What is the basic idea behind the SHGs for the poor? Explain in your own words.

Certainly! Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for the poor are small groups formed by individuals, especially women from low-income backgrounds, to support each other in various ways. The main idea behind SHGs is to bring people together to help themselves and each other in improving their lives.

1. Unity and Support: People from similar backgrounds join hands in SHGs to help each other in saving money, supporting small businesses, and solving common problems.

2. Savings and Loans: Members pool their savings regularly and use this money to provide small loans to each other at low interest rates. This helps in meeting personal or business needs without relying on expensive sources of credit.

3. Learning and Skill Development: SHGs often organize meetings where members learn about savings, financial management, and various skills like entrepreneurship, health, and education.

4. Empowerment: By coming together, especially for women, SHGs empower individuals by providing a platform to share ideas, gain confidence, and make decisions collectively.

5. Improving Lives: Through mutual support and joint efforts, SHGs aim to uplift the economic status and overall well-being of their members and their communities.

In essence, SHGs encourage people to help themselves and each other by saving money, offering support, and learning together, ultimately leading to empowerment and improvement in their lives.