Economic Empowerment: A Case Study of Innilaa Self Help Group (SHG) in the Lower Dibang Valley District of Arunachal Pradesh

Self-Help Groups (SHGs) play a pivotal role in the socio-economic empowerment of women, particularly in rural India. This study explores the economic impact of the Innilaa SHG, formed in 2021 in Jiprali village, Arunachal Pradesh, under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM). The research adopts a qualitative methodology, including field surveys, interviews, and participant observation, to analyze the economic activities of SHG members. Findings indicate that all members are engaged in self-employment, primarily in small-scale businesses such as catering and livestock farming. Government schemes, including the Community Investment Fund (CIF) and Arunachal Pradesh Livelihood Mission (ARsLM), have significantly contributed to improving members economic conditions through financial support and skill development programmes. The study highlights the social contributions of Innilaa SHG, as members actively participate in training and awareness programmes on critical issues such as drug prevention, hygiene, and environmental sustainability. The study identifies challenges, including unequal access to training opportunities and a primary focus on economic activities at the expense of broader social empowerment. Additionally, concerns regarding loan repayment, internal group dynamics, and economic adversities warrant further investigation.