Creation of Self Help Groups (SHGs) has been one of the major achievements in the past 50 years of Indian Independence in bringing about groups/community cohesion, economic freedom and poverty alleviation to the under privileged masses of the society. SHGs formed or promoted by various institutions are mainly developed as Thrift (savings) and credit Groups. Most of these groups have been able to mobilize savings and generate funds, but beyond that they lack further direction and vision. In response to this, ICECD has successfully created an innovative model aiming at sustainable socio-economic empowerment.

ICECD has developed a unique concept of forming village level and block level institutions called Community based Organizations (CBOs). CBOs of rural women is the tool of ICECD to lead women towards sustainable socio-economic empowerment and better living. Self Help Groups (SHGs) are formulated at grassroots level; Leaders of these SHGs represent their general body at Area Development Organizations (ADOs). These ADOs are finally federated to form Community Development Organizations (CDOs).

The model aims at empowering women, poverty alleviation and creation of better standards of living.