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Schemes   Schemes - Credit Linkage to Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
Scheme - Credit Linkage to Self-Help Groups (SHGs)

Official Name

  • Credit Linkage Programme under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM)/National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM)

Brief

The Credit Linkage to Self Help Groups (SHGs) is a key component under livelihood missions such as DAY-NULM and NRLM aimed at providing access to institutional credit for SHGS and their members. The programme facilitates financial inclusion, promotes entrepreneurship, and strengthens income- generating activities by enabling SHGs to access collateral-free loans from banks and financial institutions.

Implementation

  • The programme is implemented through State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs), State Urban Livelihood Missions (SULMs), banks, self-help group federations, and local institutions.

Benefits Offer Under the Scheme

  • Access to institutional finance: SHGs receive collateral-free loans from banks to support livelihood activities.
  • Financial inclusion: Encourages savings habits and integration of SHGs into formall banking systems.
  • Support for income generation: Facilitates micro-enterprises, self-employment, and livelihood activities.
  • Empowerment of women: Majority of SHGS consist of women, promoting financial independence and social empowerment.
  • Capacity building: Training and support provided for financial literacy, enterprise development, and group management.
  • Revolving fund assistance: Initial financial support to strengthen group functioning.
  • Linkage with markets: Facilitation of marketing support for SHG products and services.
  • Reduced dependence on informal credit: Eliminates exploitation by moneylenders and improves access to credit at reasonable rates.
  • SHGS shall be eligible to avail finance after completion of 6 months from the date of commencement and maintenance of Books of Account

Eligibility

  • The scheme is targeted at Self Help Groups and their members. Eligible beneficiaries generally include:
  • Self Help Groups formed under NRLM/NULM frameworks.
  • SHGs with regular savings and internal lending practices.
  • Members belonging to economically weaker sections, including women, SC/ST, minorities, and vulnerable groups.
  • SHGS maintaining proper records, meetings, and financial discipline.
  • Urban and rural poor households organized into SHGS.

Application Details

Where to Apply

  • Banks and financial institutions
  • State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM) offices
  • Urban Local Bodies/State Urban Livelihood Missions
  • Self Help Group federations
  • Common Service Centres (CSCs)

How to apply/process

  • SHGS are formed and nurtured under livelihood missions and start regular savings activities.
  • The SHG becomes eligible for bank linkage after demonstrating financial discipline.
  • Application for loan is submitted to banks through SHG representatives or mission officials.
  • Banks assess creditworthiness and approve loan without collateral (as per guidelines)
  • Loan is disbursed to SHG bank account.
  • SHGutilizes funds for livelihood and income-generating activities.
  • Monitoring is carried out by banks, mission staff, and local institutions.

NRLM

Link

NULM

Link

myScheme Portal

Link
Last updated on: Friday, 26th June, 2026
Information Source: Department of Information & Cultural Affairs(I&CA), Government of West Bengal
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