Bandhan Microfinance: A Catalyst for Empowerment of Rural Women Case Study from Tinsukia District of Assam, India

The present study has been carried out with the objective of studying the socio-economic status of the respondents and for analyzing the impact of Bandhan Microfinance on empowerment of rural women after availing the microfinance services. Economic independence may be one of the significant pillars for paving the way for women empowerment. However, it is not very easy for the rural women to get money at hand. Borrowing loan from bank is a complex process for the women due to many factors including lack of collateral and formalities of many paper works. The study was conducted in Tinsukia district of Assam with 108 respondents. Margherita Sub-division, was purposively selected from where two Bandhan banking units i.e., Banking Unit, Digboi and Banking Unit, Margherita was included. Results of the study showed that large percentage (71.29%) respondents belonged to medium socio-economic level. The findings also revealed that there was significant improvement in economic, psychological, personal and socio-cultural empowerment of women after availing loan from Bandhan Microfinance. Because of the credit facilities offered to them, the majority of respondents were actively involved in various income-generating activities. It can be said that Bandhan microfinance has played a crucial role in empowering the women because they were able to engage in a variety of income-generating activities that aided in their empowerment. When comparing the level of empowerment of rural women before and after using Bandhan Microfinance services in the study area, a significant impact was observed.