Covid-19 and Self Help Groups - A Study of Balasore district of Odisha

Social Science

The Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent announcement of nationwide lockdown on 24th march 2020 have devastating effects on millions of people. Pandemic affected the nation in all aspects i.e., economically, health-wise, socially. A large number of people lost their job and sources of income. And women are the worst affected by this pandemic. The present study “Impact of Covid-19 on Self help groups- a Case Study of Balasore District, Odisha” aims to explain the impact of Covid-19 on functioning of Self help groups and special impact on income and employment of Self help group women. A total of 180 Self help group women were surveyed in the district of Balasore, Odisha. The respondent includes both leaders and members of SHGs. Multistage sample method has been used for collecting data. The collection of data was done with the help of questioners keeping in the view the objective of the study. The result of the study has found that the Self help group has faced various problems and challenges for smooth functioning of group activities. They wear unable to save their monthly due and also prefer to access emergency loans. About half of the respondents reported a deeply negative impact on their personal income. It was also found that the lockdown had an impact on women’s household work with over 50 percent. overall the study demonstrates that rural women in Balasore district of Odisha have had to connect with rising stress, loss of income, and increased load of household work.

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