SRINAGAR: Women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs) in Jammu and Kashmir have availed loans amounting to Rs 1,055.42 crore, with a Non-Performing Asset (NPA) level of 1.67 per cent, placing the Union Territory below the national average of 1.81 per cent, Parliament was informed on Tuesday.
The data, presented by Minister of State for Rural Development Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, indicates relatively sound financial performance of SHGs in Jammu and Kashmir under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
With NPAs amounting to Rs 17.64 crore, the Union Territory fares better than several larger states, reflecting stable repayment trends and effective credit utilisation among women SHG members.
At the national level, total outstanding loans to SHGs stand at Rs 3,29,377.20 crore, with NPAs of Rs 5,977.37 crore. Among major states, Andhra Pradesh reported the lowest NPA ratio at 0.61 per cent, followed by West Bengal (1.05 per cent) and Bihar (1.96 per cent).
On the higher side, Tamil Nadu recorded the highest NPA ratio at 3.65 per cent, followed by Karnataka (2.72 per cent) and Telangana (2.07 per cent).
The government said SHGs continue to play a key role in advancing financial inclusion and rural livelihoods by enabling women to access institutional credit and undertake income-generating activities.
Under DAY-NRLM, SHGs are supported through credit linkage, capacity building and livelihood interventions aimed at improving financial discipline and enhancing income opportunities for rural women across the country, including Jammu and Kashmir.
