Chandigarh, June 17 - Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Manohar Lal said that the state government has decided to allot 33 percent of all future ration depots to women in the state. Self-help groups applying for Ration Depot will be given priority. Additionally, if a self-help group applies for the contract for fish farming of panchayat land or pond, they will receive a 10 percent discount on the auction amount. He also said that if the family income of a member of the self-help group increases by more than Rs 1.80 lakh, their ration card and Ayushman card will not be quashed for one year.
The Chief Minister made these announcements while directly interacting with the beneficiaries of self-help groups through audio conferencing today. Furthermore, he said that 25 percent of the shops allotted at the bus stand through lottery or any other means would be reserved for self-help groups. In the case of auctioned shops, self-help groups will receive a 10 percent discount on the auction amount.
During the interaction, the beneficiaries of the Self-Help Groups expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister for the significant announcements made for them today. They appreciated the financial assistance provided by the state government through the Revolving Fund, Community Investment Fund, and Credit Linkage Scheme, which has helped them run their businesses without facing any problems. They thanked the government for this support. The women in the self-help groups also expressed their appreciation to the Chief Minister for the rights provided by the state government, particularly for the advancement of women in society.
The Chief Minister announced the establishment of a call centre in the office of the Haryana State Rural Livelihood Mission to provide various types of information to beneficiaries belonging to self-help groups.
He highlighted the growth of self-help groups in the state, stating that while there were only 812 SHGs in 2014, the number has increased to more than 57 thousand in the last 8 and a half years.
Mr. Manohar Lal said that in the year 2014, there were 812 self-help groups in the state. Since assuming power in 2014-15, the government has focused on the development of self-help groups, resulting in the formation of 2,100 new self-help groups in the first year. Currently, there are a total of 57,376 self-help groups in the state after 8 and a half years. They have been provided with a revolving fund of Rs 54 crore 57 lakh, a community investment fund of approximately Rs 285 crore, and bank credit linkage of around Rs 880 crore. Additionally, the government has increased the revolving fund amount from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000.
The Chief Minister emphasized that self-help groups have become instrumental in providing social support. By joining self-help groups, women not only take care of their families through self-employment but also create employment opportunities for other women. Therefore, he suggested referring to them as social help groups instead of self-help groups.
The Chief Minister counted on the achievements of women associated with the Haryana State Rural Livelihood Mission, stating that approximately 6 lakh women in the state have demonstrated their strength through self-help groups. These women have been honored by various institutions and organizations for their commendable work and contributions to society. For example, Smt. Pooja Sharma, a resident of village Chandu in Gurugram district, was awarded the Nari Shakti Puraskar by the President on the occasion of International Women's Day 2022. Such recognition provides encouragement and inspiration to other women in the state.
Portal will be created for the online sale of SHG products
During the interaction, the Chief Minister directed officials to develop a portal where information about the products made by self-help groups could be uploaded. The products should be certified for quality and given a brand identity to facilitate their purchase through the portal. He emphasized the importance of innovation in manufacturing processes and highlighted the need to maintain product quality to remain competitive in the current technological era.
SHGs are encouraged to set up their stalls at Swapan Aajeevika Mart and Saras Melas
Mr. Manohar Lal cited the opportunity to showcase the skills and efficiency of SHGs at the Swapan Livelihood Mart organized the previous year. Numerous women artisans and craftsmen from self-help groups participated, displaying handloom and handicraft products. The fair also featured a food corner offering Haryanvi cuisine and organic farming products such as spices, pulses, and agricultural goods. To make self-help group products available in the market, programs have been organized throughout the year, including Swapan Aajeevika Mart and Saras Mela. These events take place at the sub-division level across the state on occasions such as Teej and Diwali. SHGs are encouraged to set up stalls in these Saras fairs and marts.
The Chief Minister said that 2023 is being celebrated as the International Year of Millets and urged SHGs to start creating products using coarse cereals. He acknowledged the pride brought to India through the tricolors made by women self-help groups during the "Every Home, Tricolor" campaign for the Amrit Mahotsav of Independence. He also recognized their significant contribution in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic by making masks. The government has allocated 144 canteens across the state for operation by self-help groups.
773 women serving as bank facilitators
The Chief Minister said that arrangements have been made to provide various types of training to SHGs. Currently, 773 women are working as bank facilitators after receiving computer training and graduating from the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance. Additionally, under the Padma scheme, the state government is promoting the "One Block One Product" initiative to give national and international recognition to products made by SHGs.
Over Rs 5.85 crore in incentives provided to 9,921 beneficiaries under the Tailoring Training Scheme
Mr. Manohar Lal highlighted the state government's efforts to empower women, including providing 50 percent representation in Panchayati Raj institutions. Under the Tailoring Training Scheme, the amount given for the purchase of raw materials has been increased from Rs 150 to Rs 300, and the monthly allowance has been raised from Rs 100 to Rs 600. The scheme also provides sewing machines after training. Since November 2014, a total of 9,921 beneficiaries have received an incentive amount totaling Rs 5 crore 85 lakh 53 thousand.
Interest-free funds of Rs 5.41 crore made available to 149 beneficiaries
The Chief Minister stated that interest-free funds amounting to Rs 5 crore 41 lakh have been provided to 149 beneficiaries for vehicles under the Aajeevika Gramin Express Yojana, aiming to offer alternative livelihood sources to self-help group members. He highlighted the establishment of the Haryana State Rural Livelihood Mission by the government, which aims to connect rural poor families with mainstream society and alleviate poverty through various programs. The women associated with this mission have received recognition from various institutions and organizations for their remarkable work and contributions to society.
He emphasized that when women are determined to accomplish something, they invariably succeed in their endeavors. Notable examples of this include the Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child) campaign and the cleanliness campaign. Mothers and sisters have made a remarkable contribution to the success of these initiatives.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Development and Panchayats Department, Mr. Anil Malik, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, Mr. Bharat Bhushan Bharti, Chief Executive Officer of the Haryana State Rural Livelihood Mission, Mrs. Amarinder Kaur and other officers were present on this occasion.