Vol. 11, Issue 8, Part A (2025)

Abstract
In the evolving landscape of financial inclusion, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have become engines of grassroots economic empowerment. This study offers an innovative comparative analysis of how three key banking sectors-Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), and Cooperative Banks-have contributed to SHG savings mobilization over the five years from 2019 to 2024. By analyzing trends in the number of SHGs linked and the volume of savings mobilized, the research decodes the institutional dynamics behind formal financial outreach. The results reveal that while Commercial Banks continue to dominate in terms of reach and aggregate savings, RRBs have played a crucial role in deepening regional penetration. Cooperative Banks, though limited in scale, are steadily expanding their role, hinting at untapped potential in localized financial services. This triangulated performance highlights not only institutional capacities but also shifts in trust and accessibility experienced by SHG members. This paper contributes to the discourse on inclusive finance by highlighting sectoral strengths and weaknesses and suggesting targeted interventions for strengthening SHG-bank interfaces. It positions SHG savings mobilization as more than a financial metric; it's a reflection of institutional synergy, policy execution, and community confidence in the formal banking system.