International Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Sciences 2013; 1(6): 347-366 Published online November 20, 2013 (http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/j/ijefm) doi: 10.11648/j.ijefm.20130106.22 Quality assessment of Self Help Groups on stakeholders perspectives: A psychometrics analysis Sanjay Kanti Das 1, * , Amalesh Bhowal 2 1 Department of Commerce, Lumding College, Lumding, Nagaon, Assam-782447, India 2 Dept. of Commerce, Assam University, Diphu Campus, Assam-782462, India Email address: sanjay19711123@rediffmail.com(S. K. Das); profabhowal@gmail.com(A. Bhowal) To cite this article: Sanjay Kanti Das, Amalesh Bhowal. Quality Assessment of Self Help Groups on Stakeholders Perspectives: A Psychometrics Analysis. International Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Sciences. Vol. 1, No. 6, 2013, pp. 347-366. doi: 10.11648/j.ijefm.20130106.22 Abstract: Micro finance has garnered significant worldwide attention as being a successful tool to meet substantial demand for financial services by low-income. India occupies a significant place and a niche in global micro finance through promotion of the Self Help Groups and the home grown SHG-Bank Linkage Programme model. It is observed that different stakeholders have promoted SHGs with different expectations and understanding, and have sorted different parameters of quality of SHGs. Thus, it is necessary to identify a common ground and set appropriate benchmarks for SHGs operation. Sixty one variables relating to quality parameters are identified and relevant perception of direct stakeholders about on whose perspective parameters to be considered for assessing Quality of SHG is incorporated in this study. The study is conducted by using multi-stage random sampling method to collect primary data from the selected Development Blocks of Nagaon districts of Assam (India). It is observed that there exists enough evidence to conclude that there are differences among direct stakeholders regarding perception of stakeholders about on whose perspective parameters to be considered for assessing quality of SHG. Further, these variables are more decisive statements or factors in this case under given methodology. Keywords: Direct Stakeholders, North-eastern Region of India, Psychometric, Quality Parameters, Self Help Group, Assam 1. Introduction To-day the Self Help Group (henceforth SHG) has grown as a worldwide movement. That is why we call the SHG as an exciting discovery in the field of poverty and unemployment reduction. Generally SHGs are expected to be platforms for women to help themselves for their social and economic empowerment [ 1 , 2 ]. This suggests that SHGs basic philosophy lies in the principle of their self- management and self-regulation. The initial activities that groups generally perform include community education, information dissemination on health & hygiene, mutual support by way of inter/intra loaning, income generation activities, services and advocacy [ 3 ]. At present the movement is considered as a weapon to fight against poverty, empowerment and development. Thus, especially in the socio-political context of India, SHGs are not just needed but most required. During 1990’s, the Government, NABARD and other funding agencies initiated several projects for the promotion of SHGs. Indira Mahila Yojana, Swashakthi, Swayamsidha, Swawalamban, Deep etc. are some of the Government projects to name in this context. Almost all these projects were implemented through Women Development Corporation, Department of Social Welfare and other Government Department, which in turn partnered with NGOs, NABARD and Rastiya Mahila Kosh (RMK) etc. and usually gave NGOs some promotional grants to form and nurture SHGs. Consequently, spread of Self Help Promoting Institutions (SHPIs) increased in a tremendous way in different parts of the country. Considering the nature of support each SHPI gives, they can be grouped into three types of agencies. They are a) Promotional agencies; b) Technical Support/Resource Agencies; and c) Funding Agencies. Today, there are several agencies working for SHG promotion in the country. However, almost all these agencies are neither having proper collaborations with