Mission Shakti: UP govt empowering women entrepreneurs and making them self-reliant

New Delhi: Under ‘Mission Shakti’, the Yogi-led Uttar Pradesh Government is leaving no stone unturned not only to make women aware and self-reliant but also to provide all the benefits of its golden schemes.

Stating about how ‘Mission Shakti’ changed her life, Sharda Singh, a resident of Varanasi said, “during the COVID-19 first wave, I started a small business of making jute products which helped my business earn Rs 1 lakh per month.”

Sharda said that with this initiative, she has helped at least 100 women become self-employed by joining them in this business.

Describing her business, she said that because of the high demand for ODOP products in the markets, her business of making jute products has become successful.

Similarly, Pooja of Agra said that her work of handicraft got recognition on January 28, 2018, after the state government included it in ODOP after which she was able to prepare over 500 pieces of handicraft products every day.

Pooja also received a loan of Rs 5 lakh under ODOP, which helped her promote the business and become self-independent. Pooja stated, “the demand for products like decorative items, jaggery, pickles, handicrafts, diyas, candles has increased across the country and worldwide including the US, Dubai among others.”

Describing her struggle, Pooja said, “with the help of Mission Shakti, I was able to start a small business under which I joined over 500 women and was able to fulfill their dream of self-employment, adding, “rural women are able to work without any fear under Yogi Government.”

Popularity of Handicraft Products Reached Worldwide

In Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh, over 3000 women have been provided direct and indirect employment under Mission Shakti. The popularity of lights, chandeliers, and handicraft products made by these women have reached worldwide including Nigeria and Dubai, informed Vivek Singh of Deoria.