Dynamics of Poverty

Abstract

This book about 'Dynamics of Poverty: Role of Women's Self Help Groups in Kalahandi District' is presented in the context of the complex nexus between exclusion and inclusion rooted in Indian economic and social history, politics, social values and cultural ethos.It provides an overview of poverty in India, poverty trends, the chronic nature of poverty, poverty dynamics, multidimensionality, caste, tribe, gender and strategies.It highlights that the large number of programmes for alleviating poverty in Odisha (Orissa) have had limited impact in transforming the lives of the poor.In view of the debates around impact of micro-credit on poverty, the book examines whether the microfinance based Self Help Groups(SHGs) programmes really benefit the poor. The book is based upon intensive field work in one of the poorest regions of South Asia, as poverty is extremely high in Thuamul Rampur tribal dominated block of Kalahandi district of Odisha in India.The book suggests that there should be convergence of programmes by empowering the SHGs and PRIs to enhance the effectiveness of these programmes in the poverty zone of rural India