Rawls' difference principle, self-help group, financial inclusion and social cohesion—lore or actuality? Experience of Central Assam

Microfinance is an alternative banking service available to low-income individuals or organizations for whom no institutional financial services are available. A widely accepted approach to assisting disadvantaged and excluded communities, especially in remote rural areas, is microcredit. The purpose of microfinance is to promote financial equality and inclusion by acting as a substitute for traditional lending methods for the marginalized. In India, Self-Help Groups (SHGs)—Bank Linkage Program that led microfinance—gained maximum popularity. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development architected this model. In this model, Grameen Banks are associated with SHGs. The model is familiar as the SHG-Bank Linkage Program (SBLP). A microfinance program’s theoretical foundation is the "Rawls' Difference Principle" embedded in the "Theory of Justice." The microcredit program, through the Self-Help Group-Bank Linkage Program (SBLP), gained maximum popularity in India. These SBLPs are registered with the "Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana—National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM)" under the scheme Aajeevika. In harmony with "Rawls' Difference Principle," the ultimate goal of Aajeevika is social cohesion for all. The current study aims to assess the effectiveness of the SBLP-driven microfinance program in promoting financial inclusion. Furthermore, unlike earlier studies, the present study also considers whether or not involvement in SBLP increases social cohesion, which is a crucial component of the Difference Principle. The empirical research is conducted using novel data collected through a field survey of 335 participants and 490 non-participants from Nagaon, Morigaon, and Hojai districts of Central Assam. The "Propensity Score Matching" method facilitates the impact analysis of SBLP. The participation decision in the SBLP is positively influenced by the level of education. Empirical results also indicate that Hindus and low-caste women are interested in participating in SBLP. Contrarily, distance from the bank and operational land holdings are negatively influencing the participation decision. The empirical findings support higher financial inclusion through SBLP involvement but do not support greater social cohesion. Based on the empirical results, we suggest that more SBLPs be enrolled with DAY-NRLP under "Aajeevika." Simultaneously, social cohesion may be achieved only by guaranteeing participation for every deserving individual, irrespective of religion, caste, and class.