- Collector Reviews Livelihood Activities of the ‘Pooja’ Women’s Self-Help Group
Through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), women are becoming economically stronger and setting new examples of self-reliance. Government schemes aim to empower women economically, improve their standard of living, and integrate them into the mainstream of development. SHGs have played a pivotal role in strengthening women financially by enabling them to start small businesses, engage in agriculture-based activities, and pursue employment opportunities in non-traditional sectors. These groups have contributed to an increase in women’s incomes. Furthermore, SHGs provide women with opportunities to acquire new skills—such as tailoring, knitting, and handicrafts—to boost their earnings. This has become an effective means of job creation, fostering self-reliance among women in both rural and urban areas.
Surajpur Collector, Smt. Rena Jamil, visited Gram Panchayat Krishnapur in the Ramanujnagar Janpad Panchayat area to personally observe the livelihood activities managed by Smt. Basanti Rajwade, a member of the ‘Pooja’ Women’s Self-Help Group. During the visit, the Collector reviewed the operations of an oil mill, a flour mill, and a rice mill. She also spoke with Smt. Basanti Rajwade to learn about the income generated through this self-employment and the progress of the business.
- Mustard Oil Produced in the Oil Mill Now Supplied to Surajpur and Ambikapur
Smt. Basanti Rajwade shared that these livelihood activities generate a monthly income of approximately ₹32,000, with about ₹10,000 of that amount spent on the operation and maintenance of the machinery. The mustard oil produced at her oil mill is now being supplied as far as Surajpur and Ambikapur, earning her business significant recognition both locally and in other regions. Commending Basanti Rajwade’s self-employment initiatives, the Collector encouraged her to expand her business and engage in additional livelihood activities. The Collector also emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness at the workplace and ensuring the proper upkeep of machinery.
- The Crucial Role of Self-Help Groups in Empowering Women Economically and Making Them Self-Reliant
During the interaction, the Collector noted that livelihood activities conducted through women’s self-help groups (SHGs) play a vital role in making rural women economically empowered and self-reliant. The Chief Executive Officer of the Zila Panchayat, along with other relevant officials and staff, was present on the occasion. Under the guidance of the district administration, continuous efforts are being made to promote women’s empowerment and economic self-reliance, thereby creating new self-employment opportunities for rural women.