Gorakhpur, August 25: The National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and self-help groups are transforming the lives of thousands of women, enabling them to strengthen their families’ financial situations. Usha Devi, a resident of Nahar Pur village in the Char Gawa block of Gorakhpur, exemplifies this change. By joining a self-help group, she not only transformed her life but also became an inspiration for hundreds of women in her village.
Usha Devi recalls that about four years ago, her family’s financial condition was not stable. They struggled to meet household expenses and lacked a steady source of income. During this time, she learned about self-help groups from women in a neighboring village. These women encouraged Usha to join a group and to motivate other women to do the same.
Seizing this opportunity, Usha Devi became a member of the self-help group. Through this platform, she gained essential knowledge about savings, banking, and self-employment, which boosted her confidence. In July 2022, she received a loan of approximately 150,000 rupees through the self-help group. This financial support marked a significant turning point in her life. With this amount, she strengthened her grocery store and expanded her business. Today, her shop meets the needs of the village and has become a regular source of income for her family.
For the past four years, Usha has successfully managed her store. Her hard work and dedication have significantly improved her family’s financial condition. Currently, Usha also works as a group leader, overseeing a total of nine self-help groups with around 130 women involved. These groups engage in various self-employment activities, including goat farming, cow rearing, poultry farming, sewing, embroidery, and small businesses.
Self-help groups have not only empowered women economically but have also given them a new identity in society. Usha believes that initiatives like self-help groups and the Rural Livelihood Mission have provided women not just financial assistance but also the confidence to become self-reliant. Women who were once confined to their homes are now playing a crucial role in increasing their families’ income.
She asserts that with the right guidance and opportunities, women can achieve success in any field. Self-help groups have given village women the chance to stand on their own feet.
The National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) aims to organize rural women and empower them economically. Under this mission, women are connected to self-help groups, providing them with savings, loans, training, and self-employment opportunities.
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