Self-help groups (SHGs) have emerged as a transformative force in uplifting marginalized communities, particularly in the rural heartlands of India. An increasing number of underprivileged women across various states are actively enrolling in SHGs, engaging in activities such as savings mobilization, credit access, income-generating ventures, and sustainable management of local resources. The savings and credit mechanism within an SHG forms its core foundation, providing members a degree of financial control and the ability to invest in productive opportunities. The SHG model has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in fostering women's empowerment by gradually dismantling the cycle of dependence, exploitation, and social exclusion. According to NABARD, an SHG is defined as a compact, economically similar cluster of rural poor individuals who come together voluntarily to pool savings and contribute jointly to a shared fund, which is then disbursed as loans based on collective decision-making. Typically, a self-help group is a community-level financial institution comprising around 10 to 20 local women. Members begin by making small, consistent contributions over several months until sufficient capital accumulates within the group to commence internal lending. These pooled funds may then be made available to members or to other residents of the community for a variety of needs. Over the years, SHGs have grown into a widespread and effective pillar of both rural and urban development across India. Women come together, inspire one another, and collectively forge new pathways toward sustainable livelihoods. The majority of SHGs are established without any initial external funding, relying solely on the modest but regular contributions of their members. After sustaining a consistent savings record, these groups begin extending small internal loans for micro-entrepreneurial activities and essential expenditures. Only those groups that demonstrate responsible management of their own resources become eligible for external financial support through linkages with banks and other formal financial institutions.
Read the given passage carefully and answer the following questions. Certain parts have been highlighted to help answer the questions.
Which of the following statements is inconsistent with NABARD's definition of an SHG?
Correct Answer :
The pooled fund is utilized to fulfill a shared objective of its members.
Solution :
Correct Answer: The pooled fund is utilized to fulfill a shared objective of its members.
Step-by-Step Explanation:
To identify the statement that is inconsistent with NABARD's definition of a Self-Help Group (SHG), let us carefully analyze the definition provided in the passage:
According to NABARD, an SHG is defined as "a compact, economically similar cluster of rural poor individuals who come together voluntarily to pool savings and contribute jointly to a shared fund, which is then disbursed as loans based on collective decision-making." The passage further clarifies that these pooled funds are extended as small internal loans for a variety of individual micro-entrepreneurial activities, essential expenditures, or community needs.
Let us evaluate each statement against NABARD's definition:
1. "Self-help groups are compact clusters that are economically similar in nature."
This statement directly matches the text: "a compact, economically similar cluster of rural poor individuals." Therefore, it is consistent.
2. "SHGs are composed of a unified group of rural individuals who participate on a voluntary basis."
This statement directly aligns with the phrase: "rural poor individuals who come together voluntarily." Hence, it is consistent.
3. "Only the members of an SHG collectively determine to whom the pooled fund is to be disbursed as loans."
This accurately reflects: "disbursed as loans based on collective decision-making." Thus, it is consistent.
4. "The pooled fund is utilized to fulfill a shared objective of its members."
According to NABARD's definition and the passage, the pooled savings are disbursed as loans to individual members (or residents) to meet diverse personal, micro-entrepreneurial, or emergency needs, rather than being used directly to fulfill a single, common objective of the group itself. Therefore, this statement is inconsistent with NABARD's definition.
Thus, the statement inconsistent with NABARD's definition is "The pooled fund is utilized to fulfill a shared objective of its members."
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