Empowering Women: Over 1.38 Crore Join Self-Help Groups in Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow, November 11 (Daily Kiran) : In Uttar Pradesh, the movement for women’s empowerment has evolved beyond mere government initiatives. It is now a pivotal force driving change in women’s economic and social lives. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken significant steps to promote self-reliance among women and secure their rightful place in society. Through self-help groups, the government has connected rural women with employment opportunities and facilitated market access for their products.

Dr. Babita Singh Chouhan, chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission, emphasized that CM Adityanath has acted in the spirit of brotherhood to empower women. Government schemes are not only strengthening women’s economic status but also enabling them to participate in family and societal decisions. The most visible evidence of this empowerment is the expansion of self-help groups across the state.

Under the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission, over 1.18 million self-help groups have been formed, organizing more than 1.38 crore women through 67,021 village organizations and 3,297 cluster-level federations. These groups have allowed women to engage in various livelihood activities, self-employment, and collective enterprises, significantly increasing their income. The Lakhpati Mahila Yojana has also made remarkable strides, identifying over 5.4 million women, with more than 2.8 million reaching the status of lakhpati.

This achievement reflects the growing economic participation of rural women and the improvements in their income through self-employment. To ensure that products made by these women reach broader markets, the Yogi government has initiated special measures. Plans are underway to establish dedicated showrooms for women’s products at airports, railway stations, bus terminals, and major markets.

These efforts aim to provide women with a permanent platform for their products, facilitating access to larger markets. Additionally, there are plans to create shopping complexes at each justice panchayat level, exclusively allocating shops to women. This initiative will enhance opportunities for rural women entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products locally.

The Yogi government’s approach is designed to extend beyond mere product manufacturing, integrating women into marketing and business operations. The role of BC Sakhi (banking correspondents) is also crucial in increasing women’s participation in the rural economy. Currently, 40,048 BC Sakhis are operational, facilitating over ₹48,000 crore in financial transactions. They have brought banking services directly to rural households, thereby creating new employment and income opportunities for women.

Furthermore, numerous government schemes related to women’s and child welfare are benefiting a vast number of women and daughters. Under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana, over 2.84 million daughters have received assistance. The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana has supported 6.8 million mothers, while more than 200,000 women have benefited from the PM Svanidhi scheme. These programs not only promote education and future prospects for daughters but also strengthen maternal support and women’s economic activities.

Women in self-help groups are also participating in various welfare activities. Approximately 60,000 self-help groups have been involved in distributing rations, increasing women’s participation in the implementation of government schemes while providing work and income opportunities. Under CM Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, women in the state are no longer just beneficiaries of schemes; they are active participants in rural economy and entrepreneurship.