The Bank Linkage programme has helped NHGs to augment their existing resources collected through thrift. The efficiency and effectiveness of the NHGs are verified on the basis of some objectively verifiable and easily identifiable parameters. NABARD has developed a 15-point index for rating NHGs on the basis of which they will be allowed to link with various banks under the Linkage Banking Scheme. The total amount which has been mobilized under linkage banking is ` Rs 970 Crores (current live linkage) and 72621 NHGs have availed of the loans. The linkage loans may be raised directly by the NHG or as bulk loan through the CDS.