Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the state government is fully dedicated to women empowerment. The government is continuously working to provide better market linkages for women’s products along with developing their skills and entrepreneurship. Calling upon women to focus on their goals with a positive mindset, he assured them that the government stands firmly behind them.
During the ‘Matrishakti Samvad and Samman Samaroh’ held at the Chief Servant House at the Chief Minister’s Camp Office on Saturday, the Chief Minister interacted directly with women. Women shared their experiences and suggestions regarding various government schemes. The Chief Minister emphasized that the government is making every possible effort to take their products from skill development stage to global markets, including providing easy loan facilities for women entrepreneurs.
Emphasis on Developing Self-Help Groups into Large Business Clusters
Responding to a suggestion on developing women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) into large business clusters, the CM mentioned that the government is working in this direction through the Chief Minister Sashakt Bahna Yojana. Unique products from Uttarakhand have been given a distinct identity under the ‘House of Himalayas’ brand.
He informed that a major center is being developed on Sahastradhara Road in Dehradun, where unique products crafted by women across all 13 districts will be available for sale. He added that women are proving their mettle in everything from tailoring to operating factories.
Products to Be Available from Fairs to Airports
Regarding the proposal to make SHG products available at GMVN and KMVN guest houses, the CM stated that products are already being sold at various fairs, events, airports, railway stations, and bus terminals. Products under ‘House of Himalayas’ are also available online. He urged women to prioritize product quality, stating that once consumer trust is established, buyers will come forward on their own. He also mentioned considering running the Chief Minister Udyamshala Yojana year-round.
Collateral-Free Loans Transformed a Beneficiary’s Life
During the interaction, a female beneficiary shared her story of struggle, recalling how she once had to sell her home and faced severe food insecurity for her children. Joining a Self-Help Group helped her rebuild her family’s life, and she described collateral-free loans as a blessing. She sang a song based on central and state government schemes, highlighting zero-interest loans, the SHG movement, and the Lakhpati Didi Yojana.
CM Dhami remarked that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, women across the state and country are continuously reaching new heights of empowerment.
