Women’s lack of economic empowerment not only impedes growth and poverty reduction, but also negatively impacts education and health outcomes for children. Thus, it is extremely important to ensure that women are economically empowered.

Financial inclusion may be defined as the process of ensuring access to financial services and timely and adequate credit where needed by vulnerable groups, such as women, at an affordable cost.

Self-help Group (SHG)-Bank Linkage Programme was launched in 1992 as a flagship programme by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). The objective is to meet the financial needs of the poor by linking SHGs with the formal credit agencies. Financial inclusion of the women can be best ensured through SHGs.

The present volume contains 10 papers, authored by experts in the field, which provide valuable insights into the importance and functioning of SHGs to ensure financial inclusion and hence economic empowerment of women.

Kartick Das is presently Assistant Professor and Head, Department of Political Science, Mathabhanga College, Mathabhanga, Coochbehar District, West Bengal. He did his M.A. from Banaras Hindu University, and obtained M.Phil. degree from University of North Bengal, West Bengal. He has published 2 books, 6 papers and 20 articles in different national and international journals. He has successfully completed one research project sponsored by University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi. His areas of research interest include tribal studies, inclusive development, mutual funds and finance.

Gopal Sharma is currently Assistant Professor of Political Science, Sitalkuchi College, Sitalkuchi, Coochbehar District, West Bengal. He did his M.A. in 2003 and has submitted his Ph.D. thesis to University of North Bengal. He has participated in many national level conferences/seminars and published research articles in journals of repute. His areas of interest include women empowerment and human rights.