Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the Saras Mela 2024 at Rangers Ground, Dehradun, on Friday. During the event, he also visited stalls set up by self-help groups from across the state. On this occasion, the CM interacted with the women, inquiring about their products. He particularly appreciated the cakes made from mandua (finger millet) by the women. Demonstrating his support, he purchased diyas (earthen lamps) made by the groups and made the payment through an online platform.
The CM stated that the products displayed at the Saras Mela symbolize the hard work and innovation of women. He praised the self-help groups for using local products to sustain their livelihoods. He further added that the Saras Mela serves as a platform to showcase the rich cultural traditions, skills, and entrepreneurship of rural areas. The event also connects rural artisans, women’s self-help groups, craftsmen, and rural entrepreneurs with both national and international markets.
Key Initiatives for Women Empowerment:
The CM mentioned various initiatives focused on women’s empowerment, including the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, Mukhyamantri Sashakt Bahna Utsav Yojana, and Mukhyamantri Mahila Swayam Sahayata Samuh Sashaktikaran Yojana. Under the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, over one lakh women in the state have achieved the milestone of becoming lakhpatis (earning over ₹1 lakh annually). The CM expressed the state’s goal of creating 1.5 lakh lakhpati didis by 2025. He also mentioned that, during the challenging times of COVID-19, the government provided financial assistance of over ₹84 crore under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Swayam Sahayata Samuh Yojana to support women’s upliftment and empowerment.
Financial Assistance and Success of Women Self-Help Groups:
The CM revealed that the state government has provided interest reimbursement of ₹24 crore to over 30,000 self-help groups. A one-time grant of ₹8 crore has been given to 159 women CLFs (Cluster Level Federations), while active groups have received financial assistance of over ₹51 crore. Through the Mukhyamantri Sashakt Bahna Utsav Yojana, women have conducted businesses worth over ₹3 crore in 95 blocks, selling products through nearly 1,500 stalls. Under the Gramin Aajeevika Mission, more than 67,000 self-help groups are operational, with over 5 lakh members, and over 7,000 village organizations and 471 cluster-level organizations have been formed.
Expansion of Marketing Outlets:
The CM also announced that over 53,000 groups have been provided with revolving funds, and 37,000 groups have received community investment funds. To promote the marketing of products made by women’s groups, 33 nano-packaging units and 17 Saras Centers are operational across the state. Additionally, the state government has established Uttara outlets at Ranipokhari and Raipur in Dehradun. Temporary outlets have also been set up at 110 locations along the Char Dham Yatra routes to help market the products of women’s groups. These efforts have significantly improved the economic conditions of the state’s women.
Women’s Success Stories:
During the CM’s interaction, Swati Negi from the Stree Shakti Self-Help Group shared how she began making decorative garlands with 20 women after receiving training from a growth center in 2019. She proudly stated that every woman in her group earns between ₹10,000 and ₹12,000 a month.
Komal, a Lakhpati Didi from the Unnati Self-Help Group, expressed her gratitude to the CM, acknowledging the constant support from the Rural Development Department and other agencies. She mentioned how the Lakhpati Didi Yojana has increased her status in society, and she is now helping other women secure employment.
Farzana Khan, another Lakhpati Didi from the Dhara Self-Help Group, shared that her group makes dalia (porridge) products, which have a high demand in the market. Every woman in her group earns around ₹12,000 a month.
Also Read This – Uttarakhand to Implement Uniform Civil Code Soon; Final Draft Submitted to CM Dhami
CM’s Assurance for Additional Outlets:
During the interaction, Farzana Khan requested the CM to open outlets at the block level to help market their products better. The CM directed Rural Development Commissioner Dheeraj Garbyal to evaluate the possibility of opening such outlets in every district. He assured the women that all efforts would be made to support them.
The event was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal, MLAs Khajan Das and Umesh Sharma Kau, Commissioner of Rural Development Dheeraj Garbyal, Dehradun District Magistrate Savin Bansal, and other dignitaries.
