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Prabandhan: Indian Journal of Management

ISSN: 0975-2854 Frequency: Monthly Peer Review: Double-blind Published since: 2008 Language: English
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Impact of Microfinance on Poor Women : Lessons from North Gujarat

Open Access Original Article

Impact of Microfinance on Poor Women : Lessons from North Gujarat

Ritesh Patel1,  Mitesh Patel2,  Nikunj Patel3

1 Assistant Professor, Institute of Management, Nirma University, Sarkhej - Gandhinagar Highway, Chandlodia, Gota, Ahmedabad - 382 481, Gujarat

2 Assistant Professor, S.V. Institute of Management, SVIM Campus, Behind Railway Station, Kadi -382 715, Gujarat

3 Assistant Professor, Institute of Management, Nirma University, Sarkhej - Gandhinagar Highway, Chandlodia, Gota, Ahmedabad -382 481, Gujarat

Volume 11
Issue 2
Pages 14–29
Year 2018
Received: Aug. 10, 2017 Accepted: Jan. 20, 2018 Published: Feb. 1, 2018
Abstract

Today, microfinance is considered as one the important financial services in many countries. Microfinance is preferred to alleviate poverty. It empowers women and uplifts their standard of living. The present study was conducted to assess the impact of microfinance on poor women. This study was done on 384 poor women in North Gujarat who had the Below Poverty Line (BPL) Card. This study was carried out using correlation, regression, and factor analysis. From the factor analysis on 30 variables, four major factors emerged : (a) Enhancement in Quality of Food, Education, Shelter, and Health Services, (b) Enhancement in Monthly Income and Spending, (c) Enhancement in Decision Making Ability, and (d) Development of Personality. Correlation analysis revealed that data was fit for performing regression analysis. A regression analysis was run on the four factors derived from factor analysis, where the Enhancement in Monthly Income and Spending contributed the most ; whereas, Development of Personality contributed the least to the upgradation of social and economic status of women. Overall, the study has practical implications where the government and non government organizations (NGOs) can work on microfinance services and can reduce the level of poverty and uplift the living standard of poor people.

Keywords Living Standard Microfinance Poor Women Poverty Alleviation Women Empowerment
How to Cite

Ritesh Patel, Mitesh Patel, Nikunj Patel (2018). Impact of Microfinance on Poor Women : Lessons from North Gujarat. Prabandhan: Indian Journal of Management, 11(2), 14–29. https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2018/v11i2/121393

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