Women, youth to play key role in forest plantation and preservation, says Sukhu
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in Shimla on Friday (January 3, 2005) launched the official e-commerce website, himira.co.in, developed by Rural Development Department to promote the products of more than 3.50 lakh rural women associated with 44,000 self-help groups (SHGs) across the state.
The website aims to provide a global platform for SHG products, enabling these rural artisans and entrepreneurs to expand their reach and increase their income through online sales.
He said that Himachal Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (HPSRLM), under the Rural Development Department, was set to take a significant step towards empowering rural women.
The Chief Minister also flagged off seven food vans specially designed to offer SHG women new avenues for income generation. This initiative underscores the commitment of state government to enhancing the livelihoods of rural women and promoting their economic empowerment.
He also released a booklet highlighting inspiring success stories of women who have achieved financial independence under the Mission.
Sukhu stated that Him-Era was a symbol of transformation and will be further improved in the coming times. He emphasised that all self-help groups must ensure the quality of their products to reap maximum benefits.
He said, “I am gifting Him-Era products to Union Ministers and other dignitaries.” He further said that the state government would set up a dedicated shop in the upcoming government buildings to showcase and sell Him-Era products.
The Chief Minister said that the present government was formulating policies that align with culture and environment of Himachal Pradesh. In its first budget, the government focused on strengthening the rural economy and promoting self-employment opportunities.
Specific measures have been introduced to empower women, including reserving 30 per cent of police constable posts for women, raising the minimum legal marriage age for girls from 18 to 21 years and providing loans to women to ensure funds reach rural households.
Speaking on the occasion, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh said that the state government was focusing on the welfare of marginalised and underprivileged groups.
Shimla Municipal Corporation Mayor Surender Chauhan, Chief Minister’s Principal Adviser (Media) Naresh Chauhan, Secretary Rajesh Sharma, Director of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department Raghav Sharma, NRLM Chief Executive Officer Shivam Pratap Singh and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
