Women in Balh becoming self-reliant, earning lakhs while managing household chores
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MANDI: Women in Balh Valley, often referred to as “Mini Punjab”, are successfully balancing their household responsibilities while generating significant income through self-help groups (SHGs).
By participating in government-supported initiatives, these women have ventured into sewing, embroidery and producing traditional foods like seera and badi, earning lakhs of rupees from the comfort of their homes.
To create employment opportunities for women within their homes, both the central and state governments have introduced various schemes. Women across both urban and rural areas are reaping the benefits, with those in Balh Valley standing out as a prime example of success. These women, through self-help groups (SHGs), are not only establishing themselves as entrepreneurs but are also transforming their lives by leveraging these schemes.
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Turning traditional skills into commercial ventures
In Bhadyal village of Balh subdivision, several women have embraced the opportunity to turn their household skills into profitable businesses. Pooja Walia, president of the Surya Self-Help Group in Bhadyal, explained that they have been making traditional delicacies like seera (a sweet dish made from wheat) and badi (lentil dumplings) for years.
However, since joining the SHG, they have expanded their efforts into commercial production.
Pooja shared that she received a loan of Rs 50,000 from the SHG, which enabled her to purchase two sewing machines, further enhancing her income through tailoring.
Knitting, sewing boost local economies
Meena, the secretary of the Bala Kameshwar Self-Help Group in Bhadyal, specialises in knitting sweaters. She explained that hand-knitted men’s half-sweaters sell for Rs 700, while machine-knitted versions are sold for around Rs 500.
Sweaters for children, depending on their size, fetch between Rs 200 and Rs 450. Apart from fulfilling local demand, Meena and her group members also sell their products through Him-Era outlets, further expanding their reach. Additionally, they showcase their goods at government-supported stalls and exhibitions, providing them with a broader platform for sales.
Dairy production adds to success story
Beyond sewing and knitting, many women involved in these SHGs are also earning substantial income through dairy farming. By producing and selling milk locally, these women have diversified their revenue streams, demonstrating their ability to manage multiple ventures while remaining at home.
Financial assistance empowering women entrepreneurs
Women participating in SHGs have expressed their gratitude to the central and state governments for the financial support provided through various schemes. They initially received a seed fund of Rs 10,000, followed by an additional Rs 15,000 in revolving funds, which allowed them to expand their ventures.
A startup fund of Rs 2,500 helped many of them enhance their skills, particularly in knitting, where some now earn between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 during a single season. Each of the SHGs has seven members. The group members have also benefited from loans of Rs 40,000 under the Prime Minister’s Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, enabling further business growth.
