Dehradun: Tourism activities and pilgrimages like Char Dham yatra have played a key role in economic growth of Uttarakhand’s women self-help groups this year.
In this financial year, till October, women groups have earned a net profit of Rs 29.7 lakh by selling a total of Rs 91.75 lakh through travel outlets opened on the travel route and major tourist centers.
Rural development department established 110 ‘Yatra Outlets’
The Uttarakhand State Rural Livelihood Mission, run by the Rural Development Department, has set up 110 ‘Yatra Outlets’ at key religious and tourist spots. These outlets aim to introduce devotees and tourists to Uttarakhand’s rich tradition and culture while enhancing the economic conditions of rural women. They play a crucial role in providing a market for products made by local rural women in the state.
Many items are available for sale at the Yatra outlets
According to Secretary Rural Development Radhika Jha, handmade woollen garments, hill grown spices, organic pickles, souvenirs, millet-based food items are available for sale at the Yatra outlets. The ‘Yatra outlets’ have not only proved effective in making women self-reliant, but have also played an important role in promoting the cultural heritage of the state. Uttarakhand hosts numerous ‘Yatra Outlets’ across various districts like Chamoli has 16, Dehradun has 2, Haridwar has 11, Nainital has 10, Pauri and Rudraprayag each have 15, Tehri has 20, and Uttarkashi leads with 21.
Five lakh women are associated with the groups
Through Uttarakhand State Rural Livelihood Mission (USRLM), 67,172 self-help groups (SHGs) have been formed in 95 development blocks of 13 districts of the state, which have linked about 5 lakh rural women. The state government provides assistance for the sale of products of these groups through Yatra outlets, Saras Kendra, and Growth Center. With the support of USRLM, 8 millet bakery units have been set up in the state by women groups.
Prime Minister Modi has also appealed to tourists to buy local products
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also appealed to the tourists visiting the state to spend five percent of their travel expenses on buying local products. This will undoubtedly increase the income of these women groups in the coming times. Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the government firmly believes that the state’s progress is tied to strengthening the economy of rural women. To support this, markets are being provided for products made by women’s self-help groups. Additionally, the government is implementing the Lakhpati Didi Yojana for women involved in these groups.
