Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are the torchbearers of Atmanirbhar Bharat: CM
Gov has empowered more than 65,000 Self-Help Groups: CM
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh–
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini said the women of the state have earned great recognition across the country through their hard work and talent. This is the true identity of Atmanirbhar Bharat—where every home has skill and every hand has work. Today, thousands of Self-Help Groups in Haryana have become the strongest pillars of a self-reliant nation. Saini was addressing women at the Self-Help Groups Conference held in Panchkula on Saturday.
He said that Self-Help Groups are the pioneers of Atmanirbhar Bharat and are its real face. When a woman of a village starts work with a sewing machine, or when a young girl begins dairy or handicraft activities, she doesn’t just create livelihood for her family—she shapes the future of the society.
Saini said that the state government has empowered more than 65,000 Self-Help Groups so far. Lakhs of women associated with these groups are earning respect and recognition in society through their hard work. The groups have been provided complete support for bank loans, training, marketing and branding, so that they become self-reliant not only in production but also in sales. Women of the state are demonstrating their skills through papad, pickles, handicrafts and dairy products. Along with this, they are efficiently participating in organic farming, digital services and even small-scale industries. They are now moving ahead in fields like digital payments, e-commerce and online marketing as well.
PM Modi has praised the work of Self-Help Groups of the state
The Chief Minister said that PM Narendra Modi, too, has appreciated the work of Self-Help Groups. On 28th July, 2024, in the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme, he mentioned the handloom industry of Rohtak district and praised the hard work and skills of the women involved. More than 250 women in Rohtak are engaged in block printing and dyeing work. They received training after joining Self-Help Groups. In Shankar Ki Dhani village of district Gurugram, 250 women of the Shankar Self-Help Group are running their livelihood by collecting milk from more than 150 households and operating a dairy, running a sweet shop and preparing and selling millet laddus, khichdi and other products. Likewise, Pooja Sharma, resident of Chandu village in Gurugram, was honoured with the ‘Nari Shakti’ award by the President of India on International Women’s Day 2022.
Promoting One Block–One Product under the Padma Scheme to build identity for SHG products
He said that women are supporting indigenous products through activities like animal husbandry, horticulture, fisheries, beauty parlours, grocery shops and canteens. Every region has a product that carries its own uniqueness. To ensure such products receive national and international recognition, we are promoting One Block–One Product under the Padma Scheme. The experience and skills of women of Self-Help Groups will play a major role in this initiative.
Investment limit for micro-industries increased
Saini said that the investment limit for micro-industries has been increased from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 1 crore. Similarly, the investment limit for small-scale industries has been increased from Rs 5 crore to Rs 10 crore, and for medium industries from Rs 10 crore to Rs 50 crore. The Chief Minister appealed to Self-Help Groups to set up such industries to promote indigenous products and contribute even more towards making the country and state self-reliant.
Multiple incentives provided for Self-Help Groups to run self-employment activities
The Chief Minister said that the government has provided many incentives to Self-Help Groups for running self-employment activities. Financial assistance has been provided in the form of easy loans through the Revolving Fund and Community Investment Fund. So far, approximately Rs 548 crore has been provided as various types of financial support. The Community Investment Fund has been increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,50,000, and the Revolving Fund from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000. Women Self-Help Groups have also been granted exemption from stamp duty for loans up to Rs 5 lakh.
Self-Help Groups have strengthened economic empowerment as well as confidence, leadership and entrepreneurship
He said that these groups have not only provided financial strength but have also encouraged self-confidence, leadership and entrepreneurship. The changing mindset towards women in villages, rising respect at home and the emerging positive energy in society is the result of the contribution of Self-Help Groups. SHGs play a major role in fulfilling the vision of Viksit Haryana–Viksit India. The more actively you contribute towards building Atmanirbhar Haryana and Atmanirbhar Bharat, the sooner we will be able to achieve our goals.
“Our government is continuously working to empower women”
Saini said that the government is consistently working towards empowering women. Our government has fulfilled its promises and ensured on-ground implementation. In the first budget itself, a provision of Rs 5,000 crore was made for the Lado Lakshmi Scheme. Registrations under this scheme are continuously increasing, and the first installment has already been released. The second installment will also be released soon. Women belonging to families with an annual income less than Rs 1,80,000 have been provided gas cylinders for Rs 500.