Social capital and financial inclusion: insights from the self-help groups of Bodoland Territorial Region, Assam, India

This study examines the role of self-help groups (SHGs) in promoting social capital and financial inclusion among women in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) of Assam, an area largely unexamined in prior research. Based on primary data collected from 400 SHG members, the study finds that SHGs have contributed to strengthening community connectedness, trust, and reciprocity among women. The benefits of SHG participation are broadly shared across members irrespective of their educational background, suggesting inclusive outcomes in terms of social capital formation and access to financial services. The study further indicates that SHG participation is associated with improved income levels, greater engagement with formal financial institutions, and enhanced savings practices. Overall, the findings highlight the transformative potential of SHGs in fostering social cohesion, economic advancement, and women’s empowerment in marginalised regions. The study underscores the importance of strengthening SHG-based initiatives as a pathway to inclusive and sustainable development.