Making women self-reliant: UP’s self-help groups script new success story, a lesson for others

Gorakhpur: Empowerment of women has been one of the major achievements of the Yogi-led Government in Uttar Pradesh. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has set an example in making women self-reliant through the self-help groups. In the last four years, self-help groups have created many records of success that was never done before. A large number of women in Gorakhpur and Basti divisions are continuously improving their lifestyle today with the help of RF (Revolving Fund), CIF (Community Investment Fund) and CCL (Cash Credit Limit).

Nirmala of village Pachauri, under the Sahajanwan block of Gorakhpur, was leading a troublesome life. The economic plight had completely plagued her and family of 12 members. It was difficult to make both the ends meet and the male members of the family had to leave the house in the search of work. Meanwhile, she came to know about the National Rural Livelihood Mission and reached the office located at Vikas Bhawan without wasting much time.

On receiving the support mechanism of the Yogi government, her life changed completely. Nirmala is now earning her livelihood and helping her family financially. On 17th September 2017, she formed Lucky Self Help Group and included 14 women in her group. Nirmala took up the business of poultry farming on 20th June 2019 after getting the first loan of 50 thousand from the Cash Credit Limit (CCL). At present , not only Nirmala, every member of this group has become financial pillar of their respective family and has improved their standard of living.

“Along with the 14 members of the group, their entire family is involved in the poultry farming business. Everyone is earning good income by doing this work and are getting a profit of three to four lakhs in a year”, says Nirmala. Elated over her success, Nirmala is now planning to go for fish farming. The women in her group gives the credit of their success to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The government’s plan has lightened up her life. The chief minister deserves applause for taking the initiative in this regard, says Nirmala.

As stated by Deputy Commissioner, Self Employment Awadhesh, there are 13,299 SHGs in Gorakhpur district, 5,778 in Maharajganj, 3,731 in Kushinagar and 10,579 self-help groups are working in Deoria. The department is actively involved to provide benefits of various schemes of the state government to these groups. Those who want to get connected with self-employment can come to the office by and contact them anytime. The department is ready to help them fully.