In 1987, NABARD initiated an action research program with _______ which led to launching a pilot project connecting 500 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to banks.

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) MYRADA
 NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) initiated an action research program involving Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in 1987. This program was pivotal in developing the linkage between banks and SHGs, which eventually shaped the SHG Bank Linkage Programme, one of the world's largest microfinance programs.
 In 1987, NABARD recognized the potential of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to facilitate financial inclusion for the rural poor, particularly women. To explore this avenue, NABARD initiated an action research project.
 The institution that collaborated with NABARD in this initiative was MYRADA (Mysore Resettlement and Development Agency). MYRADA had significant experience working with community-based institutions and poverty alleviation projects in rural areas. Their expertise in managing SHGs was crucial for the success of the pilot project.
 The primary objective was to test the feasibility of linking SHGs with formal banking institutions to provide these groups access to banking services and credit.