by Uttar Pradesh
Land Development Corporation. It showed the involvement of women of
self help groups, in land classification, identification of beneficiaries,
distribution of inputs, management of link drains, sharing of water, etc.
The programmes of participatory management have created strengths
like planning boring and link drains together; boring at the highest place
with the consent of villagers; facilitating group loan, water sharing;
helping formulation of water user groups.
Bhuvaneshwari et al (2011) revealed that income collected as

interest, penalty for absences in the meeting and credit received from the
banks were all pooled with the common fund. Loan advanced from the
common fund among the members was a major incentive for better
participation.
2.4. Benefits derived by the beneficiaries of the development

programmes
Grewal et al (1985) reported that the employment level of the

families which had availed assistance under IRDP for tailoring has
improved, as revealed by a study conducted in Bhavani district of
Haryana.
Lakshmidevi (1985) in a study on IRDP in Trissur district of Kerala

indicated that the assistance under IRDP resulted in increased income
for 25.33 per cent of the beneficiaries while there was no change or
decrease in the income of the beneficiaries.
Chandrakavate (1985) has pointed out that the IRDP has hardly
made any major dent on the poverty and living conditions of the
beneficiaries in the Sindhagi taluk of Raichur district, Karnataka, out of
the 300 families studied.
Naidu (1985) noticed a change in the per capita income among

women beneficiaries of IRDP in Bilaspur district of M.P. this change was
estimated to be Rs.265 in industry sector, Rs,300 in business sector, and
Rs.313 in service sector and Rs.413 in agriculture sector.
Myladri (1986) observed that after financing under IRDP, 50 per
cent of the beneficiaries had crossed the poverty line and were getting
income between Rs.3500 and Rs.6000 and forty five per cent were in the
income group of Rs.2500 to 3500.
Singh (1986) concluded that the income of large majority of the

beneficiaries had increased after getting assistance under IRDP.
Thippaiah and Devendrababu (1987) found that there was slight

mobility of beneficiaries from lower income group. They observed that out
of 150 houses selected for the study, the number of beneficiaries who
crossed the poverty line was only 31 that are 20.67 per cent.
Jose (1989) found that 84.5 per cent of the beneficiaries accrued
incremental income due to IRDP schemes in the district of Udhampur
and Anathnag districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The per cent of
beneficiaries in different per capita annual incremental income range was
39.1 per cent up to Rs.3500, 22.3 per cent up to Rs. 700,13.6 per cent
up to Rs.1000 and 9.5 per cent above Rs.1000.
Dixit (1992) indicated that the selected IRDP schemes generated 26

to 35days of employment additionally among the majority of the
beneficiaries. Further, a high majority of asset retainers in Dharward
81.25 per cent and 34.21 per cent of asset retainers in Chamarajnagar
fell in the bracket of Rs.4000 to Rs.8000 per annum income generation.
Nagarajan et al. (1995) in Gambia, ‘kafos’, indigenous self help

informal groups created and operated at village level provided multiple
services including increase, financial intermediation, labour exchange
and socio-political functions filling in for missing markets.
Hemalatha Prasad (1995) reported in her study that, the group

meetings were arranged once in a month, where the purposes of the
loans were discussed and petty loans were distributed to the members to
meet the consumption purposes. The group members not only cocerned
of economic development, but also they feel the necessity of social
development.
Raju and Firdousi (1997) reporting about working of DWCRA

programme in three districts of Andhra Pradesh observed that group
meetings were frequent/regular in Adilabad and Prakasam districts,
while there was no regularity in Cuddapah district. At the group
meetings of Adilabad district the issues discussed revolved around
various activities where as in Prakasam district the issues centered
around only on economic aspects and not on other aspects.
Hartwig (1999) noted that SHG of Africa have increased the family
income thereby ensuring food security and children’s education.
Mishra (1999) portrayed that SHGs had enabled tribal women of

Orissa to work against liquor and associated problems of alcoholism.
Puhazhendi and Jayaraman (1999) reported that women were able

to diversify their activities by undertaking non-farm and animal
husbandry activities as a result of group formation. The members taking
up more than one activity increased from 30 to 53 per cent. While the
average annual net income of the member doubled to Rs. 14370. The
increase in net incremental income was 68 per cent in new groups which
increased to 100 per cent in stabilizing and stabilized groups.
Snehalatha and Reddy (1998) revealed that the income generating

activities taken up by the women were dairy, forest nursery, sericulture,
vegetable cultivation and petty business, which were carried out as a
group activity.
Ahmed (1999) studied that empowerment enables women’s groups
to shape themselves as social activities by trying to check malpractice
and discrimination in the implementation of different schemes in the
system.
Hartwig (1999) noted that the SHG of Africa have increased the
family income thereby ensuring food security and children education.
Puhazhendi (2000) revealed from this study that participation of

women in SHGs made a significant impact on their empowerment both in
social and economic aspects. The women members were able to increase
their income level manifold and contribute to the development of the
family. In the process many women members expressed that they were
participating in the financial decision of the family which they were not
allowed during the pre-linkage period. The group dynamism helped the
women to pressurize the authorities in laying roads, providing electric
connection, drainage, borewell and construction of community halls.
Women were coming out in open to discuss their common problems
which would not have been possible in the absence of group activities.
Puhazhendi (2000) studied that the positive impact of employment

generation on the group members who had undertaken income-
generating activities was observed in 45 per cent of the group members.
The additional employment generated through SHG lending worked out
to 172 man-days per member. Undertaking supplementary activities
such as animal husbandry, poultry etc. and non farm activities like petty
shop, kirana shop, flower vending business etc. provided employment to
a greater extent. The annual employment available for the group
members has increased by 85 per cent during the post group formation
when compared to the pre group formation period
Prasad (2000) reported that in many villages community issues like
drinking water, roads, electricity and health services were addressed by
the women’s groups. The women involved themselves in various activities
like desilting tanks and working towards child development, in addition
to income generation programmes.
Prasad (2000) reported that 90 per cent of women in the SHG

federation have learnt to sign their names. Many have come forward to
learn how to read and write and some have shown a keen interest in
computers.
Anita (2000) in her study explained how women had discovered

their inner strength since their involvement with the Sangha. They
explicitly stated that “now we are armed with information. We know
about minimum wages and demand it without hesitation”. Earlier the
Pradhan would bring in cheap labour from neighbouring villages to work
on the government projects but now we know that this is illegal so we
fought against it and ensured that the work was allotted to our villagers
and that they were paid their rightful wages .
Rangi et al. (2002) reported that 92 per cent of the respondents

had pucca houses in the villages.
Ritu et al. (2003) in the study conducted at different parts of the

country stated that the SHG members had higher housing facility than
non-members.
Sarkar (2003) in the study conducted at 11 states of India reported

that the average value of assets per household that included livestock
and consumer durable etc. was Rs. 6843 during pre-SHG situation,
whereas it was Rs. 11,793 during post-SHG situations registering an
increase of 72.3 per cent. About 58.6 per cent of the sample households
registered in increase in assets from pre to post-SHG situation.
Pallavi (2008) reported that the substantial growth in women-

members of self-help groups has not meant any major change in the
access of women to banking. It also shows that women at large remain
significantly deprived of banking services. By any criterion - number of
accounts, amount of loans, credit in agriculture, banking across socio-
economic groups, and rural and urban areas - women remain far more
disadvantaged than men.
Panicker et al (2008) revealed that there was a substantial

improvement in the social, economic and personal characteristic of the
individual.
Nidheesh (2009) revealed that women now played a bigger role in

household decision-making, but there were differences between men and
women.
Singh et al (2009) reported that monthly contribution by the group

was deposited in the bank and utilized for loaning, inter-loaning, and
carrying out income generating activities. Most of the group members
were investing their personal money for carrying out income generating
activities.
Reji (2009) conducted a study on socio-economic impact of self-

help groups on its beneficiaries revealed some positive changes in the
level of living of the members. The Neigbhour hood groups (NHGs) were
able to develop savings habit among the members. The economic impact
is visible in terms of savings habit, increased credit accessibility,
contribution to household income, and acquisition of household assets.
Kiran and Kanani (2010) conucted a study at Junagadh district of
Gujarat revealed that self-help group women actively participated in
dairy cooperative (55.00 per cent), handicraft (45.50 per cent) and milk
product (36.50 per cent) and making of detergent, soap and powder
(24.50 per cent).
Bhuvaneswari et al (2011) in a study on microcredit management

of self-help groups found that the IDS and WCWD helped the group in
identifying the joint economic activities, advising on the methods to be
adopted for mobilizing the savings from members, suggesting suitable
terms and conditions for using the savings of the poor and in
determining the credit priorities and guiding them in keeping proper
records in peri-urban and rural villages, respectively.
2.5. Influence of personal and socio-economic characteristics of

beneficiaries on impact of development programmes
Vijyaraghavan (1979) found that education, social participation,

farm size, family experience, socio-economic status and occupation had
showed positive and significant relationship with awareness of IRDP.
Babusezhian (1980) reported that there was a positive and

significant relationship between awareness about integrated agricultural
developmental programme and education.
Nandakumar (1980) reported that risk orientation showed a

positive and significant relationship with awareness among participants
and non-participants of DPAP.
Padmaiaha (1983) reported that there was a non-significant

association found to exist between mass media participation and
awareness level of beneficiaries of IRDP.
Prasanthkumar (1988) reported a positive association of economic
motivation and occupation with the awareness level of the beneficiaries
of IRDP.
Natarajan (1991) inferred the existence of non-significant

relationship between the occupational status and awareness level of farm
forestry as well as non-forestry farmers. He further observed a positive
and significant association between mass media participation and
awareness of farmers in farm forestry and non-farm forestry.
Ganesh and Muthaiah (1992) in their study in Madurai district of

Tamil Nadu found that the socio-economic status, extension agency
contact, mass media exposure acted as crucial factors and carried a
significant relationship with the participation of farm leaders in social
forestry programme.
Chanamma (1994) reported that the land holding and the annual
income of the participants was found to be significant with participation
level of beneficiaries of integrated child development scheme
implemented in Dharwad district of Karnataka state.
Reddy and Reddy (1995) reported that the age and education of
respondent had significant relationship with their level of participation,
whereas experience did not exhibit any relationship.
Anwar et al.(1997) reported that education had positive significant

relationship whereas age , economic status, family income and attitude
towards technology exhibited non-significant relationship with
participation of youth in household activities.
Premavathi (1997) reported that age, education, farming

experience, farm status, social participation status, mass media
exposure, innovativeness, socio-economic status and scientific
orientation of rural women did not show any significant relationship with
their involvement in farm activities.
Veluswamy (1998) reported that the extension agency contact and

social participation showed a positive and significant relationship with
the extent of participation.
Shashikumar (1998) reported that education, extension contact

and mass media participation were found to be significant participatory
related with the participation level of beneficiaries of NGO.
Ramanna (1999) reported that family size, mass media

participation, age and education were found to be significantly related
with the participation level.
Abha Sharma (2001) reported that the increase in income, living

condition, increase in productivity of the products over the previous
years was due to effective participation of the beneficiaries in watershed
development programme.
Tasneemasultana (2001) observed that education, extension

contact, extension participation and mass media participation had
positive and significant relationship with participation level of
beneficiaries.
Srinivas (2002) inferred that out of 19 variables selected only 3

variables education, exposure to print media and attitude towards
farming system were significant relationship in predicting the variation in
awareness level of the dimension deterioration of soil health and
ecosystem among cotton growers.
Deka et al (2008) reported that membership in SHG aided in

generating income, facilitated loans and increased social contact, and
opened up training avenues, thus leading to the enhancement of the
socio-economic status of rural women.
John (2009) reported that self-help group members were more

participative in different programmes due to mass media exposure and
improved social participation and they had a significant realationship.
2.6. Constraints faced by the beneficiaries during their

participation in development programmmes
Praveenkumar (1992) in his study on effectiveness of IRDP dairy

complexes on beneficiaries traced out that insufficient loans, corruption
in purchasing animals, lack of follow-up action and inadequate training
were the major difficulties.
Swarnakar and Chouhan (1993) concluded that the lack of

practical training, timely non-availability of inputs, poor communication
and poor economic conditions were the difficulties expressed by the
farmers.
Suresh and Jayaramaiah (1995) expressed that the important

constraints of tribals in animal husbandry and employment programmes
were non availability of employment to all members of the family (100 per
cent), employment not available throughout the year (100 per cent),
untimely nature of employment (95.04) and kind component provided is
not sufficient (74.38 per cent).
Tejaswini and Veerabhadraiah (1997) pointed out that as high as

85 per cent of the beneficiaries were facing the difficulty in getting good
price for their produce. The lack of common work shed, the lack of
proper marketing loans facilities, problems in getting loans, money not
released in time and lack of training facilities were problems faced by
them as 83, 75, 66 and 50 per cent respectively. They were not getting
deserved price for their produce because of less demand for their hand
made goods, which are assumed to be inferior in quality to that of
machine made goods.
Kumaran (1997) concluded that passivity in self help group is

mainly on account of irregularity in payment of savings and deployment
of loans, non-adherence to norms set by the group and lack of mutual
trust and confidence among members. Regular defaulting by some
members resulted in dissolution of some SHGs.
Ramalakshmi (1998) pointed out that, inadequate working capital

was the most serious problem restricting the performance of many
DWCRA groups and also the group members need training for skill
enhancement especially for items like pottery, readymade garments, foot-
wear etc.
Shylendra (1998) in the study conducted at Bidai village of Gujarat

observed that the wrong approach followed in the SHG formation by the
team, misconceptions about SHGs goal both among the team and
members of SHGs and lack of clarity about the concept of SHG
particularly by the team, lead to the failure of SHGs.
Prasad (1998) concluded that, the Gem cutting unit of DWCRA was
defunct due to the reasons like heterogeneity in selecting the
beneficiaries from different villages, ignorance about technicalities
involved, arbitrary selection of income generating activities against the
philosophy and spirit of group approach, lack of critical awareness about
the job performance, non-cooperation of family members hampering
participation.
Ramalakshmi (1998) pointed out that, inadequate working capital,

is the most serious problem restricting the performance of many DWCRA
groups and also the group members need training for skill enhancement
especially for items such as soft toys, Terracotta pottery, readymade
garments, foot wear, woolen blankets etc.
Snehalatha (1998) listed out the problems faced by group members

as selling the produce without assured market outlets, lack of co-
operation and team work among group members, non-availability of
sufficient matching grant in-time, ineffective group leadership, lack of
training in group formation, unequal work delegation, mismanagement of
accounts and discontinuance of internal lending. The problems perceived
by group leaders were lack of time to perform home, farm and group
activities, no reimbursement of money spent for group purposes,
explaining accounts to illiterate members, resolving group conflicts,
misunderstanding of group members that leaders benefit more and there
are no economic incentives for being a group leader.
Dhillon and Hansra (1999) in their study on TRYSEM reported that

lack of funds, inadequate training and non-availability of marketing
facilities were some of the major reasons due to which beneficiaries were
not in a position to start their own enterprise. Other problems were also
present such as necessary dress needed during the training period by the
trainees was not provided by the sponsoring agency and there was over
concentration of trades in particular areas.
Puhazhendi and Jayaraman (1999) attributed non-cooperation of

individual members with group activities as well as personality clash
between office bearers and group members to the disintegration of
groups. Lack of follow up action by the field staff of NGOs also played a
major role in disintegration.
Shylendra (1999) observed that the wrong approach followed in the

SHG formation by the team, mis-conceptions about SHGs goal both
among the team and members of SHGs lead to the failure of SHGs in
Bidaj, Gujarat.
Govindappa (1999) in a study on “Rural Women Entrepreneurship”

reported the problems faced by women as social risks like going out of
the home and developing new relationships related to the new activity,
caste’s perception of the new activity, other problems like technical risks
as women are not equipped with skill, knowledge and information
required to carry out, new economic activity. He also reported some
suggestions to reduce social and technological risks faced by rural
women entrepreneurship.
Mangasri (1999) reported that, the problems faced by DWCRA

women are lack of awareness, social and community pressure and
suggestions are training, inadequate supply of information and
resources.
Pillegowda et al (1999) observed that too much procedure, funds

provided was insufficient and ultimate release of funds were the
problems encountered by more than 60 per cent of the beneficiaries in
taking advantage of IRDP. While 47.3, 43.30 and 25.8 per cent of the
beneficiaries faced problems like political interference, defaulters and
bribe respectively and in taking advantage of IRDP.
In a study conducted by Pratap et al. (2000) on the members of

credit management groups, majority of them (67.8%) suggested that
sincere efforts by the NGO was necessary for maintenance of unity
among members. More than half the respondents suggested more
financial assistance from the NGO. The fifty per cent of them suggested
taking up community action programmes, while 19 per cent demanded
more benefits for members, 15.6 per cent suggested timely loan
repayment and lastly 5.2 per cent asked for linkages with banks and
government agencies.
Sharma and Darmar (2000) in a study on performance, problems

and solutions expressed by the beneficiaries of DWCRA in Solan
indicated that assistance provided under the programme is too meager to
start any activity. There is a lack of commitment and dedication among
the supervisory staff in marketing, political interference has also been
observed both in the selection of members and the activities to be
undertaken by them.
Kumawat and Sharma (2000) reported that Gram Panchayat

personnel had their monopoly in selection of people and lack of
managerial and technical guidance were important constraints.
Patil (2000) found that major problems encountered by the

beneficiaries were lack of time (33.3 per cent), market and transportation
facility (31.6 per cent) followed by procurement of raw materials (15 per
cent) and repayment of loan (11.66 per cent).
Pappachen (2001) revealed that majority (51 per cent)of the

members of the self help groups faced difficulties in diversification of
activities or in starting new activities followed by 38 per cent
misunderstanding among self help group members and disturbance from
daily household work.. Functional and operational difficulties like lack of
space for storage and frequent power cuts were reported by 28 per cent
of the members.
Chethana (2005) studied that a great majority (85.00 per cent) of

the beneficiaries found family restrictions came in the way to become the
member of ‘Stree Shakthi’ group.
Sarangi and Lahiri (2007) reported that the training programmes of
self-help groups suffer from a number of problems ranging from coverage
among Swarojgaries, duration, efficacy of such training programmes.
Bharathi (2009) in her study on women self-help groups in

Dharwad and Gadag reported that lack of formal education was
identified as one of the main problems faced by the women.

operational aspects of development programmes
Mane (1990) observed that the suggestions obtained from the

beneficiaries for better functioning of the programme were, rate of
subsidy be increased (84.5%), adequate loan be made available (77.51),
quality assets be supplied(60.46%), loaning procedure be
simplified(57.36%), loan be made available in time (47.29%), loan be
disbursed in kind (15.50%) and veterinary care be ensured(8.53%).
Praveenkumar (1992) reported that interest free loans are

disburse, subsidy amount should be increased and more technical
assistance be given were the major suggestions of IRDP financed under
dairy.
Premi Mahendra(1993) conducted a study on population, poverty

and rural development which revealed that the strategy against poverty
is the expansion of employment opportunities, augmentation of
productivity income levels of both the unemployed and under-employed
poor will be the main instrument for achieving the goal of poverty
alleviation.
Shivanna (1997) studied the role of Panchayat in the poverty

alleviation programme found that the Panchayat with effective support
and co-operation. NGO’s should effectively use the floor or gramasabha
to create awareness, motivate people to participate not only as
beneficiaries but also as partners in the process of development.
Srilatha (1997) suggested that, to identify the specific nature and

magnitude of the resource inputs needed by each poor family and enable
the mobilization that of those resources.
Rao and Padmaja (1998) reported that the SHG members placed
forth the suggestions which included that they should undergo some
vocational training to utilize the money in a proper way and NGO run by
women should come forward to help them to start new business like
photo lamination, sericulture, basket making/weaving and typing.
Sanod (2001) reported that the success of poverty alleviation

project is largely dependent on the project design and management.
Participatory management is another key factor for its success, which
focused decentralization of planning process.
Pappachen (2001) in her performance on performance of self-help-

groups observed that majority of the beneficiaries (74.05 per cent)
suggested to improve the overall functioning of the group. About 60.31
per cent of them suggested to improve the activities undertaken, about
58.02 per cent of them expressed to avail SGSY loan for cattle rearing.
Bharathi (2009) reported that majority of beneficiaries had

suggested continuing and expanding the project, increasing the loan
amount, and providing information on banking and marketing aspects,
among others.
Family type Family dependency
Education ratio
Age Land holding
IMPACT OF
Annual KUDUMBASREE
income PROGRAMME Occupation
Achievement
motivation
Social
Mass media Extension particiaption
exposure participation
Fig. 2. Conceptual model of the study

METHODOLOGY

III. METHODOLOGY
The materials used and methods adopted for the study is

presented in this chapter under the following sub headings:
3.1. Locale of the study
3.2. Research design
3.3. Research variables
3.4. Measurement of dependent variables
3.5. Measurement of independent variables
3.6. Development of an interview schedule
3.7. Collection of data
3.8. Analysis of data
3.1. Locale of the study
3.1.1. Selection of the district
The women of Kottayam district of Kerala formed the population of

the study. Kottayam district was selected purposively for the study, since
the number of groups actively working with the “Kudumbashree”
programme are more in this district.
Kottayam is one of the central districts of Kerala State. The district

lies between 9°58’ north latitude and 76° 52’ east longitude. The district
is having a population of 19,52,901 and the literacy rate is 95.2 per
cent. The total number of ‘Kudumbashree’ groups in Kottayam district
was 11,453. The study area is indicated in Fig.2.
3.1.2. Selection of the Taluks
Kottayam district consists of five taluks namely Kottayam,

Changanassery, Vaikom, Meenachil and Kangirappilly. Among them,
three taluks, Kottayam, Vaikom and Changanassery, are selected for the
study as they were top most in the number of ‘Kudumbashree’ groups in
the district with 2780, 2250 and 2146 respectively.
3.1.3. Selection of the Village, Groups and Respondents.
Information regarding the villages coming under Kottayam, Vaikom

and Changanassery taluks was collected from the district headquarters.
From each of the taluk, four villages were selected for the study. From
each village, 10 members (5 beneficiaries and 5 non-beneficiaries) were
selected randomly by making a total of 120 respondents (60 beneficiaries
and 60 non-beneficiaries).
Sl. No. Name of the village Number of respondents

(Kottayam taluk)
Beneficiaries Non-beneficiaries Total
1. Ettumanoor 5 5 10
2. Manarcadu 5 5 10
3. Kumarakom 5 5 10
4. Pampady 5 5 10
Total 20 20 40

Number of respondents
Sl. Name of the village
No. (Vaikom taluk)
1. Vaikom 5 5 10
2. Vechur 5 5 10
3. Kaduthuruthy 5 5 10
4. Velloor 5 5 10
Total 20 20 40
Number of respondents
Sl. Nameof the village
No. (Changanassery taluk)
1. Changanassery 5 5 10
2. Kuruchi 5 5 10
3. Karukachal 5 5 10
4. Vazhoor 5 5 10
Total 20 20 40
3.2. Research design
In the present study, an Ex-post Facto Research Design was

considered as appropriate because the phenomenon has already
occurred.
3.3. Research variables
The impact of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme was taken as the

dependent variable. Eleven independent variables were selected to know
their relationship and influence on the dependent variables along with
the measurement techniques are given below.
Sl. No. Variables Measurement tool/ technique adopted
I. Dependent variable
Impact
1. Awareness Index developed for the study
2. Participation Index developed for the study
3. Benefits derived Procedure followed by Pappachen (2001)
II. Independent variables
1. Age Chronological age of the respondent
2. Education Scale developed by Trivedi (1963)
3. Family type Procedure followed by Vanitha Chethan (2002)
Family dependency
4. Procedure followed by Anitha (2004)
ratio
5. Land holding Owned in standard acres
6. Occupation Procedure followed by Raghavendra (2002)
7. Social participation Procedure suggested by Trivedi (1963)
Extension
8. Procedure followed by Ramegowda (1983)
participation
9. Mass media exposure Procedure suggested by Byrareddy (1971)
Achievement Scale developed by Reddy (1976)
10.
motivation
11. Annual income Procedure followed by Pappachen (2001)
3.4. Measurement of dependent variable
3.4.1. Impact: In this study, impact of “Kudumbashree” programme was

studied in terms of awareness, participation and benefits derived.
3.4.1.1. Awareness
Awareness refers to the first hand information obtained by the

beneficiaries about the existence of “Kudumbashree” programme, its
activity, its implementation, or its operational procedure. Awareness is
very much essential, because it motivates an individual to obtain further
information and to take action. It is the first step in the process of
adoption. A schedule was developed to gauge the awareness of the
beneficiaries regarding “Kudumbashree” programme. The statements
were with dichotomous choice as, aware and not aware. If the beneficiary
was aware about the items a score of one was given and if not aware a
score of zero was given accordingly. The total score of each respondent
was computed.
Awareness index
Based on the total scores obtained by the respondents, awareness

index was worked out by using the following formula
Awareness index = (Scores obtained/ Obtainable scores) X 100

Categorization of awareness
The awareness scores of each statement were added together, and

mean and standard deviation were calculated. Based on mean and half
standard deviation values, the awareness level of the respondents was
categorized as follows
Category Scores
Low (<Mean-1/2 SD) <52.33

Medium (Mean +/-1/2 SD) 52.33 - 69.57
High (>Mean+1/2 SD) >69.57
3.4.1.2. Participation
Extent of participation refers to involvement of beneficiaries in

group activities and also in various programmes conducted for the
benefit of “Kudumbashree” group members. Activities and programmes
were listed out and the extent of participation was directly obtained from
the respondents.
The participation with respect to the item was measured

quantitatively on a 3 point scale, with scores of 3,2,1, for participation
regularly, occasionally and never respectively. The aggregate
participation score of each respondent was obtained.
Participation index: based on the total score obtained by the

respondents, participation index was worked out by using the following
formula,
Participation index = (Scores obtained/ Obtainable scores) X100
Categorization of participation
The mean and standard deviation were considered as a measure of

check for categorization into low, medium and high level of participation
using mean and half standard deviation as cut off points.
Category Score
Low (<Mean-1/2SD) <42.85

Medium (Mean+/-1/2SD) 42.85–48.53
High (>Mean+1/2SD) >48.53
3.4.1.3. Benefits derived
It refers to the benefits derived by the beneficiaries in terms of

improvement in financial conditions and social status as well, by
obtaining loan in the form of cash and carrying out various income
generating activities. Average amount of loan availed to the average net
income generated ratio was calculated for each of the activities that were
carried out by the beneficiaries of “Kudumbashree” programme.
3.5. Measurement of independent variables:
3.5.1. Age: It refers to the chronological age of the respondent at the

time of investigation. The age of the respondents were produced as
mentioned by them in completed years. The respondents were grouped
into following categories.
Category Age
Young <35 years

Middle 36-50 years
Old >50 years
3.5.2. Education: Education was operationally defined as informal or

formal school attended by the members of “Kudumbashree” group to
access the educational status. The scale developed by Trivedi (1963) was
used and the respondents were categorized as under,
Category Score
Illiterate 1
Functionally literate 2
Primary school 3
Middle school 4
High school 5
Higher secondary 6
Degree 7
Taking into consideration the score obtained by the respondents

they were grouped into different categories by taking frequency and
percentage.
3.5.3. Family type: Family type refers to two-way classification of family

as nuclear and joint. The basic grouping of husband, wife and their
children is called nuclear family and collection of more than one nuclear
family on the basis of close blood ties and common residence is called
joint family. (Dharma and Bhatnagar,1980). Scores of one and two were
given respectively for nuclear and joint family.
Category Score
Nuclear 1
Joint 2
3.5.4. Land holding: It is operationally defined as the number of acres of

land owned by the women beneficiary at the time of the interview either
by inheritance or by possession. The respondents are classified as follows
based on the information obtained.
Category Area
Marginal 0.1 – 2.5 acre

Small 2.5 – 5.0 acre
Large 5.0 acre and above
3.5.5. Family dependency ratio: It refers to the family dependents who
don’t participate in any economic activity or wage activities and are
entirely dependent on the family head for their life requirements. The
economists normally treat the children below 15 years and adults above
64 years as dependents. However, the individuals even above 15 years,
who are studying and usually won’t take part in farming or wage earning
activities, should also be treated as dependents. Therefore, dependency
of each family member was clarified by directly enquiring with the
respondents.
Dependency ratio was operationalised as the ratio of number of

non-earning family members to the numbers of earning members in the
family. The beneficiaries were classified into three categories as follows,
Category Score
Low (<Mean-1/2 SD) <0.42

Medium (Mean+/- ½ SD) 0.42 – 0.94
High (>Mean+1/2 SD) >0.94
3.5.6. Occupation: Occupation refers to primary family occupation or

main occupation of the beneficiary. The beneficiary was asked to indicate
the main occupation of the family and subsidiary occupation if any; the
beneficiaries were grouped into six categories as follows,
Category Score
a. Agriculture and allied 1

b. Daily labourer 2
c. Salaried 3
d. Self-employed 4
e. Unemployed 5
f. Student 6
Taking into consideration the score obtained by the respondents
they were grouped into different categories by taking frequency and
percentage.
3.5.7. Social participation
It was conceptualized as the degree of involvement of an individual

in various social organizations as a member or as an office bearer. This
was quantified using the method followed by Trivedi (1963) with slight
modification and the items and weights are weighed as below.
Extent of participation Score
Regularly 2
Occasionally 1
Never 0
Taking into consideration the total scores obtained by various

respondents they were grouped into three categories of low, medium and
high participation with mean and standard deviation as measure of
check.
Category Score
Low (<Mean -1/2 SD) <4.03

Medium (Mean +/_ ½ SD) 4.03– 6.31
High (>Mean + ½ SD) >6.31
3.5.8. Extension participation: It refers to the extent of respondent

participation in different extension activities conducted during that year.
The variable was quantified by following the procedure as suggested by
Rame Gowda (1983) with little modification. A list of extension activities
was prepared and respondents were asked to indicate the extent of
participation under each item.
Extent of participation Score
Regularly 2
Occasionally 1
Never 0
Based on the scores obtained the respondents were grouped into

three categories using mean and half standard deviation as a measure of
check.
Category Score
Low (<Mean -1/2 SD) <7.17

Medium (Mean +/_ ½ SD) 7.17– 10.17
High (>Mean + ½ SD) >10.17
3.5.9. Mass media exposure: It refers to the degree of exposure of an

individual to different mass media and degree of participation in them.
The different mass media scores were listed and the respondents were
asked to indicate as to how often they participate in each of these
activities. The procedure suggested by Byrareddy (1971) with little
modification was followed in assigning as detailed below.
Category Score
Regularly 2
Occasionally 1
Never 0
Taking into consideration the total score obtained from they were
grouped into three categories taking their mean and half standard
deviation.
Category Score
Low (<Mean -1/2 SD) <10.74

Medium (Mean +/_ ½ SD) 10.74 – 13.46
High (>Mean + SD) >13.46
3.5.10. Achievement Motivation : It refers to striving to do good work

with standard of excellence which may be task related, self related or
related to other aspect. For quantification of this variable, the scale
developed by Reddy (1976) was used. The scale consist of seven
statement to be rated on five point continuum namely ‘strongly agree’,
‘agree’, ‘undecided’, ‘disagree’ and ‘strongly disagree’ with score of 5, 4, 3,
2 and 1 respectively. Considering the score the respondent were
classified into three categories and based on procedure followed by
Hardikar (1998) with slight modification.
Category Score
Low (<Mean -1/2 SD) <26.91

Medium (Mean +/_ ½ SD) 26.91 – 30.05
High (>Mean + ½ SD) >30.05
3.5.11. Annual income: It refers to the total income earned by the

respondent from both agriculture and other enterprises. It was measured
by the total income of the family from all sources and categorized the
respondents according to the classification suggested by Revenue
Department of Kerala State and is as indicated below.
Category Score
Below poverty level Up to Rs.24,000

Above poverty level Above Rs.24,000
3.6. Hypotheses of the study
Keeping in view the objective of the study and review of literature,

the following hypotheses were developed for testing.
Ho(1): There is no difference in the socio-economic status of beneficiaries

and non-beneficiaries of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme
Ho(2): There is no difference in the impact of ‘Kudumbashree’

programme on the beneficiaries
Ho(3): There is no relationship between the independent variables and

the impact of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme
3.7. Development of interview schedule
A detailed interview schedule is given in Appendix I. The tool for

data collection, was initially constructed based on the literature review
and with the experts opinion in the concerned field and also by including
the scales devised and questions framed in relation to the variables
considered for the study. All members of the advisory committee
corrected a tentatively prepared schedule and necessary corrections were
made in the final schedule, which was used to collect the information
from the respondents. The schedule has five parts.
Part A: General information
Part B: Personal and socio-economic characteristics of beneficiaries and

non-beneficiaries.
Part C: Awareness level of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries.
Part D: Participation and benefits derived components of beneficiaries.
Part E: Constraints and suggestions of the beneficiaries during their

participation in the programme.
3.8. Collection of data
The required data was collected by personally interviewing the

respondents using pre-structured interview schedule during January
and February 2011. Personal interview was conducted under informal
atmosphere. Each question was explained to the respondents with equal
emphasis. The onlookers influence and group effect was avoided to the
extent possible throughout the study. Informal discussions and
observations were also held to understand the respondents and the
situation in detail, which in turn was helpful in better interpretation of
the results in full context of “Kudumbashree” group and community.
3.9. Analysis of data
The data collected from the beneficiaries were scored, tabulated

and analyzed using suitable statistical methods as per the suggestions of
the statistician and members of the advisory committee.
The statistical methods used in present study are described below:
3.9.1. Frequency and percentage
Frequencies and percentages were used to represent the

respondents based on personal and socio-economic characteristics of the
respondents. They were also used for interpreting the findings pertaining
to awareness, participation, problems of the respondents and
suggestions for their improvement; they were also used for simple
comparison.
3.9.2. Mean and standard deviation
Mean (x) and standard deviation (SD) were computed to distribute

the respondents into different categories.
3.9.3. Chi-square test
Chi-square test is used to test the association between

independent variables and dependent variable.
3.9.4. Correlation and Regression analysis
Correlation coefficient is used to determine the nature of

relationship among variables and regression analysis to know the extent
of contribution of selected factors (independent variables) on the
dependent variables.
Conceptual model of the study
The conceptual framework was developed to provide a perspective

reference for systematic analysis of the impact of ‘Kudumbashree’
programme on rural women.
It is accepted from the studies that impact of ‘Kudumbashree’

programme is a multivariate phenomenon explained by a wide spectrum
of variables. The conceptual framework is expected to facilitate
theoretical and empirical analysis of the impact of the programme. The
conceptual model depicting all the variables is represented in Fig. 1.
Fig. 1. Map of Kottayam district showing the study area

RESULTS

IV. RESULTS
Based on the objectives and methodology mentioned in the

preceding chapters, a systematic study was made and results obtained
from the analysis of the data are presented under the following headings:
4.1. Socio-economic characteristics of beneficiaries and non

4.2. Impact of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme on beneficiaries.
4.2.a. Overall awareness level of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of

the ‘Kudumbashree’ programme
4.2.b. Awareness level of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of the

4.2.c. Extent of participation of beneficiaries in group activities and

other programmes
4.2.d. Benefits derived by the beneficiaries of ‘Kudumbashree’

programme
4.3. Influence of socio-economic characteristics of beneficiaries on the

impact of Kudumbashree programme.
4.4. Constraints faced by beneficiaries during their participation in

‘Kudumbashree’ programme.
4.5. Suggestions given by beneficiaries on the content and operational

aspects of Kudumbashree programme.
4.1. Socio-economic status of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of

Age
More than half (66.7%) of the beneficiaries belonged to the middle

age group while 25.0 per cent of the women were young and the
remaining (8.3%) were old. With regard to the non-beneficiaries more
than one-half (60.0%) belonged to the middle aged category. This was
followed by the young age group (26.7%) and old age group (13.3%).
There is no association between the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries
with respect to the age of respondents as revealed by chi-square results
given in Table1.
Bildung
The educational level of beneficiaries showed that more than one-

third (35.0%) were having higher secondary education, followed by 26.7
per cent, 15 per cent, 13.3 per cent and 10 per cent having high school,
middle school, primary school and degree level education, respectively.
None of them were illiterate. Majority (30.0%) of the non-beneficiaries
were having higher secondary education followed by high school (20.0%),
middle school (18.3%), primary school (13.3%), degree education (8.4%),
and 10.0 per cent were having functional literacy. None of the non-
beneficiaries were illiterate. Table1 indicates that there exists a
significant association between the education level of beneficiaries and
non-beneficiaries of the programme.
Family type
Majority (83.3%) of the beneficiaries belonged to the nuclear type of

family while only 16. 7 per cent belonged to the joint family type. A vast
majority of non-beneficiaries (66.7%) belonged to nuclear family while
only (33.3%) belonged to the joint family category. The chi-square test
given in Table 1 indicated that there is a significant association between
beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries with respect of family type.
Family dependency ratio
From Table 1, it is clear that more than one-third (36.7%) of the

beneficiaries had low dependency ratio followed by medium (35.0%) and
high (28.3%). Among the non-beneficiaries, a significant percentage
(43.3%) were having medium family dependency ratio. This was followed
by high (31.7%) and low (25.0%) dependency ratio. There was no
association between beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries with respect to
the family dependency ratio.
Land holding
It is clear from Table 1 that a great majority of the beneficiaries

had marginal land holding (96.7%) followed by 3.3 per cent with small
farm holding. A great majority (91.7%) of the non-beneficiaries possessed
marginal land holding i.e. less than 2.5 acres. A mere 8.3 per cent of
respondents possessed small land holding of 2.5 -5.0 acres. Table 1
further indicated that there is no significant association between the land
holding of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of the programme.
Occupation
More than one-third of the beneficiaries were having agriculture

and allied activities (36.8%) as the occupation followed by self-
employment (33.3%) and daily labour (20.0%). Salaried students and
unemployed section constituted 3.3 per cent each of the total. One third
(33.3%) of the non-beneficiaries were self-employed followed by daily
labourer (23.4%), unemployed (20.0%), agriculture and allied activities
(13.3%) and student and salaried (5.0% each). There exists a significant
association between beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries with respect to
their occupation.
Social participation
It could be observed from the Table 1 that nearly one-half (45.0%)

of the beneficiaries had medium level of social participation while 33.3
per cent and 21.7 per cent had low and high participation respectively.
More than half (51.7%) of the non-beneficiaries were having low social
participation followed by medium (30.0%) and high level (18.3%)
participation. It was also evident from Table 1 that there is no significant
association between the social participation of beneficiaries and non-
beneficiaries of the programme.
Extension participation
A significant percentage of the beneficiaries had medium level of

extension participation (43.3%) followed by lower (31.7%) and high level
(25.0%) of participation respectively. More than half (51.7%) of the non-
beneficiaries had given the impression that they had low level of
extension participation. This was followed by medium (28.3%) and high
(20.0%) participation. There exists a significant association between the
extension participation of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of the
programme.
Mass media exposure
Results shown in Table 1 revealed that three fourth (75.0%) of the

beneficiaries had high level of mass media exposure followed by 16.7 per
cent and 8.3 per cent with medium and low mass media exposure
respectively. A significant percentage (45.0%) of the non-beneficiaries
had fallen under medium level category followed by low (30.0%) and high
(25.0%) category. Table 1 indicated that there exists a significant
association between the mass media exposure of beneficiaries and non-
Achievement motivation
Nearly one-half of the beneficiaries of the programme had medium

level (48.3%) of achievement motivation followed by 21.7 per cent and
30.0 per cent of the beneficiaries with low and high level of achievement
motivation respectively. Nearly one-half of the non-beneficiaries (46.7%)
had low level of achievement motivation. About 30.0 per cent had
Table 1: Socio-economic characteristics of the beneficiaries and non-
beneficiaries of “Kudumbashree” programme n=120
Non-
Beneficiaries
beneficiaries
(n=60) Chi-
Sl. (n=60)
Characteristics Category square
No.
value
Per Per
No. No.
cent cent
1. Age Young age (<35 years) 15 25.0 16 26.7 0.93 NS

Middle age(36-50 years) 40 66.7 36 60.0
Old age (>50 years) 5 8.3 8 13.3
2. Education Functionally literate 0 0.0 6 10.0 12.21*

Primary school 8 13.3 8 13.3
Middle school 9 15.0 11 18.3
High school 16 26.7 12 20.0
Higher secondary 21 35.0 18 30.0
Degree 6 10.0 5 8.4
3. Family type Nuclear 50 83.3 40 66.7 4.42*

Joint 10 16.7 20 33.3
4. Family Low (<0.42) 22 36.7 19 31.7 1.96 NS

dependency
ratio Medium(0.42 – 0.94) 21 35.0 26 43.3
High (>0.94) 17 28.3 15 25.0
5. Land holding Marginal (.1 - 2.5 acre) 58 96.7 55 91.7 1.36 NS

Small (2.5-5.0 acre) 2 3.3 5 8.3
6. Occupation Agriculture and allied 22 36.8 8 13.3 14.21*

Daily labourer 12 20.0 14 23.4
Salaried 2 3.3 3 5.0
Self-employed 20 33.3 20 33.3
Unemployed 2 3.3 12 20.0
Student 2 3.3 3 5.0
Low (<4.03) 20 33.3 31 51.7
Social
7. Medium (4.03 – 6.31) 27 45.0 18 30.0 4.32 NS
participation
High(>6.31) 13 21.7 11 18.3
Low (<7.17) 19 31.7 31 51.7

Extension
8. Medium (7.17 – 10.17) 26 43.3 17 28.3 5.99*
participation
High (>10.17) 15 25.0 12 20.0
Low (<10.74) 5 8.3 18 30.0

Mass media
9. Medium (10.74 -13.46) 10 16.7 27 45.0 30.15**
exposure
High (>13.46) 45 75.0 15 25.0
Low (<26.91) 13 21.7 28 46.7

Achievement
10. Medium (26.91 – 30.05) 29 48.3 18 30.0 8.56*
motivation
High (>30.05) 18 30.0 14 23.3
Up to 24,000 50 83.3 48 80.0

11. Annual income 0.22 NS
Above 24,000 10 16.7 12 20.0

**Significant at 1% level
*Significant 5% level
NS- Non-significant
medium level and 23.3 per cent had high level of achievement
motivation. There is a significant association between achievement
motivation of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of the programme.
Annual income
Irrespective of beneficiaries or non-beneficiaries, a vast majority of

respondents were having an annual income less than Rs.24,000, whom
were classified under below poverty line category. Further, chi-square
test revealed that there is a non-significant association between
beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of the programme.
4.2. Impact of Kudumbashree programme on beneficiaries
4.2.a. Overall awareness level of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries

of “Kudumbashree” programmee
Overall awareness of the women beneficiaries and non-

beneficiaries about the “Kudumbashree” programme is given in Table 2.
It could be seen from the table that majority of the beneficiaries (83.3%)
were fully aware about the existence and functioning of “Kudumbashree”
followed by 13.4 per cent who were reasonably aware of the scheme and
3.3 per cent were partially aware of the scheme. It was observed that
more than three-fourth of the non-beneficiaries (76.7%) were partially
aware about the existence and functioning of “Kudumbashree” followed
by 18.3 per cent who were reasonably aware of the scheme and only 5.0
per cent were fully aware of the scheme. The awareness level of
beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries are clearly indicated in Fig.3. The chi-
square test indicates that there is a significant association between the
beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of the programme with respect to the
awareness level.
4.2.b. Awareness level of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of
“Kudumbashree” programmee
It is evident from Table 3 that cent per cent of the beneficiaries

were aware of the general information regarding “Kudumbashree”
programme and who motivated them to join the group. More than one-
half (53.3%) of the non-beneficiaries were aware of the general
information regarding ‘Kudumbashree’ programme, such as when they
came to know about the group.
In case of eligibility criteria, all the respondents were aware of the

fact they should be a member of the “Kudumbashree” group to avail the
benefits. Cent per cent of the beneficiaries were aware of the fact that
they should be a resident of the village in order to become the beneficiary
of the “Kudumbashree” programme. A great majority (91.7%) of the
beneficiaries were aware that both APL and BPL members can be a
beneficiary of the programme. One-third (33.3%) of non-beneficiaries
were aware that both BPL and APL members can join the group and
more than three-fourth (80.0%) were aware that one should be a resident
of the village in order to obtain benefits of the programme.
Regarding details and documents required to avail the benefits

under the “Kudumbashree” programme, cent per cent of the beneficiaries
were aware that ration card or I.D card is mandatory for joining the
group. Nearly one-half (45.0%) of the non-beneficiaries were aware that
ration card or I.D card is mandatory for joining the group.
Regarding the security requirement for availing the benefits,

majority (83.3%) of the beneficiaries and a significant percentage (41.6%)
of the non-beneficiaries were aware of its necessity.
In case of credit/subsidy, all the beneficiaries were aware about

the period and mode of repayment of the loan. Majority (83.3%) of the
beneficiaries were aware about the interest of the loans and three-fourth
(75.0%) about the eligible subsidy. Regarding non-beneficiaries, one-third
(33.3%) of the non-beneficiaries were aware about the mode of repayment
of the loan and one fourth (25.0%) about the period of repayment. A mere
11.6 per cent were aware about the rate of interest of loans and 16.6 per
cent about the eligible subsidy
With regard to awareness about important economic activities, it

was evident from Table 3 that cent per cent of the beneficiaries were
aware of cattle rearing and chips making followed by 96.7 per cent of
tailoring, 86.7 per cent of coffee powder preparation, 78.3 per cent of
catering, 75.0 per cent of the Clean Kerala Mission; the cleaning mission
undertaken by ‘Kudumbashree’ group and only 33.3 per cent were aware
of the computer centre’s functioning under the programme. It was
observed that a great majority (91.7%) of the non-beneficiaries were
aware that cattle rearing was taken as an economic activity by the
‘Kudumbashree’ members. This was followed by chips preparation
(83.3%), tailoring (75.0%), catering unit (53.3%), coffee powder
preparation (48.3%) and cleaning mission (33.3%). Only 8.3 per cent
were aware off computer centre as an enterprise run by ‘Kudumbashree’
group.
In case of implementation and follow up activities, a great majority

of the beneficiaries (90.0%) were aware of maintaining records followed
by 80.0 per cent aware of the training programmes and 77.5 per cent
were aware of the functionaries involved in the programme. One-third
(33.3%) of non-beneficiaries were aware of training programmes
conducted by the members of ‘Kudumbashree’ group. About 16.7 per
cent of the non-beneficiaries were aware of the functionaries involved in
the training programme. Only 8.3 per cent were aware of the follow-up
activity conducted in ‘Kudumbashree’ group. None of the non-
Table 2: Overall awareness level of beneficiaries and non-
n=120
Non-
Beneficiaries
beneficiaries Chi-
Sl. Awareness
Category square
No. level
value
No. % No. %
1. Partially <52.33 2 3.3 46 76.7

aware
2. Reasonably 52.33-69.57 8 13.4 11 18.3 82.33**

aware
3. Fully aware >69.57 50 83.3 3 5.0
Total 60 100.0 60 100.0


50
45 43.4
40
40 38.3
36.7
35
Percentage of respondents
30
25 23.3
Beneficiaries
20 Non-beneficiaries
18.3
15
10
0
Low Medium High
Awareness level
Fig. 3. Overall awareness level of beneficiaries and non-

beneficiaries of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme
Table 3: Awareness level of the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries
about different components of “Kudumbashree” programme
n= 120
Beneficiaries Non-beneficiaries
Sl.
Components
no.
No. % No. %
1. General information about the 60 100.0 32 53.3

2. Motivator to join the group 60 100.0 - -

(Aganwadi workers)
3. Eligibility criteria (@)
a. Both APL and BPL members 55 91.6 20 33.3

can join the group
b. Should be a member of 60 100.0 60 100.0

Kudumbashree group
c. Should be a resident of the 60 100.0 48 80.0

village
4. Details and documents required 60 100.0 27 45.0

to avail the benefits (ration card
or I.D card)
5. Security is required for availing 50 83.3 25 41.6

benefits
6. Credit/subsidy (@)
a. Rate of interest on loans 50 83.3 7 11.6
b. Period of repayment of loan 60 100.0 15 25.0
c. Amount of eligible subsidy 45 75.0 10 16.6
d. Mode of repayment 60 100.0 20 33.3

7. Economic activities (@)
a. Coffee powder preparation 52 86.7 29 48.3
b. Chips making 60 100.0 50 83.3
c. Cleaning mission 45 75.0 20 33.3
d. Tailoring 58 96.7 45 75.0
e. Computer centre 20 33.3 5 8.3
f. Cattle rearing 60 100.0 55 91.7
g. Catering 47 78.3 32 53.3
8. Implementation and follow-up

activities (@)
a. Training programmes 48 80.0 20 33.3
b. Maintaining records 54 90.0 0 0.0
c. Follow- up activities 40 66.7 5 8.3
d. Functionaries involved in the 31 77.5 10 16.7

implementation of programme
@ Multiple response

beneficiaries were aware of the practices and procedures in maintaining
the records.
4.2.c. Extent of participation of beneficiaries in different group

activities and other programmes
The data given in Table 4 showed that a significant percentage

(40.0%) of the beneficiaries had medium level of participation; remaining
33.3 per cent and 26.7 per cent of the beneficiaries had low and high
level of participation respectively, in the group activities and also in
various programmes conducted for the benefit of “Kudumbashree”
beneficiaries. Overall participation index (mean) of 45.69 shown in Table
4 indicated the participation of beneficiaries in the group activities and
programmes. The level of participation of beneficiaries is graphically
indicated in Fig.4.
From Table 5, it is obvious that a great majority (91.7%) were

regular in attending the meetings followed by 83.3 per cent who
participated in offering suggestions, three fourth (75.0%) of the
beneficiaries had taken part in the planning process while 63.3 per cent
participated in the process of evaluation regularly.
In case of child development programmes, a great majority (96.7%)

participated regularly in immunization programmes followed by health
check-up (75.0%). A significant percentage (41.7%) of the beneficiaries
never participated in the informal education for children.
The participation of beneficiaries in various programmes showed

that more than one-half of the beneficiaries (66.8%) regularly
participated each in leadership and dairying activities followed by
tailoring (33.3 per cent) and only a few participated in book keeping
(13.3%).

Table 4: Extent of participation of beneficiaries in different group
activities and programmes (Overall)
n=120
Sl. Extent of
Category Number Percentage
No. participation
1. Low <42.85 20 33.3
2. Medium 42.85-48.53 24 40.0
3. High >48.53 16 26.7
Total 60 100.0
Mean = 45.69 S.D = 5.68

45
40
40
35
33
30
Percentage of beneficiaries
26.67
25
20
15
10
0
Low Medium High
Level of participation
Fig. 4. Extent of participation of the beneficiaries of 'Kudumbashree'

programme
Table 5: Extent of participation of beneficiaries in different group
activities and programmes
n=120
Sl. Extent of participation Regularly Occasionally Never

No.
No. % No. % No. %
1. Group activities (@)

a. Attendance in meeting 55 91.7 5 8.3 0 0.0
b. Participation in offering 50 83.3 10 16.7 0 0.0
suggestions
c. Participation in planning 45 75.0 5 8.3 10 16.7
d. Participation in evaluating 38 63.3 10 16.7 12 20.0
2. Child development
programmes(@)
a. Immunization 58 96.7 0 0.0 2 3.3
b. Informal education 15 25.0 20 33.3 25 41.7
c. Health check up 45 75.0 15 25.0 0 0.0
3. Training programmes (@)
a. Book keeping 8 13.3 27 45.0 25 41.7
b. Leadership 40 66.8 10 16.6 10 16.6
c. Dairying 40 66.8 5 8.3 15 25.0
d. Tailoring 20 33.3 0 0.0 40 66.7
4. Ecology and environmental
programmes (@)
a. Watershed programmes 50 83.3 0 0.0 10 16.7
b. Environmental campaigns 35 58.4 2 3.3 23 38.3
5. Social welfare and service
programmes (@)
a. Family planning 55 91.7 0 0.0 5 8.3
b. Political participation 15 25.0 20 33.3 25 41.7
c. Blood donation camps 10 16.6 10 16.6 40 66.8

Regarding participation in ecological and environmental
programmes, majority (83.3%) participated regularly in the watershed
programmes while more than half (58.4%) of the beneficiaries
participated in environmental campaigns on a regular basis.
In social welfare and service programmes, a great majority of the

beneficiaries (91.7 %) of the participated regularly in the family planning,
followed by 25.0 per cent and 16.6 per cent in politics and blood
donation respectively.
4.2.d. Benefits derived
4.2.d.1. Nature of improvement in the financial conditions of

‘Kudumbashree’ group members
Table 6 showed the benefits derived by “Kudumbasree” members.

There was an improvement in the financial conditions and social status
as reported by 98.3 per cent of the beneficiaries. This can be better
inferred from Fig.5.
Table 7 indicated that one-third of the respondents were benefitted

from cattle rearing (33.3%) followed by catering unit (16.7%), chips
preparation (13.3%), coffee powder making (11.7%), computer centre,
cleaning activity and tailoring (8.3%respectively). The graphical
representation of the subsidiary occupation undertaken by the
beneficiaries is given in Fig.6.
All the economic activities carried out by the beneficiaries’ showed

a positive ratio between the loan taken and the income generated.
Maximum ratio of income generated to the loan taken is obtained from
cattle rearing (1:2). This is depicted in Table 8.
The savings generated by the members is presented in Table 9.

More than one-half of the beneficiaries (58.3%) had savings between
Table 6: Benefits derived by beneficiaries of “Kudumbashree” group
n=60
Sl.
Category Number Percentage
no.
1. Improvement in financial 59 98.3

conditions
2. Betterment in social status 59 98.3
Table 7: Subsidiary occupation of the beneficiaries of

n=60
Sl.
Activities Frequency Percentage
no.
1. Cattle rearing 20 33.3
2. Computer centre 5 8.3
3. Cleaning activity 5 8.3
4. Tailoring 5 8.3
5. Coffee powder making 7 11.7
6. Chips preparation 8 13.3
7. Catering unit 10 16.7

120
98.33 98.33
100
80
60
40
20
0
Improvement in financial conditions Betterment in social status
Benefits derived
Fig.5. Benefits derived by the beneficiaries of ‘Kudumbashree’ group

40
35
33.34
30
25
20
16.66
15
13.33
11.66
10
8.34 8.34 8.33
0
Cattle Computer Cleaning Tailoring Coffee Chips Catering unit
rearing centre activity powder preparation
preparation
Occupation of beneficiaries
Fig. 6. Subsidiary occupations undertaken by the members of

‘Kudumbashree’ group
Table 8: Improvement in the financial position of the
“Kudumbashree” group members
n= 60
Average
Average Loan
net
Sl. loan availed to
Activities undertaken income
No. availed income
generated
(Rs.) ratio
(Rs.)
1. Cattle rearing 22,350 44,900 1:20
2. Computer centre 2,35,000 3,33,000 1:1.40
3. Cleaning activity 1,29,000 1,50,000 1:1.16
4. Tailoring 36,500 47,450 1:1.30
5. Coffee powder making 40,571 43,070 1:1.18
6. Chips preparation 33,375 37,380 1:1.12
7. Catering unit 1,71,000 2,19,500 1:1.28
Table 9: Extent of savings made by members of “Kudumbashree”

programme
n=60
Sl. No. Amount saved Number Percentage
1. Rs.1000-1500/- 15 25.0
2. Rs.1501-2000/- 35 58.3
3. Rs.2001-2500/- 10 16.7
Total 60 100.0
70
60 58.34
50
40
30
25
20
16.66
10
0
Rs.1000 -Rs.1500 Rs.1501-Rs.2000 Rs.2001 -Rs.2500
Extent of savings
Fig. 7. Extent of savings made by the beneficiaries of

‘Kudumbashree’ group
Rs.1501 to Rs.2000 while one-fourth (25.0 per cent) of the beneficiaries
had the savings between Rs.1000 to Rs.1500 followed by 16.7 per cent
with a savings between Rs.2001 and Rs.2500. This is graphically
indicated in Fig. 7.
4.2.d.2. Nature of betterment in social status of ‘Kudumbashree’

group members
It is evident from Table 10 that, a great majority (96.7%) of the

beneficiaries learnt to perform bank transactions followed by
improvement in courage to communicate with men (91.7%), improvement
in the ability to monitor children’s education (83.3%), modifications made
to the house and involvement in decision making (58.3% each). Only a
few (8.3%) started to contest in the village Panchayat elections.
4.3.1. Relationship and contribution of independent variables

towards awareness level of the beneficiaries of
4.3.1.a. Relationship of independent variables with the awareness

level of beneficiaries of Kudumbashree programme
In order to measure the relationship that exists between the

independent variables with the impact of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme,
the correlation coefficients were worked out and tested for its statistical
significance. The correlation coefficients of 11 independent variables with
the awareness level beneficiaries of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme on rural
women are presented in Table 11.
It could be observed from Table 11 that among the non-

beneficiaries, the variables such as education, social participation, mass
media exposure and achievement motivation had positive and significant
relationship with the awareness level of beneficiaries at one percent level
Table 10: Nature of betterment in social status of “Kudumbashree”
group members
n=60
Sl. No. Statements Number Percentage
1. Improved the courage to 55 91.7

communicate with men
2. Learnt to perform bank 58 96.7

transactions
3. Involved in decision making at 35 58.3

home
4. Improved ability to monitor 50 83.3

children’s education
5. Self-confidence to travel to 30 50.0

distant places
6. Modified the house and made a 35 58.3

garden in front of it
7. Started to contest in village 5 8.3

Panchayat elections

Table 11: Relationship and contribution of independent variables
towards awareness level of beneficiaries of Kudumbashree
programme
n=60
Correlation Regression Standard

Sl.
Characteristics coefficient coefficients error t-value
No.
(r) (b) (SE)
1. Age 0.256* 0.061 0.027 2.233 NS
2. Education 0.451** 0.155 0.058 2.681**
3. Family dependency -0.286* 0.807 0.451 1.786 NS

ratio
4. Family type 0.072 NS -0.868 0.930 0.928 NS
5. Land holding -0.111 NS 0.001 0.001 1.674 NS
6. Occupation -0.135 NS -0.243 0.462 0.521 NS
7. Social participation 0.623** 0.337 0.126 2.682**
8. Extension 0.128 NS -0.364 0.940 0.381 NS

participation
9. Mass media 0.322** 0.301 0.092 3.264**

exposure
10. Achievement 0.472** 0.287 0.091 3.121**

motivation
11. Annual income 0.138 NS 0.001 0.0001 1.04 NS
*Significant at 5% level R2 = 0.681
NS – Non-significant

of significance. Whereas, age and family dependency ratio had significant
relationship at five percent level of significance. Other variables such as
family type, land holding, occupation, extension participation and annual
income were found to have no significant relationship with the awareness
level of beneficiaries of the ‘Kudumbashree’ programme.
4.3.1.b. Contribution of independent variables towards awareness

level of beneficiaries of Kudumbashree programme
The results of multiple linear regression analysis in Table 11

showed that variables such as education, social participation, mass
media exposure and achievement motivation had significantly
contributed to the awareness level of beneficiaries of ‘Kudumbashree’
programme. The R2 value of 0.681 indicated that all the 11 variables had
contributed to the tune of 68.1 per cent of variation in awareness level of
beneficiaries.

towards awareness level of the non-beneficiaries of
4.3.2.a. Relationship of independent variables with the awareness

level of non-beneficiaries of Kudumbashree programme
In order to measure the relationship that exists between the

independent variables with the impact of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme for
non-beneficiaries, the correlation coefficients were worked out and tested
for its statistical significance. The correlation coefficients of 11
independent variables with the awareness level of non-beneficiaries of
‘Kudumbashree’ programme on rural women are presented in Table 12.
It could be observed from Table 12 that among the non-

beneficiaries, the variables such as mass media exposure and
achievement motivation had positive and significant relationship with the
towards awareness level of non-beneficiaries of
n=60
Correlation Regression
Sl. Standard
Characteristics coefficient coefficients t-value
No. error (SE)
(r) (b)
1. Age 0.089 NS 0.010 0.009 1.047NS
2. Education 0.369* 2.331 0.920 2.543 **
3. Family 0.011 NS 0.374 0.200 1.852 NS

dependency ratio
4. Family type 0.012 NS 0.868 0.930 0.928 NS
6. Occupation -0.374* -0.952 0.756 1.265 NS
7. Social 0.364* 0.269 0.410 2.683**

participation
8. Extension -0.234 NS 0.930 0.554 1.677 NS

participation
9. Mass media 0.521** 1.203 0.481 2.511**

exposure
10. Achievement 0.562** 0.252 0.150 2.625**

motivation
**Significant at 1% level R2 = 0.745

*Significant at 5 % level

awareness level of beneficiaries at one percent level of significance.
Whereas, education, occupation, social participation had significant
relationship at five percent level of significance. Other variables such as
age, family type, family dependency ratio, land holding, extension
participation and annual income were found to have no significant
relationship with the awareness level of non-beneficiaries of the
4.3.2.b. Contribution of independent variables towards awareness

level of non- beneficiaries of Kudumbashree programme

contributed to the awareness level of beneficiaries of ‘Kudumbashree’
programme. The R2 value of 0.745 indicated that all the 11 variables had
contributed to the tune of 74.5 per cent of variation in awareness level of
non-beneficiaries.

towards extent of participation of the beneficiaries of
4.3.3.a. Relationship of independent variables with the extent of

participation of the beneficiaries of Kudumbashree
programme
The correlation coefficients of 11 independent variables with extent

of participation of the beneficiaries of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme are
presented in Table 13.
It could be observed from Table 13 that the variables like

education, mass media exposure and achievement motivation had
positive and significant relationship at one percent level of significance.
towards extent of participation of beneficiaries of
n=60

Sl.
No.
(r) (b) (SE)
1. Age -0.171NS 0.016 0.008 1.853 NS
2. Education 0.362** 0.873 0.438 1.994*
3. Family -0.159 NS -1.623 1.641 0.988 NS

dependency ratio
4. Family type 0.262* 1.296 1.217 1.065 NS
6. Occupation 0.168 NS -0.741 0.649 1.140 NS
7. Social 0.287* 0.572 0.256 2.236*

participation
8. Extension 0.011 NS 0.041 0.286 0.140 NS

participation
9. Mass media 0.368** 0.406 0.115 3.505**

exposure
10. Achievement 0.322** 0.111 0.042 2.611**

motivation
*Significant at 5% level
Variables like family type and social participation had positive and
significant relationship at five per cent level of significance. Other
variables such as age, family dependency ratio, land holding, occupation,
extension participation and annual income had no significant
relationship with the extent of participation of the beneficiaries.
4.3.3.b. Contribution of independent variables towards extent of

participation of beneficiaries of Kudumbashree programme

contributed to the extent of participation of beneficiaries of
‘Kudumbashree’ programme. The R2 value of 0.685 indicated that all the
11 variables had contributed to the tune of 68.5 per cent of variation in
extent of participation of beneficiaries.

towards benefits derived by the beneficiaries of
4.3.4.a. Relationship of independent variables with the benefits derived by

the beneficiaries of Kudumbashree programme
The correlation coefficients of 11 independent variables with the

benefits derived by the members of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme are
presented in Table 14.
It could be observed from Table 14 that the variables like social

participation and achievement motivation had positive and significant
relationship at one percent level of significance. Variables like education,
mass media exposure and family type had positive and significant
relationship at five per cent level of significance. Other variables such as
family dependency ratio, occupation, land holding, extension
towards benefits derived by the beneficiaries of
n=60

Sl.
No.
(r) (b) (SE)
1. Age 0.048 NS 0.004 0.004 1.041 NS
2. Education 0.274* 0.0504 0.026 1.916 NS
3. Family -0.128 NS -0.078 0.046 1.677 NS

dependency ratio
4. Family type 0.272* 0.004 0.004 1.042 NS
5. Land holding 0.087 NS 0.001 0.001 0.849 NS
6. Occupation 0.148 NS 0.009 0.007 1.299 NS
7. Social 0.513** 0.030 0.012 2.406*

participation
8. Extension 0.213 NS 0.016 0.017 0.938 NS

participation
9. Mass media 0.261* 0.0136 0.005 2.611**

exposure
10. Achievement 0.522** 0.014 0.004 3.505**

motivation
*Significant at 5% level
(AWARENESS) (PARTICIPATION) (BENEFITS DERIVED)
Age Family type Education

Family dependency Social participation Family type
ratio Mass media exposure
Education Education Social participation

Social participation Mass media exposure Achievement motivation
Mass media exposure Achievement motivation
BENEFICIARIES
Impact of Kudumbasree
programme
NON-BENEFICIARIES
Education Significant at 1%level
Occupation
Social participation Significant at 5% level
Mass media exposure

(AWARENESS)
Fig. 8. Empirical model showing the relationship between

dependent variables and independent variables
Plate 1: Kudumbasree benefiaries in tailoring centre
Plate 2: Women beneficiary benefitted from cattle rearing

Plate 3: Women beneficiaries in catering unit
Plate 4: Women engaged in coffee powder preparation

participation and annual income had no significant relationship with the
benefits derived by the beneficiaries.
4.3.4.b. Contribution of independent variables towards benefits derived by

the beneficiaries of Kudumbashree programme

showed that variables such as social participation, mass media exposure
and achievement motivation had significantly contributed to the benefits
derived by the beneficiaries of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme. The R2 value
of 0.782 indicated that all the 11 variables had contributed to the tune of
78.2 per cent of variation in benefits derived by beneficiaries.
4.4. Constraints faced by the beneficiaries during their

The constraints faced by the beneficiaries during their

participation in “Kudumbashree” programme are presented in Table 15.
4.4.a. To become the member of “Kudumbashree” group
More than half of the beneficiaries (66.7%) pointed out family

restrictions as the major factor preventing them from becoming the
member of “Kudumbashree” group. More than one-third (41.7%) of the
beneficiaries felt that lack of information and absence of name in the BPL
list as other major constraints in becoming the member of
“Kudumbashree”.
4.4.b. To form “Kudumbashree” group
While considering the constraints in the formation of

“Kudumbashree” group, majority of the respondents (80.0%) indicated it
was due to the difficulty in bringing the members together followed by no
clear information and guidance (66.7 per cent), difficult to make savings
(33.3%) and local politics (16.7%).
4.4.c. To participate in the programme
It is clear from Table 15 that majority of the beneficiaries (86.7%)

consider disturbance from the daily household work as the major
constraint in the participation of the programme. This was followed by
the response indicating 33.3 per cent, 30.0 per cent and 16.7 per cent
expressed that they had difficulty in meeting the concerned official,
deviation from the democratic way of functioning and lack of family
encouragement respectively, as the constraints in participating in the
programme.
4.4.d. To avail the benefits
Three-fourth (75.0%) of the beneficiaries indicated delay in

receiving the benefits and 66.7 per cent indicated that more number of
visits had to be made to the Panchayat and banks as the constraints in
availing the benefits.
4.4.e. To ensure efficient marketing
A great majority (90.0%) of the beneficiaries responded lack of

proper marketing place as the constraint followed by 83.3 per cent and
66.7 per cent who responded that there was no proper marketing place,
and prejudices among the consumers about the quality of the product
respectively, as the constraints in efficient marketing.
4.5 Suggestions given by the beneficiaries on the content and

operational aspects of “Kudumbashree”programme
The suggestions given by the beneficiaries on the content and

operational aspects of “Kudumbashree” programme are summarized in
Table 16.
Table 15: Constraints faced by the beneficiaries during their
n=60
Sl. Problems Number Percentage

No.
I. To become the member of
“Kudumbashree” group (@)
a. Family restrictions 40 66.7
b. Lack of information 25 41.7
c. Absence of name in the BPL list 25 41.7
II. To form “Kudumbashree” group (@)
a. Difficult to make savings 20 33.3
b. No clear information and 25 66.7
guidance
c. Difficulty in bringing members 48 80.0
together
d. Local politics 10 16.7
III. To participate in the programme (@)
a. Disturbance from daily 52 86.7
household work
b. Difficult to meet concerned 20 33.3
official
c. Family encouragement is not 10 16.7
sufficient
d. Deviation from democratic way of 18 30.0
functioning
IV. To avail the benefits (@)
a. More number of visits should be 40 66.7
made to banks and Panchayats
b. Delay in availing benefits 45 75.0
V. To ensure efficient marketing (@)
a. Lack of proper marketing place 54 90.0
b. Lack of proper advertisement for 50 83.3
the products
c. Prejudices among the consumers 40 66.7
about the quality of the product
@ Multiple response
4.5.a. Formation of “Kudumbashree” group
Majority (83.3%) of the beneficiaries suggested that successful

groups should be rewarded properly.One-third (33.3%) of the
beneficiaries had indicated that group size should be limited and strictly
followed.
4.5.b. Loan/ subsidy and benefits
A great majority (95.0%) of the beneficiaries suggested for an

increase in the loan and subsidy amount.
4.5.c. Marketing support ensured
Majority (86.7%) of the beneficiaries suggested for the proper

advertisement for the product followed by implementation of proper
marketing place (75.0%).
4.5.d. Training programmes conducted
Cent per cent of the beneficiaries indicated that the training should
be given on a need oriented basis.
4.5.e. Implementation and follow-up activity
All the beneficiaries suggested that follow-up should be conducted

on a regular basis. A great majority (91.7%) of the beneficiaries indicated
that “Kudumbashree” officials should have a good rapport with the
Panchayat officials followed by the suggestion of 41.7 per cent that
auditing should be carried out by an external agency.
Table 16: Suggestions given by the beneficiaries for the effective
implementation of “Kudumbashree” programme
Sl. No. Suggestions Number Percentage
1. Formation of “Kudumbashree” group (@)
a. Group size should be limited and 20 33.3

strictly followed.
b. Successful groups should rewarded 50 83.3

properly
2. Loan/ subsidy and benefits (@)
a. Loan and subsidy amount should be 57 95.0

increased
3. Marketing support ensured (@)
a. There should be proper marketing 45 75.0

place for the product.
b. Proper advertisement should be given 52 86.7

for the product.
4. Training programmes conducted (@)
a. Training should be given on a need 60 100.0

oriented basis.
5. Implementation and follow-up activity (@)
a. “Kudumbashree” officials should have 55 91.7

a good rapport with the Panchayat
officials
b. Follow-up should be conducted on a 60 100.0

regular basis.
c. Auditing should be carried out by an 25 41.7

external agency.
@ Multiple response

DISCUSSION

V. DISCUSSION
The findings of the study are discussed in this chapter under the
following headings,
5.1. Socio-economic characteristics of the beneficiaries and non

5.2. Impact of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme on beneficiaries.
5.2.a. Overall awareness level of the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries

of the ‘Kudumbashree’ programme
5.2.b. Awareness level of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of the


programmes
5.2.d. Benefits derived by the beneficiaries of ‘Kudumbashree’

programme
5.3. Relationship and contribution of independent variables on the



operational aspects of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme.
5.1. Socio-economic characteristics of the beneficiaries and non-

The data given in Table 1 showed the personal and socio-economic

characteristics of the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of the
‘Kudumbashree’ programme, which are discussed as follows
Age
More than half of the beneficiaries were middle aged coming under
the age group of 35-50 years followed by young age and old age group.
Predominance of the middle aged group among the beneficiaries might
probably be due to the fact that they constituted a large section in the
society; they are more enthusiastic and responsible citizens than the old
age group and more experienced than younger group. Older women
represent the minority section among the beneficiaries owing to poor
health and less stamina. These findings were in line with the findings of
Singh (1997), Raghavendra (2002) and Chethana (2005) and
contradictory to the findings of George (2009).
More than half of the non-beneficiaries belonged to the middle age

group. This might probably be because of the fact that the middle age
category constitutes large section of the population. Older and younger
population constitutes the lesser section among the non-beneficiaries.
Bildung
More than one-third of the beneficiaries had received education

level up to higher secondary followed by those who had received high
school level education and middle school level education. None of the
beneficiaries were found to be illiterate. This situation existed due to the
fact that all the beneficiaries had received education. It was considered
mandatory for every child, either boy or girl, in every household to get
educated. As the participant beneficiaries were literate, either
functionally or literally, they were able to maintain and audit the records,
accounts etc. by themselves. The participation level and co-operation
were found to be relatively high among the more educated category.
These results were in line with the findings of Bhuvaneshwari et al (2011)
and contradictory to the findings of Hardikar (1998), Manga Sri (1999),
Suriakanthi (2000).
More than one-fourth of the non-beneficiaries had a higher
secondary level of education. None of the non-beneficiary was found to be
illiterate. This is because every household, even though poor, considered
it mandatory to impart education to their children.
Family type
Most of the beneficiaries had nuclear families. The major reason

behind this was probably their ability to take own decision and
comparatively less number of members to convince, about their
participation in the programme, in the household. The level of
responsibility for the women in raising the family income is more for
those who are coming from the nuclear families. Gayathridevi (2000)
reported similar findings. Regarding the non-beneficiaries, majority of the
non-beneficiaries had nuclear type of family. Although majority of the
members are from nuclear type of family, lack of training and inability to
take own decision were found to be the major hindrance in becoming the
member of ‘Kudumbashree’ group.
Family dependency ratio
More than one third of the beneficiaries had low level of family
dependency ratio followed by those with medium and high level of
dependency. This was because majority of the members were having
nuclear family with less number of dependents having one or two
children and most of them were self-employed. Regarding non-
beneficiaries, a significant percentage had medium level of family
dependency ratio. This was followed by high and low level of dependency
ratio. Since majority of the non-beneficiaries were from nuclear family
they had very less dependent members. Majority of them were self-
employed or worked as a daily labour, this also contributes to the less
dependency ratio.
Land holding
A vast majority of the beneficiaries belonged to the marginal land

holding category i.e. less than 2.5 acres. Very few of them belonged to
small land holding category. This is justified by the fact that majority of
the beneficiaries were living below poverty line and thus hold very less
land by them. This dramatically indicates that majority of the members
of the ‘Kudumbashree’ programme were poor and joined to improve their
socio-economic status. Chethana (2005) reported similar findimgs. A vast
majority of the non-beneficiaries had marginal land holding. Both
beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries had almost equal land holding, but
the lack of enthusiasm to participate in the activities and reduced
achievement motivation might be the possible factors which prevent
them from joining the group.
Occupation
More than one-third of the beneficiaries were employed in

agriculture and allied activities. This is because the job requires less
training and was traditionally followed by the members. This was
followed by self- employment and daily labour. Most of the beneficiaries
were self employed, mainly after joining the ‘Kudumbashree’ group. This
indicates improvement in the socio-economic status of beneficiaries.
Salaried and student sections were very few among the beneficiaries as
they lack enough time to spare for the activities. The unemployed section
brings into light the less motivated group due to the family disturbances.
The results of the above study were in line with the findings of George
(2009) but contradictory to the findings of Prasad (1998), Puhazhendi
and Jayaraman (1999), Raghavendra (2002) and Panicker et al (2008).
One-third of the non-beneficiaries were self-employed followed by

daily labour. Majority of them were engaged in job to earn their daily
bread and this might have prevented them from becoming a member of
the group.
Social participation
Nearly one-half of the beneficiaries had medium and low level of

social participation. This is because most of them belonged to the poor
families and were engaged in household work. They were busy with
earning a decent livelihood. Comparatively less section of the
beneficiaries had shown high level of social participation. More
participation was shown by members who had received higher education
and from supporting family background. However, these findings were
found to be contradictory with findings of Hardikar (1998) and
Raghavendra (2002). More than half of the non-beneficiaries had fallen
under low category followed by medium category. The lower participation
can be attributed to the lesser chances of participation and of the
attitude ‘this is not our cup of tea’.
Extension participation
A significant percentage of the beneficiaries had medium level of

extension participation followed by low level and high level of
participation. The lower level of participation might be primarily due to
the lack of exposure through training and lack of a link with extension
personnel. Those who had higher level of participation are from a
comparatively well-off category. The findings of the study is in agreement
with the findings of Sultana (2001), Vanithachetan (2002). More than
half of the non-beneficiaries had low level of extension participation
followed by medium level of participation. The lower participation level
can be attributed to the lack of awareness of extension programmes
conducted in their place and which in turn is due to less acquaintance
with the extension personnel.
Mass media exposure
Three-fourth of the beneficiaries received high level of mass media

exposure followed by medium level of exposure. This is because most of
them possess television and viewed the programmes regularly. All the
beneficiaries had a radio set in their home but were not particular in
listening to that. All the beneficiaries had a regular habit of reading
newspaper and they even discussed relevant general issues for which
‘Kudumbashree’ meetings acted as a forum. The section which got low
level of mass media exposure was characterized by old age, low
achievement motivation etc. The findings of the study were found to be in
agreement with the findings of Pappachen (2001), Vanithachetan (2002)
and Ritu Jain et al. (2003). A significant percentage of the non-
beneficiaries had medium level of exposure followed by low level of
exposure. The comparatively less exposure to mass media with respect to
non-beneficiaries can be the possible reason for being a non-beneficiary
of the ‘Kudumbashree’ group.
Nearly one-half of the beneficiaries had medium level of

participation followed by low level of achievement motivation. This was
because most of them were from poor economic background and had
huge familial responsibility on their shoulders. About 30.0 per cent had
high level of achievement motivation. The findings of the study were
found to be in agreement with the findings of Usharani (1999) and
Arulprakash (2004). Nearly one-half of the non-beneficiaries had low
level of achievement motivation followed by medium level of achievement
motivation. The low achievement motivation among non-beneficiaries
might be due to the lack of training, heavy work load and lack of family
support.
Annual income
‘Kudumbashree’ programme has been conceived as a mechanism

to uplift the downtrodden women especially for those who are below
poverty line. The present study revealed that over three fourth of the
beneficiaries belonged to below poverty line category, i.e. less than
Rs. 24,000 per annum. The findings of the study were in line with the
findings of Patil (2000) Vanithachetan (2002).
More than three fourth of the non-beneficiaries belonged to below

poverty line category, i.e. less than Rs.24,000 per annum. Even though
the programme resulted in the upliftment of the downtrodden masses,
large numbers of deserving people are yet to join the group. It can be
considered as the major lacunae of the programme.
Table 1 clearly indicated that women belonging to the beneficiary

and non-beneficiary category differ from one another in terms of their
socio-economic characters. The present findings did not support the
hypothesis Ho(1) which was stated as there is no difference in the socio-
economic status of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of ‘Kudumbashree’
programme. Hence, it is rejected. Alternate hypothesis - there is a
difference in the socio-economic status of beneficiaries and non-
5.2. Impact of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme on beneficiaries and

non-beneficiaries
5.2.a. Overall awareness level of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries

of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme
Table 2 indicated the fact that nearly one-half of the beneficiaries

were fully aware of the ‘Kudumbashree’ programme. This might be due to
the fact that the beneficiaries were more participative in social activities
and had received mass media exposure and characterized by high level of
achievement motivation. These findings are contradictory with the
findings of Kalivardhan and Nanjiyan (1995).
More than three-fourth of the non-beneficiaries were partially

aware of the ‘Kudumbashree’ programme. More than one-third of the
non-beneficiaries were reasonably aware followed by nearly one-fourth of
the beneficiaries who were fully aware of the programme.
The chi-square test in Table 2 indicated that there is a significant

association between the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of
‘Kudumbashree’ programme with respect to the overall awareness at one
per cent level. The probable reason for the above trend could be variation
in their education level, mass media exposure, achievement motivation,
social participation etc.
5.2.b. Overall awareness level of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries

of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme
General information
Table 3 is a clear indicator depicting the awareness level of the

beneficiaries of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme. Cent per cent of the
beneficiaries were aware about the general information regarding the
programme and about who motivated them to join the group. This
reveals the enthusiasm and interest shown by the members regarding
the programme. These findings are in line with the findings of Chethana
(2005) and Nidheesh (2009).
More than half of the non-beneficiaries were aware of the

‘Kudumbashree’ programme. The higher awareness is mainly due to the
extensive adoption of programme by the general public and
Government’s initiative in giving wide range of advertisements to include
maximum number of poor people in it. Majority of non-beneficiaries had
given the impression that they will join the group sooner.
Eligibility criteria
Regarding the eligibility criteria, cent per cent of the beneficiaries

were aware that they should be a resident of the village and should be a
member of the group in order to avail the benefits of the programme. A
vast majority of the beneficiaries were well aware of the eligibility
requirement that both BPL and APL members can join the group. All the
beneficiaries were aware of the fact I.D. card or ration card has to be
shown as the identification proof for enabling the benefits of the
programme. It was found out that majority of the beneficiaries were
aware that security is required for availing the benefits. This high
awareness level found its basis on the regular meetings and discussions
conducted by the members. It is also worthy to mention that the training
given by the Panchayat office to the office bearers had a profound
influence on the awareness level of beneficiaries. These findings were
contradictory with the findings of Sarangi and Lahiri (2007).
One-third of the non-beneficiaries were not aware of the fact that

both BPL and APL members can join the group. Majority were having the
belief that only BPL members can become members of the group. Cent
per cent of the members were aware that in order to derive benefits out of
‘Kudumbashree’ group they should be a member of the group. More than
three-fourth of the non-beneficiaries were aware that they should be
residents of the village to avail the benefits of ‘Kudumbashree’ group.
Nearly one-half of the non-beneficiaries were aware of the requirement
that ration card or I.D. card should be shown in order to avail the
benefits of the programme. This indicates the enthusiastic nature of the
non-beneficiaries of ‘Kudumbashree’ group and their awareness about
the socio-economic situations prevailing in the place.
Credit and subsidy
Regarding the credit and subsidy awareness, all the beneficiaries

were aware about period of repayment of loan and the mode of
repayment of loan. Majority were aware about the rate of interest of loans
and the amount of eligible subsidy respectively. This can better be
interpreted from the fact that the beneficiaries were well informed about
the different aspects of the programme. The anganwadi workers acted as
the carriers of information about different schemes including credit and
subsidies. The findings are similar and in line with the findings of
Chethana (2005) and Ugbomeh et al (2007).
More than one-fourth of the non-beneficiaries were aware of the

mode of repayment followed by the repayment period of the loan.
Regarding the amount of eligible subsidy and interest of loans very few
among the non-beneficiaries were aware of it. This awareness regarding
the key aspects of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme is due to contact between
members and non-members at other group programmes such as Mahila
Samaj. This is also due to the mass media exposure received by the non-
beneficiaries and their interest regarding the issues happening around
them.
Economic activities
Cent per cent of the farmers were aware of the economic activities
like cattle rearing and chips preparation because these were the activities
traditionally practiced and does not require any training. The marketing
for these activities was very easy for these activities, apart from which
input requirement was less and cost effective. The findings are in line
with the findings of Muthhaya et.al (1983). This is followed by tailoring
and coffee powder preparation, probably because ‘Kudumbashree’ unit
offers reasonable charges for tailoring and coffee was easily available in
the place. This findings are supported by the findings of Tejaswini and
Veerabhadraiah (1997). The beneficiaries were aware of the catering
activities conducted by the ‘Kudumbashree’ members and they even run
canteens and hotels. Cleaning mission known as ‘Clean Kerala Mission’
is an innovative approach made by the ‘Kudumbashree’ members who
received wide acceptance due to dedicated work of group members. This
finding is supported by the findings of Raghavan (2008). Lesser
percentage of the members was aware of the fact that ‘Kudumbashree’
units had undertaken computer centre as the enterprise. This might be
due to the less proliferation of the enterprise due to the requirement of
technical skill. However, these findings were found to be contradictory
with the findings of Pallavi (2009).
A great majority of the non-beneficiaries were aware of cattle

rearing as one of the economic activities undertaken by ‘Kudumbashree’
group. This is because it is traditionally practiced by women and also
due to the wide acceptance of the programme as a profitable enterprise
by ‘Kudumbashree’ members. Majority of the non-benefciaries were
aware of chips preparation, followed by tailoring. Only few among the
non-beneficiaries were aware of computer centre established and
maintained by ‘Kudumbashree’ members. The high awareness of non-
beneficiaries regarding economic activities of ‘Kudumbashree’ is because
of the reasonable rates charged for the product and high proliferation of
the programme to lower sections of the society.
Implementation and follow-up activities
A great majority of the beneficiaries were aware of the training

programmes conducted for the benefit of beneficiaries. This is because of
the constant sharing of information between ‘Kudumbashree’ members
with anganwadi workers who in turn react with officials of the
programme. These findings were in line with the findings of Sarangi and
Lahiri (2007).
Majority of the members were aware of maintaining records as
there was a rotation in the positions held by the group members such as
President, treasurer etc. This is also due to the assistance provided by
the community organizers and anganwadi teachers. This finding is in line
with the findings of Bhuvaneshwari et al (2011).
More than three-fourth of the beneficiaries were aware of the

officials involved in the implementation of the programme. This is also
due to constant rapport made between the members, anganwadi workers
and the bank officials. This finding is in line with the findings of
Venkataramaiah and Srinivasulu (1992).
More than half of the beneficiaries were aware of the follow-up

activities conducted. Majority of them were aware of the follow-up made
by development officers and bank officers but were ill-informed of the
same conducted by the district mission team and state level officers.
One-third of the non-beneficiaries were aware of the training

programmes conducted for the beneficiaries of ‘Kudumbashree’
programme. Few among the non-beneficiaries were aware of the
functionaries involved in the implementation of programme. Very few
were aware of follow-up activities and none of them was aware of the
practice of maintaining records. The awareness level of the non-
beneficiaries regarding implementation activity is very less. This makes it
evident that in order to have better knowledge about the intricacies of
any programme or activity, it is required that one should become a
member of the group.

programmes
Table 4 showed that a significant percentage of the beneficiaries

had medium level of participation. The improved participation enhanced
the decision making ability, entrepreneurship etc. It also generates more
employment for the women. This finding is supported by the findings of
Joseph (1998).
Group activities
Table 5 clearly revealed that vast majority of the beneficiaries were

regular in attending meeting followed by participation in offering
suggestions and participation in planning. This shows, they were well
versed and enthusiastic in planning activities and also in providing
suggestions. More than half of the beneficiaries participated in evaluating
various activities. The comparatively lesser participation can be
attributed to the lack of time and busy work schedule on the part of
beneficiaries. These findings were supported by the findings of Chethana
(2005). The participation in the group activities was further promoted by
the facility in obtaining the loan from the common fund. This finding is
in line with the study of Bhuvaneswari et al (2011).
Child development programmes
Regarding child development programmes, a great majority of the

beneficiaries had participated in the immunization programme. Three-
fourth of them had participated in the health check-up. This clearly
shows that the beneficiaries are health conscious and careful about the
health of their children. These findings are supported by the findings of
Siwal (2008).
Training programmes
Table 5 clearly indicated that more than half of the beneficiaries

had participated in the training programmes regarding leadership and
dairying. Dairying was considered as a remunerative enterprise and
women were highly interested in getting information on new breeds and
training on various aspects of rearing and milching. This finding is in line
with the findings of Veluswamy and Manoharan (1998), Nidheesh (2009).
Most of the beneficiaries were interested in leading a life of self-respect
and self-confidence .To boost up their inner strength, majority of them
joined the leadership programme. One third of beneficiaries participated
in the training programme on tailoring as it was an enterprise found to
be remunerative but very less number of women took it as a means of
livelihood due to the continuous work required behind the job. Very few
of the beneficiaries had undergone the training on book keeping. The
very poor participation can possibly be the indication of the general
attitude among the beneficiaries that book keeping doesn’t require much
training and effort.
Ecology and environmental programmes
Regarding ecology and watershed programmes, majority of the

beneficiaries participated in the programme. This can be better inferred
as a supportive measure to the government’s initiative in water
conservation and ecological development. The members were motivated
enough to construct low cost water harvesting structures at their own
residence. This finding is supported by the findings of Shukla and Singh
(2009).
More than half of the beneficiaries were reported to be participative

in the environmental programmes. The comparatively lesser participation
is due to the belief that more manual labour is required for the
programme. This finding is contradictory to the findings of Shukla and
Singh (2009).
Social welfare and service programmes
Regarding the social welfare and service programmes, great

majority of the beneficiaries had participated in the family planning
programme. This might be due to increased awareness regarding the
social matters and concern about the quality upbringing of the children.
As a result of joining SHG’s almost a quarter of the beneficiaries started
a regular involvement in the political activities. This is because the
leadership ability and exposure to the outside world got enhanced as a
result of ‘Kudumbashree’ group participation. These findings are in line
with the findings of Jayaraman (2005).
5.2.d. Benefits derived by the beneficiaries of ‘Kudumbasree’

programme
Table 6 showed that a great majority of the beneficiaries of

‘Kudumbashree’ reported that being a member of the group had provided
them both financial and social benefits.
Subsidiary occupations of the beneficiaries of “Kudumbashree”

group
From Table 7, it was evident that one-third of the beneficiaries

undertook cattle rearing as their subsidiary occupation. The main reason
might be the assured remuneration from the activity and easy marketing.
Catering unit, chips making and coffee powder making were also
preferred by the beneficiaries. Computer centre and cleaning activity
were comparatively less preferred due to the requirement of technical
skill and prejudice of having less social status respectively. Tailoring was
least preferred as an enterprise due to heavy and timely work to be
completed, even though it is highly remunerative. These findings are
supported by the findings of Snehalatha and Reddy (1998), Puhazhendi
(2000) and Kiran and Kanani (2010).
Improvement in the financial position of the “Kudumbashree” group

members
Among the different activities undertaken by the ‘Kudumbashree’

members cattle rearing was found to be the most profitable with a benefit
cost ratio of 1:2. The reason might be the easy and convenient marketing
through the co-operatives and remunerative price prevailed for the
product. Computer centre was carried out by the educated members of
the group. This business turned out to be a big success, but only few
beneficiaries had undertaken it as an enterprise due the requirement of
technical skill. Catering unit was found to be the next preferred
enterprise as it fetches income throughout the year without any seasonal
fluctuation. ‘Kudumbashree’ unit had got an added advantage of
finishing the duty within the expected time. Tailoring and chips
preparation were also found to improve the financial position of the
members. There was an overall social and economic development of
women as result of taking up different enterprises. These findings were
supported by the findings of Puhazhendi (2000), Panicker et al (2008).
Extent of savings generated by members of “Kudumbashree” group
Table 9 revealed that more than half of the members made savings
in the range of Rs.1501 to Rs. 2000 per annum, while one-fourth of the
members made savings between Rs.1000 to Rs.1500. None of women
were having the habit of saving for future before joining ‘Kudumbashree’
group. Majority of the beneficiaries were able to save more than Rs.20
per week. Though poor, they were able to make savings and were happy
about decent savings they made. The savings collected at the group
meetings were deposited in the account of the group by any one of the
group member.
The above results are in consensus with the findings of Hartwig

(1999), Puhazhendi (2000), Pappachen (2001), Reji (2009), Kiran and
Kanani (2010), Bhuvaneswari et al (2011).
Nature of betterment in social status of “Kudumbasree” group
members
From Table 10, it is evident that a great majority of the

beneficiaries learnt to perform bank transactions and became more bold
and courageous in talking with men. There was also improvement in
their ability to monitor children’s education, decision making ability etc.
They were also able to renovate their houses and confident enough to
travel to distant places. Although very few in number, women started
contesting in village Panchayat elections.
The above results are in consensus with the findings of Ahmed

(1999), Puhazhendi (2000), Prasad (2000), Rangi et al. (2002), Ritu et al.
(2003), Nidheesh (2009), Reji (2009), Bhuvaneswari et al (2011).
With the above discussion, the hypothesis Ho(2) i.e. there is no

difference in the impact of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme on the
beneficiaries, is rejected. Alternate hypothesis stated that, there is a
difference in the impact of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme on the
beneficiaries, is accepted.
5.3. Relationship and contribution of independent variables on the

5.3.1. Relationship and contribution of independent variables on the

awareness level of beneficiaries of Kudumbashree programme
5.3.1.1. Relationship of independent variables on the awareness

level of beneficiaries of Kudumbashree programme.
Table 11 revealed that, out of 11 independent variables three

independent variables namely education, social participation, mass
media exposure and achievement motivation had highly significant
relationship at one percent level, while age was significant at five percent
level. There was a negative and significant relationship between family
dependency ratio and awareness level. Remaining five variables had
exhibited non-significant relationship with the awareness level of
5.3.1.1.1. Education: The results inferred that there was a highly

significant positive relationship between education and awareness level
of beneficiaries. As the education level increases, the awareness level also
increases. Women with higher education tend to move out and seeks
further information, thus improving the awareness level.
5.3.1.1.2. Social participation: The results revealed that there was

significant positive relationship between social participation and
awareness level. The general exposure of the women is improved due to
enhanced participation. This will improve their self-confidence and they
seek more information and become more aware.
5.3.1.1.3. Mass media exposure: It was observed from the results that
there was highly significant positive relationship between mass media
exposure and awareness level. As the women got higher exposure
through television, radio, newspaper, magazines etc., they get more
information on different development programmes like ‘Kudumbashree’.
5.3.1.1.4. Achievement motivation: The results showed that there was

a highly significant positive relationship between achievement motivation
and awareness level. If the achievement motivation is more, they will
seek more information and also motivate others to the same.
5.3.1.1.5. Age: The results furnished that there was a significant

positive relationship between age and awareness level. As age increases,
awareness level increases. But the psychological perception of the old age
and middle age group will be different from youngsters who are more
innovative in nature.
5.3.1.1.6. Family dependency ratio: It was observed from the results

that there was a significant negative relationship between family
dependency ratio and awareness level. When the dependent members in
the family are more, women are not free to go outside and interact with
other women. Thus there will less awareness level.
5.3.1.2. Contribution of independent variables on the awareness

level of Kudumbashree programme
The results of multiple regression analysis in Table 11 showed that

variables such as education, social participation, mass media exposure
and achievement motivation had significantly contributed to the
awareness level of beneficiaries of the progrmme. The R2 value of 0.681
indicated that all 14 variables had contributed to the tune of 68.1 per
cent of variation in the awareness level of beneficiaries of the programme.

awareness level of non-beneficiaries of Kudumbashree
programme
5.3.2.1. Relationship of independent variables on the awareness of

non-beneficiaries of Kudumbashree programme.
It was observed from Table 12 that, out of 11 independent

variables, mass media exposure and achievement motivation had highly
significant positive relationship at one per cent level while education and
social participation had positive significant relationship at five per cent
level of significance. Occupation had negative significant relationship at
five per cent level of significance. Remaining six variables exhibited non-
significant relationship with the awareness level of non-beneficiaries.
5.3.2.1.1. Mass media exposure: The results revealed that there was a
significant positive relationship between mass media exposure and
awareness level of non-beneficiaries. As the mass media exposure
increases, there will be more chances in getting information and thus
there will be an improvement in the awareness level.
5.3.2.1.2. Achievement motivation: It was noticed from the results

that there is a significant positive relationship between achievement
motivation and awareness level of non-beneficiaries. Women who had
more achievement motivation seek more information and therefore more
chance of her to become a beneficiary in the near future.
5.3.2.1.3. Education: The results furnished that there was a significant

relationship between education and awareness level of non-beneficiaries.
As the education level increases, the quest for knowledge increases. This
will in turn enhance the awareness level of non-beneficiaries.
5.3.2.1.4. Social participation: It was noticed that there was a

significant positive relationship between social participation and
awareness level. Participation enables women to mingle with more
people. This will improve her awareness level regarding different
developmental programmes.
5.3.2.1.5. Occupation: The results revealed that there was a significant

negative relationship between occupation and awareness level of non-
beneficiaries. When the women were engaged in other job, they found
less time in ‘Kudumbashree’ activity. This resulted in less interest and
thus less awareness level.
5.3.2.2. Contribution of independent variables on the awareness of

non-beneficiaries of Kudumbashree programme

and achievement motivation had significantly contributed to the
awareness level of non-beneficiaries of the ‘Kudumbashree’ progrmme.
The R2 value of 0.745 indicated that all 14 variables had contributed to
the tune of 74.5 per cent of variation in the awareness level of non-

extent of participation of beneficiaries of Kudumbashree
programme
5.3.3.1. Relationship of independent variables on the extent of

Table 13 revealed out that, out of 11 independent variables, three

variables namely education, mass media exposure and achievement
motivation had significant positive relationship at one per cent level of
significance, while family type and social participation had significant
positive correlation at five per cent level of significance. Remaining six
variables exhibited a non-significant relationship with extent of
participation of the beneficiaries of ‘Kudumbashree’ group.
5.3.3.3.1. Education: The results provided that education had a highly

significant positive relationship with extent of participation. When the
education level is more, women will be having increased awareness level
and they will come out of the four walls and ensures higher participation.
5.3.3.3.2. Mass media exposure: The results inferred that there was
extent of participation. Mass media exposure will load the women with a
multitude of information. The increased availability of information on
different programmes and other women’s participation in it increased the
participation level of beneficiaries.
motivation and extent of participation of beneficiaries. Increase in
achievement motivation enables oneself to participate more and help
others to participate more.
5.3.3.3.4. Family type: The results revealed that there was a significant
positive relationship between family type and extent of participation of
beneficiaries. When the women are from a nuclear type of family, there
will be less members to convince and decision making power will be
more. This resulted in increased level of participation.
5.3.3.3.5. Social participation: It was noticed that there was a

significant positive relationship between social participation and level of
participation of beneficiaries. When the social awareness increases,
social participation will be more; this in turn increases level of
participation in ‘Kudumbashree’ programme.
5.3.3.2. Contribution of independent variables on the extent of


and achievement motivation had significantly contributed to the extent of
participation of beneficiaries of the ‘Kudumbashree’ progrmme. The R2
value of 0.685 indicated that all 14 variables had contributed to the tune
of 68.5 per cent of variation in the extent of participation of beneficiaries
of the programme.
benefits derived by beneficiaries of Kudumbashree
programme.
5.3.4.1. Relationship of independent variables on the benefits

derived by beneficiaries of Kudumbashree programme.
Table 14 revealed that, out of 11 independent variables, two

variables namely social participation and achievement motivation had
significant positive relationship at one per cent level of significance while
education, mass media exposure and family type had significant positive
correlation at five per cent level of significance. Remaining six variables
exhibited a non-significant relationship with extent of participation of the
beneficiaries of ‘Kudumbashree’ group.
5.3.4.1.1. Social participation: It was noticed that there was a highly

significant positive relationship between social participation and benefits
derived by the beneficiaries. When the social participation increase,
women got more chance to participate in various training programmes
and derived skills out of that. This helps them to achieve more benefits
from the enterprises undertaken by them.

motivation and benefits derived by the beneficiaries. Increased
motivation enables them to work hard and thus there will be more
benefits, economically and socially.
5.3.4.1.3. Education: The results provided that education had a highly

significant positive relationship with benefits derived. When education
increases, there will be a natural tendency in acquiring more
information. It also helped to them to expand the horizon of
opportunities, so that more profitable enterprises were undertaken. This
improves the benefits derived by the members.
5.3.4.1.4. Mass media exposure: The results revealed that there was a
benefits derived by the beneficiaries. The awareness created by mass
media helps the women to gather more information about the
development programmes by which they can avail benefits in the form of
loan and improve their financial as well as the social status.
5.3.4.1.5. Family type: The results revealed that there was a significant
positive relationship between family type and benefits derived by the
beneficiaries. The members from nuclear family derived more benefit
from the different enterprises as they need less time to spend for the
family chores. They had a supporting family background which enabled
them to concentrate more on the programme.
5.3.4.2. Contribution of independent variables on the benefits

derived by beneficiaries of Kudumbashree programme.

variables such as social participation, mass media exposure and
achievement motivation had significantly contributed to benefits derived
by the beneficiaries of the ‘Kudumbashree’ progrmme. The R2 value of
0.782 indicated that all 14 variables had contributed to the tune of 78.2
per cent of variation in the benefits derived by the beneficiaries of the
programme.
These findings were supported by the findings of Tasneema

sultana (2001), Srinivas (2002), Deka et al (2008) and John (2009).
With the above discussion, the hypothesis Ho(3) i.e. there is no

relationship between the independent variables and the impact of
‘Kudumbashree’ programme, is rejected. Alternate hypothesis stated
that, there is relationship between the independent variables and the
impact of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme, is accepted.

To become the member of “Kudumbashree” group
Regarding the constraints faced by beneficiaries in becoming the

member of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme, more than half of the
beneficiaries opined family restrictions as the major constraint faced by
them. Absence of name in the BPL list and lack of information were
considered as other major constraints. These findings are in line with the
findings of Chethana (2005). None of the beneficiary reported caste as
factor hindering their participation in ‘Kudumbashree’ group. All of the
beneficiaries were of the opinion that caste has never been a matter of
concern for effective functioning of group.
To form “Kudumbashree” group
The major constraint in forming the ‘Kudumbashree’ was bringing

all the willing members to join the group on to a common platform. There
was also a lack of proper guidance and clear information. This happened
when the leaders of the group were not effective in carrying out their
functions. They also found it difficult to make savings among the group
members. The members found it difficult to make their monthly deposit
due to the financial distress in family. Few of the beneficiaries reported
that when the Panchayat member becomes the President of the group,
their political interests found reflections in the group. There occurred
instances where some of the members were withdrawn from the group
and some others showed reluctance in joining the group. These findings
were supported by the findings of Snehalatha (1998), Govindappa (1999),
Pillegowda et al (1999), Kumawat and Sharma (2000), Sharma and
Darmar (2000).
To participate in the programme
Majority of the beneficiaries opined that disturbance from the daily

household work as a constraint in the participation of the programme.
Difficulty in meeting the concerned official and lack of family
encouragement were also considered as constraints. Most of them said
that the family members were supportive in their participation in the
programme, if they managed to discharge family functions properly.
These findings were in line with the findings of Snehalatha (1998),
Prasad (1998), Pappachen (2001).
To avail the benefits
Three fourth of beneficiaries expressed the delay in receiving the

benefits as the major constraint. To obtain the benefits they had to make
more number of visits to the Panchayat office. These findings were in
line with the findings of Snehalatha (1998), Manga Sri (1999), Pillegowda
et al (1999).
To ensure efficient marketing
A great majority of the beneficiaries felt that lack of proper

marketing place for their produce is the major constraint faced by them.
Most of ‘Kudumbashree’ members were selling their product at the door-
step of every house hold. This was found to be tedious and ineffective.
Added to that, they said the consumers were having prejudices about the
quality of the product. Lack of proper advertisement made the consumer
ignorant about the quality of the product. This can be also attributed to
the lack of training. These findings are supported by the findings of
Tejaswini and Veerabhadraiah (1997), Dhillon and Hansra (1999),
Sharma and Darmar (2000), Sarangi and Lahiri (2007),
operational aspects of Kudumbashree programme.
Formation of ‘Kudumbashree’ group
Regarding the formation of ‘Kudumbasree’ group, majority of the

beneficiaries had given the suggestion that successful groups should be
rewarded properly so that it would motivate more members to join the
group. Some other beneficiaries had given the opinion that the size of the
group should be limited and strictly followed. The increase in the size of
the group will leads to sub-group formation and conflicts.
Loan/ subsidy and benefits
A great majority of the beneficiaries opined that the loan and

subsidy amount should be increased which will help them in improving
the employment opportunities.
Marketing support ensured
Lack of advertisement was found to be the major constraint and

majority of the members suggested a proper marketing place to ensure
efficient marketing. Some of the beneficiaries suggested a proper
marketing place, so that different products could be pooled to avoid the
drudgery of going to each door-step for marketing.
Training programmes conducted
The beneficiaries suggested that training programme should be

conducted on a need oriented basis. For agriculture, season based
training should be given. Likewise when the respondents showed the
interest to take up particular enterprise. Training should be given in that
enterprise and not as per the wish of the officers of the programme.
Implementation and follow-up activity
Cent per cent of the beneficiaries opined that follow-up activities

should be conducted on a regular basis. This will enable them to
understand their own progress and can make improvements. A great
majority put forward a suggestion that there should be good rapport with
the Panchayat officials in order to obtain information about new schemes
and to avail the benefit at the earliest. Some of them suggested that the
auditing should be carried out by an external agency. This will help to
prevent the bias among the group members in various activities.
Most of these findings were line with the findings of Praveenkumar

(1992), Shivanna (1997), Srilatha (1997), Pappachen (2001), Bharathi
(2009).

SUMMARY
VI. SUMMARY
“Reaching out to families through women and reaching out to community

through families”.
The slogan of ‘Kudumbashree’ mission
The Government of Kerala State in India has introduced a novel

scheme of poverty eradication based on the principle of micro finance
namely “Kudumbashree”, the scheme aims at improving the standard of
living of the poor women in rural and urban areas. ‘Kudumbashree’ was
started in 1998 to alleviate poverty in the State by empowering women
through collective action.
Kudumbashree became the lifeline to many of the poor women in

the state of Kerala. The women of the state have become active
participants in the planning and implementation process of various anti
poverty programmes. By participating in various income generating–cum
developmental activities, the morale and confidence of women have
become very high. Women who were regarded as voiceless and powerless
started identifying their inner power, their strength, opportunities for
growth and their role in reshaping their own destiny.
Even while acknowledging the various shortcomings, Community

Development Society (CDS) as a community based organisation holds out
tremendous potential for enlarging freedoms, and enhancing and
widening the capabilities and choices of poor women in the state.
The present study addresses itself to find out the impact of

‘Kudumbashree’ programme on rural women.
The specific objectives of the study are:
1. To study the socio-economic characteristics of the beneficiaries and

non-beneficiaries of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme.
2. To study the awareness level of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of

3. To study the impact of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme on beneficiaries.
4. To find out the influence of socio-economic characteristics of

beneficiaries on the impact of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme.
5. To identify the constraints faced by beneficiaries and their

suggestions for the improvement of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme.
The study was conducted in Kottayam, Vaikom and

Changanassery taluks in Kottayam district of Kerala during January and
February months of the year 2011. From each of the taluk, four villages
were selected for the study. From each village, 10 members (5
beneficiaries and 5 non-beneficiaries) were selected randomly by making
a total of 120 respondents (60 beneficiaries and 60 non-beneficiaries).
Impact of Kudumbashree programme was the dependent variable

for the study and age, education, family type, family dependency ratio,
land holding, occupation, social participation, extension participation,
mass media exposure, achievement motivation and annual income
constituted the eleven independent variables.
A structured pre-tested interview schedule was prepared and the

information was collected from the respondents employing personal
interview method. The data were analysed with the help of statistical
tests like frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, correlation
coefficient and regression analysis.
Major findings of the study
1. More than half of the beneficiaries (66.7%) and non-beneficiaries

(60.0 %) belonged to the middle age group.
2. About one-third of the beneficiaries (35.0%) and non-beneficiaries

(30.0%) had higher secondary level of education. None of them were
illiterate.
3. It was noticed that majority of the beneficiaries (83.3%) and more

than half of the non-beneficiaries (66.7%) had nuclear type of family.
4. More than one-third (36.7%) of the beneficiaries had low family

dependency ratio. A significant percentage (43.3%) of the non-
beneficiaries had medium level of family dependency ratio.
5. A great majority of the beneficiaries (96.7%) and non-beneficiaries

(91.7%) had marginal landholding.
6. It was evident that more than one-third (36.8%) of the beneficiaries

were occupied in agriculture and allied activities followed by self-
employment (33.3%). One-third of the non-beneficiaries were self-
employed (33.3%) followed daily labour (23.4%).
7. Nearly one-half (45.0%) of the beneficiaries had medium level of

social participation while majority (51.7%) of the non-beneficiaries
had low level of social participation.
8. It was observed that nearly one-half (43.3%) of the beneficiaries had

medium level of extension participation while more than one-half
(51.7%) of the non-beneficiaries had low level of extension
participation.
9. Three-fourth (75.0%) of the beneficiaries had received high level of

mass media exposure. A significant percentage (45.0%) of the non-
beneficiaries had medium level of mass media exposure.
10. Nearly one-half (48.3%) of the beneficiaries had medium level of
achievement motivation and one-half (46.7%) of the non-beneficiaries
received low level of achievement motivation.
11. It was noticed that majority of the beneficiaries (83.3%) and non-
beneficiaries (80.0%) were living below poverty line.
12. The chi-square analysis indicated that education, family type,

occupation, extension participation, mass media exposure,
achievement motivation were significantly associated between the
beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of the programme.
13. Majority of the beneficiaries (83.3%) were fully aware and more than
three-fourth (76.7%) of the non-beneficiaries were partially aware,
when the overall awareness level is considered.
14. The chi-square value indicated that there exists a significant

association between the overall awareness level of beneficiaries and
non-beneficiaries.
15. All the beneficiaries and more than half (53.3%) of the non-
beneficiaries were aware about the general information of the
‘Kudumbashree’ programme and cent per cent of the beneficiaries
were aware of who motivated them to join the group.
16. Cent per cent of the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries were aware
that they should be a member of ‘Kudumbashree’ group and they
should be a resident of the village to avail the benefits of the
programme.
17. A great majority (91.7%) of beneficiaries were aware that both APL
and BPL members can join the group while only one-third of the non-
beneficiaries were aware of it.
18. Majority (83.3 per cent) of the beneficiaries and a significant
percentage (41.6 per cent) of the non-beneficiaries were aware of the
security requirement in order to avail benefits.
19. All the beneficiaries were aware of the mode of repayment and period
of repayment of the loan. One-third (33.3 per cent) of the non-
beneficiaries were aware about the mode of repayment of the loan
and one fourth (25.0 per cent) about the period of repayment.
20. All the beneficiaries were aware of cattle rearing and chips
preparation as an economic activity undertaken by the
‘Kudumbashree’ members. Least awareness (33.3%) was about the
computer undertaken as an enterprise. A great majority (91.7 per
cent) of the non-beneficiaries were aware that cattle rearing was
taken as an economic activity by the ‘Kudumbashree’ members.
21. Majority of the beneficiaries were aware of the practice of maintaining

records (90.0%) and carrying out the training programmes (80.0%).
One-third (33.3 per cent) of non-beneficiaries were aware of training
programmes conducted by the members of ‘Kudumbashree’ group
22. It is evident that a significant percentage of the respondents were

regular in their participation in group activities such as attendance
in meeting (91.7%), participation in offering suggestions (83.3%),
participation in planning (75.0%), and participation in evaluating
(63.3%).
23. Regarding participation in the child development programme, a great

majority of the beneficiaries were regular in their participation in
immunization (96.7%) and health check-up (75.0 per cent). A
significant percentage (41.7%) of them had never participated in any
informal education programmes.
30. In the case of participation in training programmes, nearly three-
fourth (66.8%) of the beneficiaries were regular in participation in
leadership and dairying.
31. Majority of the beneficiaries had participated in the watershed

programmes (83.3%) and environmental campaigns (53.4%).
32. A great majority of the beneficiaries were regular in their

participation in family planning programme (91.7%), while majority of
them had never participated in blood donation camps (66.8%) and in
politics (41.67%).
33. It was noticed that a vast majority (98.3%) of the beneficiaries

showed improvement in financial conditions and betterment in social
status.
34. One-third (33.3%) of the beneficiaries undertook cattle rearing as the

subsidiary occupation followed by catering unit (16.7%).
35. The improvement in the financial condition was found out by

calculating cost benefit ratio. The highest cost benefit ratio was
obtained for cattle rearing enterprise (1:2).
36. More than half (58.3%) of the beneficiaries had saved between
Rs.1501- Rs.2000.
37. A great majority (96.7%) of the beneficiaries learnt to perform bank

transactions while only a few (8.3%) started to contest in the
Panchayat elections.
38. The correlation coefficient between awareness level of beneficiaries

and 11 independent variables indicated that education, social
participation, mass media exposure and achievement motivation had
high significant relationship at one percent level, while age and
family dependency ratio had significant relationship at five percent
level of significance.
The regression analysis of awareness level of beneficiaries with
11 independent variables indicated that education, social
significantly contributed to the awareness level of beneficiaries of
‘Kudumbasree’ programme.
39. The correlation coefficient between awareness level of non-

beneficiaries and 11 independent variables indicated that mass
media exposure and achievement motivation had highly significant
positive relationship (1 per cent) while education and social
participation had positive significant relationship at five per cent level
of significance. Occupation had negative significant relationship.
The regression analysis of awareness level of non- beneficiaries

with 11 independent variables indicated that variables such as
education, social participation, mass media exposure and
achievement motivation had significantly contributed to the
awareness level of non-beneficiaries of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme.
40. The correlation coefficient between extent of participation of

beneficiaries and 11 independent variables indicated that education,
mass media exposure and achievement motivation had significant
positive relationship at one per cent level of significance while family
type and social participation had significant positive correlation at
five per cent level of significance.
The regression analysis of extent of participation of

beneficiaries with 11 independent variables indicated that education,
social participation, mass media exposure and achievement
motivation had significantly contributed to the extent of participation
of beneficiaries of ‘Kudumbashree’ programme.
41. The correlation coefficient between benefits derived by the

beneficiaries and 11 independent variables indicated that social
participation and achievement motivation had significant positive
relationship at one per cent level of significance while education,
mass media exposure and family type had significant positive
correlation at five per cent level of significance.
The regression analysis of benefits derived by the beneficiaries

with 11 independent variables indicated that education, social
significantly contributed to the benefits derived by the beneficiaries of
42. Regarding the constraints faced by the members of ‘Kudumbasree’

group, more than half (66.7%) of the beneficiaries opined family
restrictions as the major constraint in becoming the member of
‘Kudumbashree’ group. Majority (80.0%) found difficulty in bringing
the members together regarding the formation of ‘Kudumbashree’
group. Majority (86.7%) of the beneficiaries found that the
disturbance from daily household work prevents them from
participation. Three-fourth (75.0%) opined there is a delay in
benefits. A great majority (90.0%) reported that there is a lack of
proper marketing place.
43. With respect to the suggestions made by beneficiaries for the

improvement of the programme, majority (83.3%) suggested that the
beneficiaries should be rewarded properly, 95.0 per cent pointed out
the need for increasing the amount of loan and subsidy. Majority
(86.7%) of the beneficiaries suggested for the proper advertisement of
the product and all the beneficiaries had an opinion that training
should be imparted on a need oriented basis. Cent per cent of the
beneficiaries suggested that follow-up should be conducted on a
regular basis and 91.7 per cent opined that ‘Kudumbashree’ officials
should build good rapport with Panchayat officials.
Implications and recommendations
1. The criteria for the identification of the poor and the non-poor must
be revisited so that more BPL members can occupy the key
positions in the group.
2. There is need to evolve a group insurance programme. This will

enhance the security level of group members and thereby more
members will join the net.
3. Overloading the ‘Kudumbashree’ functionaries could turn out to be

counter productive. The ‘Kudumbashree’ is involved in planning,
implementation, managing health clubs and preventive
programmes, and the list continues. Care should be taken that this
overload should not damage the actual purpose of the programme.
4. There is a mushrooming of self-help groups organized by communal

outfits, NGOs etc. Such fragmentations of the poor and parallel
organisations can pose serious threat to the healthy progress of
‘Kudumbashree’.
Suggestions for future area of research
A comparative study of newly formed and stabilized

‘Kudumbashree’ groups can be taken up. The present study was
conducted at micro level. Similar studies can attempted at macro level.
Since the study was conducted only in three taluks of a district, it is
necessary to have studies in other areas to generalize the findings.

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APPENDICES

A
APPENDI
IX-I
U
UNIVERSI TY OF AG
GRICULTU
URAL SCIE
ENCES
DE
EPARTMENT OF AG GRICULTU
URAL EXT
TENSION
GKVK, BAANGALOR
RE-65
Im
mpact of Kudumba
ashree Prrogramme
e on Rural Women of Kottay
yam
D
District in
n Kerala
INTER
RVIEW SC
CHEDULE
A. GENERAL INFORMATIO ON
1. Na
ame of the
e beneficia
ary -
2. Na
ame of the
e group -
3. Na
ame of the
e village -
4. Group nummber -
5. Re
espondentt number -
SOCIO-ECONOM MIC AND PSYCHOLO
P OGICAL VA
ARIABLES
S
1. AGEE
a) (in complleted years
s) as on (sp
pecify the date) -201
10
b) Since how
w many ye ears she is
s the memb ber
2. EDU UCATION
a) Illitterate
b) Fun nctionally literate
c) Prim mary scho ool
d) Mid ddle schoo ol
e) Hig gh school
f) Hig gher seconndary
g) Deg gree
3. LANND HOLDIN NG (in cennts)
Type off land
a)Irriga
ated land
b)Rainffed land
c)Home
estead
4. FAMILY TYPE
a) Nuclear
b) Joint
c) Extended
5. OCCUPATION
Type of Occupation
a) Agriculture & allied
b) Daily labourers
c) Salaried
d)Self employed
e)Unemployed
f)Student
Total
6. FAMILY DEPENDENCY RATIO

Male Female Total
a) Below 15 years of age
b) Above 64 years of age
7. SOCIAL PARTICIPATION
Sl Organisation Member/non Extent of participation

No: member
Regular Occasional Never
1. Village
Panchayat
2. Taluk
Panchayat
4. Zilla Panchayat
5. Mahila Samaj
6. Youth Club
7. Any other
8. EXTENSION PARTICIPATION
Sl Extension activities Frequency of participation
No: Regular Occasional Never
1. Method demonstration
2. Result demonstration
3. Krishimela
4. Farm and Home visits
5. Training programme
6. Field day
7. Exhibition
8. Educational tour
9. Group meeting
10. Any other
9. MASS MEDIA EXPOSURE

Sl No: Source Frequency of use
Regular Occasional Never
1. Reading newspaer
2. Listening to radio
3. Listening to krishi programmes
4. Listening hints to farmers
5. Watching television
6. Watching agricultural programmes
7. Watching women’s programmes
8. Reading farm magazines
10. ACHIEVEMENT MOTIVATION

Sl. Statement Strongly Agree Undecided Disagree Strongly
No: agree disagree
1. Only those who
depend on
themselves go
ahead in life
2. Women should
struggle hard to
provide better
education for
her family
3. Learning new
skills leads to
success in
farming
4. Women should
stay at home
rather than
work outside
5. One should
work hard until
one is satisfied
with the result
6. Hard work
leads to success
in life
7. Women should
concentrate
only on cooking
and household
management
8. Hard work is
the only
solution for
most of the
problems
9. Since
everything is
determined by
God, there is no
need to struggle
hard on the
farm
11. ANNUAL INCOME (Rs.)

a) From agriculture
b) From other sources (specify)
Total
DEPENDENT VARIABLES
1. AWARENESS
General information
1. When did you come to know about the Kudumbashree

programme?
2. From whom did you get all the details regarding the
Kudumbashree programme?
3. Who motivated you to join the group?
Sl Motivated by Yes No
No:
1. Neighbours
2. Friends
3. SHG members
4. Officials of Kudumbashree /NGO
5. Others
4. Are you aware of the following eligibility criteria to become the

beneficiary of ‘Kudumbashree” Programme?
Sl. No. Eligibility criteria Aware Not aware
1. Your name should be present in the BPL
list prepared by the Gram Panchayat
2. You should be a member of SHG
3. You should be a resident of the village
4. You should not be a defaulter or loan
holder in any other scheme
5. Are you aware that the following documents are required for
availing the benefits under Kudumbashree Programme
Sl No. Documents Aware Not aware
1. Ration card/ I.D. card/ voters list
name/green card / residence certificate
2. Passport size photo of all SHG members
3. Three photos of SHG representative
4. No due/objection certificate from
concerned banks
5. Supporting land documents
6. Are you aware whether security is required for availing loan

under Kudumbashree Programme - Aware/ Not aware
7. Are you aware of the following details with regard to credit you
received from Kudumbashree programme
Sl No. Details Aware Not aware
1. Rate of interest on loans
2. Period of repayment
3. Amount of eligible subsidy
4. Mode of repayment
8. Are you aware of the following economic activities implemented
under Kudumbashree programme for the benefit of the women
Sl Economic activity Aware Not aware
No.
1. Cattle rearing / Computer centre
2. Cleaning activity / Tailoring
3. Coffee powder preparation / Chips
Making
9. Are you aware that there is provision for the individual economic
activities under Kudumbashree programme – Aware/ not aware
10. Are you aware of the records to be maintained under

Sl No. Records Aware Not aware

1. Savings account book/
recipient book
2. Payment recipient book/ cash
credit and debit book
3. Loan format book/loan
account book
11. Are you aware of the different functionaries involved in

implementing Kudumbashree programme - Aware/ Not aware
Sl No. Name of the functionary Aware Not aware
1. Anganawadi workers
2. Executive officers
3. Bank officials
12. Are you aware of the training programme impaired to the

beneficiary by the implementation agency under Kudumbashree
programme
Sl
Name of the training programme Aware Not aware
No.
1. Book keeping
2. Leadership
2. PARTICIPATION
ACTIVITY Participation Of The Beneficiary
Regularly Occasionally Never
I. GROUP ACTIVITY
a)Her attendance in the
meeting
b)Her participation in
offering suggestions
c)Her participation in
planning/taking decision
d)Her participation in
evaluating the activity
II. CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES
a)Immunisation
b)Informal education
c)Health education, health
check up.
TRAINING PROGRAMMES
a)Book keeping
b)Leadership
c)Tailoring
d)Dairying
e)Pickle and pappad making
III. ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTALPROGRAMMES
a)Watershed programmes
b)Environmental campaigns
c)Health campaigns
IV. SOCIALWELFARE AND SERVICE PROGRAMMES
a)Vocational training
b)Medical and health
campaigns
c)Family planning
d)Blood donation campaigns
3. BENEFITS DERIVED
3.1. What are the different subsidiary operations undertaken by the
‘Kudumbashree’ members?
3.2. What improvement in the financial conditions has attained by
members of ‘Kudumbashree’ groups?
Sl Activities Amount of loan Benefits derived(in
No. availed rupees)
1. Cattle rearing
2. Computer centre
3. Cleaning activity
4. Tailoring
5. Coffee powder making
6. Chips preparation
7. Catering unit
3.3. What are the benefits derived by the members of ‘Kudumbasree’

group?
3.4. How much savings has been generated from various income
generating activities of Kudumbashree programme?
3.5. What is the nature of betterment in social status for

‘Kudumbashree’ members?
Sl. No. Statements Number Percentage

1. Improved the courage to
communicate with men
2. Learnt to perform bank

transactions
3. Involved in decision making at

home
4. Improved ability to monitor

children’s education
5. Self-confidence to travel to
distant places
6. Modified the house and made a
garden in front of it
7. Started to contest in village

Panchayat elections
INDICATE THE CONSTRAINTS UNDER KUDUMBASGHREE

PROGRAMME
1. To form SHG
a. Difficult to make savings
b. No clear information and guidance
c. Difficulty in bringing members together
2. To become the member of SHG

a. Family restrictions
b. Lack of information
c. Absence of name in the BPLlist
d. Caste problem
3. To participate in the programme

a. Disturbance from daily household works
b. Difficult to meet the concerned official
c. Family encouragement is not sufficient
d. Departure from the democratic way of functioning
4. To avail the benefits

a. More number of visits to be made to the banks and Panchayats
b. Delay in availing the benefits
5. To ensure efficient marketing

a. Lack of proper marketing place
b. Presence of intermediaries
c. Lack of proper advertisement for the products
d. Prejudices among consumers about the quality of the product
PLEASE MENTION THE SUGGESTIONS TO IMPROVE THE CONTENT
AND OPERATIONAL ASPECTS OF KUDUMBASHREE PROGRAMME
1. Formation of SHG
2. Loan/subsidy and benefits
3. Self-employment and income generation
4. Marketing support ensured
5. Training programme conducted
6. Implementation and follow-up activity

APPENDIX – II
ORGANOGRAM- Kudumbashree
APPENDIX-III
Structure of Community Based Organisations (CBOs) in

Kudumbashree

Kudumbashree Report

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IMPACT OF ‘KUDUMBASHREE’ PROGRAMME

ON RURAL WOMEN IN KOTTAYAM

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION

Thesis submitted to the

University of Agricultural Sciences, BANGALORE

in the partial fulfillment for the award of the degree of

MASTER OF SCIENCE (AGRICULTURE)

BANGALORE JULY, 2011

Who has given me,

the serenity to accept the things I cannot

the courage to change the things I can, and,

the wisdom to know the difference.

This is to certify that the thesis entitled “Impact of ‘Kudumbashree’

Place: BANGALORE Dr. K. C. LALITHA

I am extremely delighted to place on record my profound sense of gratitude to

I avail this opportunity to express my profound thanks to Dr. D. Nanjappa, Professor

Also extent my sincere thanks to all staff members of Agricultural Extension

If friendship is a blessing, I am really blessed, and it was my friends who made my

I use this opportunity to sincerely thank my classmates, Ananthnag, Shankaraiah,

‘Kudumbashree’ is the poverty eradication mission of Kerala State and is a

Dept. of Agril. Extension Dr.K.C.Lalitha

UAS, GKVK, Bangalore-65 (Major Advisor)

July, 2011 the

PÀÄlÄA§ ²æÃ AiÉÆd£ÉAiÀÄÄ PÉÃgÀ¼À gÁdåzÀ §qÀ ªÀÄ»¼ÉAiÀÄgÀ£ÉÆß¼ÀUÉÆAqÀ ¸ÀªÀÄÄzÁAiÀÄ DzsÁjvÀ

F CzsÀåAiÀÄ£À¢AzÀ w½zÀÄ §AzÀ ¥sÀ°vÁA±ÀUÀ¼ÉAzÀgÉ, ¸ÀÄªÀiÁgÀÄ ±ÉÃ. 83.30 gÀµÀÄÖ ¥sÀ¯Á£ÀÄ¨sÀ«UÀ¼ÀÄ

98.30 gÀµÀÄÖ ¥sÀ¯Á£ÀÄ¨sÀ«UÀ¼ÀÄ vÀªÀÄä ¸ÁªÀiÁfPÀ ªÀÄvÀÄÛ DyðPÀªÀ®AiÀÄzÀ°è C©üªÀÈ¢Ý ºÉÆA¢zÁÝgÉ.

¥sÀ¯Á£ÀÄ¨sÀ«UÀ¼À «zÁå¨sÁå¸À, ¸ÁªÀiÁfPÀ ¨sÁUÀªÀ»¸ÀÄ«PÉ ¸ÀªÀÄÆºÀ ªÀiÁzÀåªÀÄ §¼ÀPÉ, ¸ÁºÀ¸À

¥sÀ¯Á£ÀÄ¨sÀ«UÀ¼À «zÁå¨sÁå¸À, ¸ÀªÀÄÆºÀ ªÀiÁzÀåªÀÄ §¼ÀPÉ, PÀÄlÄA§ jÃw ªÀÄvÀÄÛ ¸ÁªÀiÁfPÀ

¥sÀ¯Á£ÀÄ¨sÀ«UÀ¼À ¥ÀæªÀÄÄR ¸ÀªÀÄ¸ÉåUÀ¼ÉAzÀgÉ, ¸ÀjAiÀiÁzÀ ªÀiÁgÀÄPÀmÉÖ E®è¢gÀÄªÀÅzÀÄ, zÉÊ£ÀA¢£À

PÀÈ¶ «¸ÀÛgÀuÁ «¨sÁUÀ (PÉ. ¹. ®°vÀ)

II REVIEW OF LITERATURE 12-47

III METHODOLOGY 48-61

VII REFERENCES 131-147

Socio-economic characteristics of the beneficiaries and non-

Overall awareness level of beneficiaries and non

Awareness level of the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries

Extent of participation of beneficiaries in different group

Extent of participation of beneficiaries in different group

6. Benefits derived by beneficiaries of “Kudumbashree” group 78

Subsidiary occupation of the beneficiaries of

Improvement in the financial position of the

9. Extent of savings made by members of “Kudumbashree” 79

Nature of betterment in social status of “Kudumbashree”

Relationship and contribution of independent variables

Relationship and contribution of independent variables

Relationship and contribution of independent variables

Relationship and contribution of independent variables

Constraints faced by the beneficiaries during their

Suggestions given by the beneficiaries for the effective

1. Map of Kottayam district showing the study area 48-49

2. Conceptual model of the study 61-62

Overall awareness level of beneficiaries and non-

Extent of participation of the beneficiaries of

Benefits derived by the beneficiaries of Kudumbashree

Subsidiary occupation undertaken by the members of

Extent of savings generated by the beneficiaries of

Empirical model showing the relationship between

1. ‘Kudumbashree’ members in tailoring centre 88-89

2. Women beneficiary benefitted from cattle rearing 88-89

3. Women beneficiaries in catering unit 88-89

4. Women engaged in coffee powder preparation 88-89

“Millions of women in our hamlets know what unemployment means. Give

India is a developing country with vast section of its population