SELF-HELP GROUPS: EMPOWERING HANDICRAFT WORKERS IN HAZARIBAG

The improvement of society through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) is a significant step in the socio economic development of small industries like handlooms and handicrafts. Handicrafts are part of an unorganized sector where artisans face challenges such as lack of capital, training, and market opportunities. SHGs are seen as the solution to these issues. To understand and improve the socio economic conditions, surveys involving questionnaires or interviews with 15-20 artisans are conducted to gather their thoughts and preferences. The handicraft industry is the second-largest employment sector in India and is crucial to the rural economy. SHGs have introduced a microfinance model that is vital for improving the socio-economic conditions of handicraft workers. The lack of formal credit in rural areas led to the creation of SHGs in India. These groups consist of people from similar backgrounds who come together to address socio-economic problems among workers. In Jharkhand, the government initiative "JHARCRAFT" has provided hope for artisans. Both government and non governmental organizations (NGOs), along with women's groups, have taken steps to improve the socio-economic conditions of artisans. Artisans have formed SHGs to tackle economic issues such as lack of collateral, poverty, health, living standards, and education through self-initiated efforts.