Centre to promote self-employment, eco-friendly products and economic independence among 2,500 women
Dehradun: A Common Facility Centre operated by women members of self-help groups (SHGs) was inaugurated at Shankarpur in Sahaspur development block under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), in a move aimed at strengthening women-led livelihoods and promoting rural entrepreneurship.
Cabinet minister Bharat Singh Chaudhary was the chief guest at the inauguration, while Sahaspur MLA Sahdev Singh Pundir attended as the guest of honour.
The centre, which has been revived on the initiative of the Dehradun district administration, will be operated by Aastha Cluster Level Federation. Around 2,500 women associated with 223 self-help groups are linked to the federation and are expected to benefit from the facility.
The centre will provide women with a common platform for production and livelihood activities. SHG members will undertake stitching and manufacture of jute bags and cloth carry bags, creating opportunities for local employment and additional household income.
Officials said the use of jute and cloth-based products will also contribute to reducing dependence on single-use plastic. The initiative is expected to promote environmentally sustainable products while helping women develop collective production and self-employment opportunities.
Speaking at the event, Cabinet minister Bharat Singh Chaudhary said the state government, under the leadership and guidance of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, was working continuously to strengthen women’s economic independence. He said initiatives aimed at expanding livelihood opportunities for SHG members would also help advance the government’s ‘Lakhpati Didi’ campaign.
Dehradun Chief Development Officer Abhinav Shah said the district administration had revived the centre in accordance with the chief minister’s vision of women’s empowerment and self-employment. The facility was revived through convergence among various departments and support under the district plan.
He said the centre would enable women from different self-help groups to work collectively, improve production capabilities and create sustainable livelihood opportunities. Linking locally produced goods with markets would further help SHG members increase their earnings.
Women beneficiaries associated with the initiative said the centre would give them an opportunity to work collectively, improve their skills and contribute more significantly to their family income. They said the initiative would also boost their confidence and provide a pathway towards greater financial independence.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and the district administration for supporting the initiative.
The administration said the Common Facility Centre is expected to emerge as an important platform for women-led enterprise, collective production, employment generation and promotion of eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic in the rural areas of Sahaspur.