Rural Women Emerge as Wealth Creators, Says President Murmu

Vijayawada, October 15 (Daily Kiran) : President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the evolving role of rural women in India during the inauguration of the National Saras Mela in Vijayawada. She stated that these women are no longer just beneficiaries of government schemes but are becoming wealth creators and leaders in development.

Addressing the audience, Murmu noted that the Indian government’s ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative has significantly empowered rural women, providing them with new opportunities in various modern sectors, including digital services and renewable energy. “Today, rural women have transformed from mere beneficiaries of government programs to wealth creators, emerging as key drivers of development,” she said.

The President highlighted that the ‘Antyodaya’ approach of the central government places women-led institutions at the heart of the National Rural Livelihood Mission. This focus has enabled women to take on leadership roles in revitalizing their villages.

Murmu pointed out the substantial impact of women’s self-help groups (SHGs) on the rural economy, with membership growing to over 100 million in the past 12 years. She encouraged that the aspirations of these women should not stop at being ‘Lakhpati Didis’ but should aim for ‘Crorepati Didis’ in the future.

“Women once relied on others for even small needs, but now they are not only self-sufficient but also serve as support for others,” she added. The President stressed the importance of ensuring that the benefits of development reach every village and household by 2047, aligning with the vision of a ‘Developed India.’

Murmu described the Saras Melas as progressive rural markets that strengthen direct connections between rural women entrepreneurs and consumers nationwide. These events provide opportunities for women to engage directly with urban markets, enhancing their marketing skills.

During the event, she interacted with ‘Lakhpati Didis’ at the Saras stalls. Union Minister for Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, highlighted the government’s initiatives to support the development of women in self-help groups.

Chouhan announced plans to expand the Saras Mela beyond Delhi to various states, ensuring that women have the right platform to showcase their products. Additionally, ‘She Mart’ will be established in every district to promote products made by SHG members.

The minister reaffirmed the commitment of Prime Minister Modi and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to empower women economically through self-help groups. He noted that Andhra Pradesh leads in transforming SHG members into ‘Lakhpati Didis,’ with 1.1 million self-help groups operating in the state.

Chouhan also shared plans for large-scale marketing of products created by women through the ‘She Mart’ initiative, envisioning a significant contribution from SHG women towards building a ‘Developed India.’

The event was attended by Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and other notable officials from the central and state governments.