Ranchi: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Jharkhand has made significant strides in empowering rural women through self-help groups (SHGs). Since December 2019, a total of ₹13,659 crore has been facilitated in credit linkage, benefiting 2.67 lakh Sakhi Mandals across the state. Additionally, more than 53,293 new groups have been formed, bringing the total number of SHGs to 2.91 lakh.
The initiative aims to strengthen the rural economy by ensuring easy access to credit for SHG members. This has enabled thousands of women to engage in livelihood activities, boosting their financial independence.
Premalata Devi, a member of the Jeevan Jyoti Aajeevika Sakhi Mandal in Chandrapura block, overcame adversity with the support of her SHG. After her husband’s untimely demise, she took a ₹50,000 loan under the Cash Credit Linkage (CCL) scheme to buy a sewing machine and start a tailoring business. As her income grew, she repaid the initial loan and took another ₹30,000 from the village organization to expand her business. Today, she earns around ₹10,000 per month and provides for her family.
Kiran Jha, a member of Radha Krishna Aajeevika Sakhi Mandal in Nala block, underwent training at RSETI (Rural Self Employment Training Institute) for pickle and papad making. With a ₹50,000 loan, she started her business, which now earns her ₹1.2 lakh annually. She has also trained and engaged other women in the business. Her son, after receiving training under the DDU-GKY (Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana), now earns ₹3.6 lakh per year, ensuring a stable future for their family.
Through the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), the state has connected 32 lakh rural families to sustainable income sources, including agriculture, animal husbandry, forest produce, poultry, and organic farming.
Additionally, the Jharkhand Micro Drip Irrigation Project has benefited 31,861 farmers by introducing advanced drip irrigation techniques to enhance agricultural productivity.
The government has trained and deployed 85,000 community cadre members, including banking correspondent Sakhis, livestock Sakhis, agriculture Sakhis, forest produce associates, and silk associates, to implement and expand these initiatives. Equipped with modern communication technologies, these women are playing a crucial role in strengthening the rural economy.
Jharkhand’s push for women-led entrepreneurship through SHGs continues to bring financial security and social empowerment to thousands of families across the state.