The purpose of the study is to analyse the penetration of the SHGs credit-linkage programme at the southern region for a period of 2011-12 to 2016-17. The study aims to identify the progress of various institutions linked with this credit-linkage programme. This study was focused on the SHG’s bank linkage programmes at public sector commercial banks, private sector commercial banks, Regional Rural banks and Co-operative banks. The study also identifies the number of women SHGs involved and benefitted in various credit linkage programme. Among the various institutions the study identifies that Public sector commercial banks and Regional rural banks were highly significant and correlated with the savings mobilized by women SHGs and bank loans disbursed by women SHGs. It has been concluded that, ensuring capacity- building training programs will help in carrying out the SHG program effectively, which aids in the rural development and women empowerment.
