Uttarakhand Women Achieve Financial Independence Through SHGs; 1.68 Lakh Cross Rs 1 Lakh Annual Income Mark

Women associated with self-help groups (SHGs) in rural Uttarakhand are scripting a new chapter of economic empowerment and self-reliance. More than 5 lakh women are connected with 68,000 SHGs formed under the state’s Rural Development Department, and of these, 1.68 lakh women are now earning over Rs 1 lakh annually, a milestone achieved in just three years.

The success is largely credited to the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme, launched in November 2022, which aims to ensure that women associated with SHGs earn at least Rs 1 lakh per year. The initiative focuses on value addition and marketing of products prepared using local resources, including agricultural, horticultural, spice, handicraft, and traditional items.

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To expand their market reach, these products are now being promoted under the state’s umbrella brand ‘House of Himalayas’, enabling sales across India and abroad.

Among districts, Udham Singh Nagar (28,641) leads in the number of ‘Lakhpati Didis’, followed by Haridwar (23,540), Almora (14,005), Pauri (13,603), and Dehradun (12,898).

The Mukhyamantri Sashakt Bahna Utsav Yojana, launched in August 2023, has further boosted women’s income by providing stalls to SHGs for selling their products. So far, 3,593 stalls have been allotted, generating sales worth Rs 8.27 crore.

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Officials said the initiative is turning rural women into entrepreneurs and setting the foundation for a self-reliant Uttarakhand, where every member of a self-help group aspires to become a ‘Lakhpati Didi’.