Abstract:
It is often argued that micro-credit program interventions at the grassroots level
increase the ability of the poor to deal with crises. Economists argue that micro credit
program does not always bring development in the life of the grassroots’ level people.
Hence, policy makers view micro credits financed by the organizations are, most of
the time, not allowed to the poorest (refunding problems). This paper examines the
relationship between the Micro-Credit programs and elimination of economic
hardship of women. Ten in-depth interviews and 50 self administrated questionnaires
were distributed among the beneficiaries of BRAC in Eravur Pattu Divisional
Secretariat Division in Batticaloa District in order to collect data. The study reveals
that there is a strong positive relationship exists between Micro-Credit Programs and
Elimination of Economic Hardship of women. That is, most of the women in Eravur
Pattu involve in micro credit process in order to manage their economic hardship of
the families and it resulted in improving the quality of life than existed earlier. Microcredit
loans empower the poor to seek alternative ways to improve their life styles.
The in-depth interviews support that the micro credit programs should be extended to
male in order to develop their quality of life. In addition recommendation and
suggestions are given to strengthen the micro credit programs and to extend this
program to male.
