The study examines the functional characteristics of rural women in self-help groups in Pali district of Rajasthan by interviewing 150 rural women from 30 self-help groups. It is revealed that majority of the groups scored low on group processes, high group sustainability, and high confirmation to group norms. Maximum number of groups was found to be discussing only issues related to thrift, economic activities and personal problems and most of the self-help groups were formed for achieving life security by saving for future. The study suggests qualitative improvement required for the functioning of the SHGs.

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