Impact of State Bank of India’s Microfinance Schemes on Women Empowerment and Poverty Alleviation

Abstract

Microfinance has emerged as one of the best options for women's empowerment, not only in India but throughout the world. In India, public sector banks and regional rural banks hold 45.07% share, where State Bank of India has a formidable presence and holds a substan-tial 20% share in the nation’s microfinance industry. This study signifies the elevation of economic conditions of beneficiaries, which signifies the reduction in poverty or scarcity of economic strength of beneficiaries. Research has been conducted in Palwal District of Haryana State (India), where 8 branches of State Bank of India (SBI), serving rural and urban population alike, have been selected for investigation. Beneficiaries who have taken a loan from SBI under microfinance schemes have been selected for the purpose (N = 160). For the impact analysis of SBI schemes on participants who have taken loans under microfinance schemes of the State Bank of India, participants have been selected and investigated. The result indicates that the microfinance schemes of the State Bank of India have a greater impact on changing the standard of living of beneficiaries. Microfinance has provided support to women in strengthening their economic condition, which has ultimately resulted in a change in their living standards. Microfinance schemes of the State Bank of India have a positive impact on women's empowerment and poverty alleviation.