A study on SHGs demographic analysis, microfinance loan utilisation pattern and socio-economic performance of MFIs in India

Microfinance has emerged as a leading programme for poverty reduction round the globe. Indian microfinance sector has transformed from a fund-starved activity to one that can command patronage of multiple fund providers that includes banks, equity investors and donors, both domestic and international. In India many microfinance institutions (MFIs) have come into being, doing and expanding their business as per their social mission yet some have drifted. Therefore, it was envisaged to conduct a study to assess functioning of MFIs and investigating how they are promoting two bottom lines. The paper aims at analysing demographic profile, study socio-economic profile, and analyse the loan utilisation pattern and impact of microfinance on income levels of self-help groups (SHGs) members in the study area.