Women’s Day Special: At felicitation function, 80 Mandi women share how NABARD initiatives empowered them

MANDI: In celebration of International Women’s Day, NABARD organised a special programme for women on Friday (March 7, 2025) at the office of Mandi Literacy and Public Development Committee in Sauli Khud.

The event saw the participation of 80 women, who shared their experiences and discussed the impact of NABARD’s initiatives on their financial independence.

District Development Manager Rakesh Verma highlighted various programmes undertaken by NABARD in Mandi district to empower women economically.

He said around 40,000 women have been connected through self-help groups (SHGs) and linked with banks for credit facilities. Additionally, women have been associated with farmer producer organisations (FPOs), strengthening their role in agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.

The Siraj Valley Farmer Producer Group has 450 women shareholders while 500 weaver women in Gohar block’s Saroa region are shareholders under the Non-Farmer Producer Organisation (NFPO) initiative.

NABARD’s past initiatives in Mandi

NABARD has played a key role in women’s empowerment in Mandi through various initiatives, including:
• Financial Literacy Programmes: Covering over 300 panchayats, NABARD’s financial awareness campaigns have led to the opening of 20,000-plus savings accounts, the formation of 700 SHGs, and the issuance of 2,950 Kisan Credit Cards.

• Support for SHG Marketing: NABARD has facilitated the setting up of rural marts, helping women entrepreneurs market their products directly and earn better profits.

• Collaboration with IIT-Mandi: A project worth ₹35 lakh has been initiated in partnership with IIT-Mandi and the EWOK Society to establish three FPOs in the district, assisting rural women in setting up small enterprises.

• Livelihood and Enterprise Development Programmes: Working with organisations like Himalayan Chetna, NABARD has focused on skill development and income generation to make women self-reliant.

Women share success stories

During the programme, women from various SHGs shared their inspiring journeys, explaining how NABARD’s schemes helped them become more financially independent.

The event also featured poetry and musical performances on the theme “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao”.
Project Coordinator Reena Thakur emphasised that women are the backbone of society and need further empowerment for greater social and economic contributions. She highlighted that financial independence is the key to strengthening women’s role in society.

The event was attended by Anurag Joshi, Regional Manager of Himachal Pradesh Grameen Bank; Praveen Kumar, Lead District Manager; Lalit Sharma, president of Himachal Gyan Vigyan Samiti, and Gajendra Sharma, Secretary of Himachal Gyan Vigyan Samiti.

Munish Sood