Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 12: The Kashmiri women from Kupwara district were today all praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Self Help Groups (SHGs) set up by his Government, which, they said, were helping number of women to establish their own units and earn a lot.
In live inter-action with Modi this morning through video conferencing, one of the Self Help Groups leader Sania Sadaf from village Watar in Kupwara district of Kashmir lauded the Prime Minister saying she was now running three units while other members of her Group have also set up units or purchased cattle to earn their livelihood.
Sadaf told the Prime Minister that six to seven members of her eight-member Self Help Group were working in the business of dairy while others have purchase cattle and all of them were doing good.
Modi gave some tips to the Kashmiri women on making more money from the same business, which they happily and readily accepted.
“The milk has good market everywhere. You can purchase machines also to boost the business,” he told the women.
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Congratulating the Kashmiri women for doing excellent job in the Self Help Groups to earn fortunes for themselves and their families, the Prime Minister said if they use trimmer instead of scissor for cutting wool, it would further increase their earnings and benefit them a lot.
Modi said he had given similar tips to the people in Gujarat, who were engaged in the business of cattle and sheep and their income increased.
The Kupwara women were impressed by the tips given to them by the Prime Minister and appreciated them.
An official statement posted by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said Prime Minister Narendra Modi today interacted with the members of Self Help Groups from across the country and beneficiaries of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana, through video bridge.
The interaction covered over one crore women representing various Self Help Groups. This is the ninth interaction in the series by the Prime Minister through video conference with the beneficiaries of various Government schemes.
Expressing happiness in interacting with women from Self Help Groups of various States, the Prime Minister said that each member is an inspiring example of resolution, collective efforts and entrepreneurship. He added that women are enterprising, have enormous inner strength for self-reliance during odd circumstances, and they need only opportunities to perform.
“It is impossible to imagine many sectors especially agriculture and diary, without the contribution of women. This is the true spirit of women empowerment all over the country,’’ Modi asserted
The Prime Minister, during the interaction, said that Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Rural Livelihood Mission has been started in all States. He added that the aim of the scheme is to reach crores of poor households in 2.5 lakh gram Panchayats and provide them sustainable livelihood opportunities. He also congratulated all States and officials in the successful implementation of the scheme.
Talking about Self Help Groups (SHGs), Modi said the Groups played a very important role in the economic and social advancement of poor, especially for women from rural strata of society. He added that the number of SHGs have quadrupled over the last four years compared to 2011-2014 period, generating employment and creating entrepreneurs in rural areas.
In three years between 2011 and 2014, only five lakh Self Help Groups were formed covering 52 lakh families whereas additional 20 lakh Self Help Groups covering 2.25 core families were formed since 2014.
“The Government is also providing training, financial assistance and opportunities to promote Self Help Groups throughout the country. Through Mahila Kissan Sashaktikaran Pariyojna, training has been given to over 33 lakh women farmers. At present there are 45 lakh Self Help Groups with active participation of around five crore women all over rural India,’’ the Prime Minister said.
He added that special attention is given to skill development of rural youth through Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana. “Training is given for employment as well as self-employment to meet the aspirations of youth for a better life’’.
He added that about 28 lakh youth have been trained in skill development through 600 Rural Self-Employment Training Institute and around 19 lakh have been employed.
During the interaction, Modi talked about the importance of value addition and value chain approach. He urged the Self Help Groups to register in the Government e-Market Place (GeM) to sell their produce.
Interacting with the Prime Minister, the members shared their experiences and success stories associated with Self Help Groups. Modi appreciated how poor women with their self-confidence and strength fought against all adversities. Women beneficiaries also explained how Self Help Groups have ushered in a positive change in their lives.
The asked the beneficiaries to send their success stories with photos along with their ideas through Narendra Modi App.
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