Constraints faced by SHG members and government functionaries under DAY-NRLM: A Garrett ranking approach

Under the framework of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY–NRLM), SHGs serve as an essential platform that enables women’s financial inclusion, livelihood security and participation in collective decision-making. Despite their widespread coverage, SHGs continue to face several constraints that affect their effective functioning and hinder their socio-economic advancement. The present study was conducted to identify and rank the major constraints faced by both SHG members and implementing officials under the DAY–NRLM. A sample of 162 SHG members was selected using multistage random sampling method and 42 government officials were selected using quota sampling method, from Pauri Garhwal and Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand state. Data were collected using a structured interview schedule and analyzed using the Garrett Ranking Technique. The findings revealed that, among SHG members the most severe constraints were ‘inadequate financial literacy’, ‘lack of proper knowledge about programme’ and lack of time to participate in activities. Government functionaries reported difficulty in ‘difficulty in accessing remote areas, ‘shortage of staff’ and ‘reluctant participation of rural women’ as the major implementation challenges. The study highlights the need for strengthening financial literacy initiatives, improving human resource deployment, and enhancing community mobilization to ensure sustainable functioning of SHGs under DAY–NRLM.