Neemuch, August 27: The Prime Minister’s vision of empowering women and promoting self-reliance is being realized through the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM). A four-day ‘Livelihood Rakhi Mela’ is taking place at the Janpad Panchayat Neemuch from August 24 to 27. This event features around 30 stalls showcasing products made by women from rural self-help groups.
The fair highlights eco-friendly handmade rakhis, pure spices (turmeric, coriander), papads, pickles, worship materials, incense sticks, decorative items, and traditional clothing. With the festive season in mind, the event focuses specifically on the celebration of Raksha Bandhan.
Women associated with NRLM express that government initiatives have empowered them economically and socially, helping them step out of their homes. The fair has significantly increased their income. Local citizens and consumers have praised the purity, quality, and affordability of the products on display.
Annu Bairwa, a member of a self-help group from Dungalavda, shared, “Since joining the NRLM in 2018, I have seen a substantial increase in my income through this fair. We now have stalls for groceries, rakhis, sarees, incense sticks, and more. Women from surrounding villages have set up their stalls. NRLM has enabled many women who previously stayed at home to become self-sufficient.”
Alka Sen from the Vaishnavi self-help group added, “Our group made rakhis together. Our stall offers affordable rakhis, thanks to the support from the Chief Minister and Prime Minister’s initiatives, which have provided us with employment.”
Customer Bharti Singhal remarked, “The effort by rural women here is commendable. The handmade items, including spices and rakhis, are available at much lower prices than in the market. It’s inspiring to see women becoming self-reliant and creating homemade products.”
Another customer, Gunvant Jain, stated, “This is fantastic. The rakhis, spices, sarees, and other items made by self-help groups are pure. Unlike market products, these do not contain adulterants or chemicals. The government’s initiative to support self-help groups is truly commendable.”
Rajendra Kumar Chauhan, the block manager, emphasized, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aim is to empower women and make them self-reliant through various programs. Accordingly, the Livelihood Rakhi Mela is being held at the Janpad Panchayat Neemuch, featuring handmade cotton wicks, incense sticks, organic spices, bamboo products, and designer dresses for sale.”
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