International Journal of Research in IT and Management (IJRIM) Available online at: http://euroasiapub.org Vol. 7, Issue 4, April - 2017, pp. 42~53 ISSN(o): 2231-4334 | ISSN(p): 2349-6517 | Impact Factor: 6.505 | Thomson Reuters Researcher ID: L-5236-2015 International Journal of Research in IT & Management Email:- editorijrim@gmail.com, http://www.euroasiapub.org An open access scholarly, Online, print, peer-reviewed, interdisciplinary, monthly, and fully refereed journal 42 A study on the effectiveness in operation of the Women Self-Help Groups in the Ramanagara district, Karnataka Prof. Chetan T.R. Senior Faculty ,Jain University Jayanagar 9 th Block , Bangalore Abstract Formation of organizations of the poor at the grassroots level through a process of social mobilization for poverty reduction is central to the programme. The approach of SHGs is based on the fact that they act as a financial intermediary and in many cases there are women SHGs which are also expected to serve as vehicle for their empowerment. Through primary data collection the study looks at the effects of SHGs in Ramanagara district of Karnataka in India. Women are more successful than men by reducing poverty of the household and investing the income for the wellbeing of the children and family. But with regard to the effect on poverty the study shows the programme does not address the multidimensional poverty of rural people. The failure in the spread of the programme and the limited absorbing capacity kept even the targets of credit more or less at a constant level. It is important to find out the reasons for the persistent wide gap between the credit targets set and the actual mobilization of credit. Since these deprivations are inter-related, a comprehensive approach alone can eliminate poverty and ensure optimal utilization of human resources for sustainable development. Thus, multi-pronged and convergent approaches with proper targeting are deemed essential for elimination of poverty. It is also recognized that poverty is not only an economic phenomenon but also a social one. Well- designed poverty alleviation programmes, if effectively implemented, not only supplement the poverty reducing effects of growth but also could promote pro-poor growth. Keywords: SHGs, poverty, women empowerment Introduction Poverty and unemployment are the two major problems of under developed countries, to which India is no exception. The union government has implemented various schemes to reduce poverty and promote gainful employment opportunities. But the most attractive scheme with less effort is the DzSelf Help Groupsdz. It is atoll to remove poverty and improve rural development. Self Help Groups (SHGs) can be defined as supportive educational and usually change oriented mutual aid group that addresses life problems or conditions commonly shared by all members. Empowerment is a multi- dimensional process, which should enable women or group of women to realize their full identity and power in all spheres of life. With this background, a critical study of the evaluation of the SHG's will be the immense use in knowing the functioning, prospects and problems in their operation and to suggest appropriate strategies for successful functioning of SHG.