From kitchens to enterprises: Rural women of Kangra redefine self-reliance

The self-help groups (SHGs) formed by the Department of Rural Development in Kangra district are transforming the lives of rural women by fostering self-reliance and economic independence. Women who once had no independent income are now contributing significantly to their families’ finances and improving their standard of living.

There are nearly 500 SHGs operating across 51 gram panchayats in the Nurpur Development Block. Among them, the Shri Lakshmi Self-Help Group in Khel gram panchayat stands out as a beacon of success, inspiring other rural women by effectively utilising the benefits of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). The group has exemplified the mission’s core goal — financial self-reliance for women.

President Asha Devi proudly stated that the group’s success proves that financial independence is achievable through determination and hard work. The members, once economically vulnerable, are now financially stable and pillars of support for their households.

Founded nine years ago by 10 enterprising women, the group now has six active members. Seeing their commitment, the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Nurpur initially sanctioned Rs 10,000 as a revolving fund and Rs 2,500 as a startup grant. Building on that foundation, the members pooled their savings to launch ventures, including a beauty parlour, boutique and trading of readymade women’s garments with an initial investment of Rs 56,000. They later diversified into making pickles and chutneys.

Encouraged by early success, the group approached the BDO’s office again and secured a Rs 3 lakh bank loan at a nominal interest rate to expand their initiatives. Official sources report that the group now earns between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000 per month. After repaying their initial loan, the group went on to raise and repay a second loan of Rs 5 lakh. Recently, they secured a third loan of Rs 6 lakh to further grow their business.

BDO Ashok Kumar noted that this group has become an inspiration for women in other panchayats of Nurpur. “Under NRLM, SHGs can access bank loans ranging from Rs 3 to 10 lakh at low interest rates. They can pursue ventures like sericulture, mushroom and dairy farming, embroidery and goat rearing,” he said.

Himachal Tribune