This study, titled "Breaking Barriers: Microfinance Initiatives for Economic Empowerment and Financial Inclusion among the Underprivileged in India," explores the impact of microfinance programs on the economic well-being and financial inclusion of marginalized communities in India. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative data analysis with qualitative insights from beneficiaries and stakeholders. The findings provide a comprehensive understanding of how microfinance interventions contribute to breaking economic barriers and fostering financial inclusivity in the lives of the underprivileged. ‎

Microfinance, Financial Inclusion, Sustainable Development

Bansal H,(2001) “SHG-Bank Linkage Program in India-An Overview”,Journal of Microfinance,Vol-5(1),pp.(22-47)

Gurumoorthy, T.R., (2002)“SHGs-Economic Empowerment through Self-Reliance”, SocialWelfare, Vol.49(7), pp.(14-17).

Hashemi, S. M., Schuler, S. R., & Riley, A. P,(1996)“Rural credit programs and women's empowerment in Bangladesh”World Development, Vol. 24(4).pp.(635-653).

Kour Amarjit,(2008)“Self-Help-Group (SHG) and Rural Development,”Kurukshetra, Journalon Rural Development, Vol. 57(2), pp. (25-29)

Kondal K (2014), ‘Women Empowerment through Self Help Groups in Andhra Pradesh, India’,International Research Journal of Social Sciences,Vol. 3(1),pp.(13-15).

Madheswaran S. and Dharmadhikary A,(2001) “Empowering Rural Womenthrough Self Help Groups: Lessonsfrom Maharashtra Rural Credit Project”, Indian Journal of Agricultural Economics, Vol. 56 (3), pp.(427-443).

NABARD, (2010-2011) Status Reportof microfinance in India.

NABARD, (2011-2012) Status Reportof microfinance in India.

Shakila Azim,(2013) “Women Empowerment through Self Help Groups”, Southern Economist, Vol-52(6),pp.(18-20).