SHG based approach was recognized during the '90s by Government organizations, Banks, Financial Institutions and NGOs recognized SHGs (Self Help Group) as an appropriate and effective tool for poverty reduction. The movement started late in West Bengal but quickly picked up pace by the efforts of CSOs, NABARD and government agencies. Self Help Group Promotional Forum (SHGPF) was formed in 2001 as a response to the emerging need of the sector initially with 13 organizations working MFIs and SHPAs in Nadia, Uttar 24 Parganas, Hooghly, Howrah, Jalpaiguri, West Medinipur, East Medinipur, South 24Parganas, Murshidabad and Bankura and 2 individual members. Now our membership spreads over the entire state with ever increasing number of SHPAs, MFIs and SHGs based institutions who are engaged in micro-finance, social development, livelihood activities through empowerment approach.

SHGPF now has 32 member organizations and 6 individual members. You can see the members list by clicking MEMBERS. Our family includes more than 25000 SHGs, X Clusters and eight SHG federations spread over West Bengal. SHGPF maintains a strong working relationship with government and non-government agencies such as Panchayat & Rural Development Department, SHG & Self Employment Department, Women Development Undertaking (of Women and Children Department), of Government of West Bengal, NABARD, OXFAM, PRIA and others. Besides, SHGPF also maintains a strong working bond with other state level networks like West Bengal Education Network.

Establish social and livelihood security of women and their households, especially from deprived, backward and marginalized section in our society through the empowerment of SHGs and SHG based institutions in a sustainable manner.

The core theme of the SHG based development paradigm is to facilitate evolution of the SHG's potential in a pro-poor manner. Within this, the primary basis of the proposed intervention is to strengthen and enhance the SHG based poverty alleviation strategy. All these are aimed at empowering the poor and marginalized - especially the women and the disadvantaged among them, to have an enhanced level of empowerment and quality of life. To bring all poor women of the state under the ambit of Self Help Groups and thus support member based and self-financing viable network of micro-finance organizations, and other social organizations to enable the poor households to

Access financial services

Enhance Livelihood status and

Actively engaged in local governance for enhancing the quality of life.

To work for creating an enabling environment for promotion and growth of Self Help Groups and SHG based institutions

To work for creating an enabling environment for promotion and growth of Self Help Groups    and SHG based institutions

To promote a strong network among SHG promoters of West Bengal

To collect and disseminate information and knowledge on good practices of Micro    Savings, Micro Credit, Micro Insurance from the state, country and beyond.

To undertake research work on SHG, micro finance, livelihood and other issues of social    and economic importance

To publish journals, research studies and also to develop a Library on the related subject

To support and develop marketing strategies and outlets for the products of SHGs and    members

To undertake advocacy and lobbying work for appropriate legislative and other policy    changes for proper functioning of MFIs and women empowerment issues

Co-ordination among the members and other players / service providers.

Undertaking Research and Pilots

Organizing sharing, exchange and dissemination

Addressing policy and advocacy issues

Strengthening SHG movement through linkages and other ways of engagements.

Institution Building (SHG to function as strong CBOs) related activities

Institution Building (SHG to function as strong CBOs) related activities

Livelihood enhancement related activities

Participation and access related activities for SHGs, SHG members and SHG based    institutions in local governance processes and in education, health, nutrition and others.