SHIMLA 25th December,
· Income Rising Through Skills, Women Becoming Self-Reliant
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated today that the state government is committed to strengthening the rural economy and providing market access for products of women self-help groups under the ‘Him Ira’ brand. He said that ‘Himachal Haat’ will serve as a vibrant marketplace showcasing authentic Himachali products. Constructed at a cost of Rs 2 crore near the lift in Shimla, this Haat will feature 25 shops displaying products from women self-help groups across all 12 districts of Himachal.
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said this Haat will bring together rural artifacts, crafts, handlooms, food processing products and traditional Himachali cuisines under one roof, boosting the income of self-help groups and promoting self-reliance.
He added that the state government is also providing food vans to self-help groups, ensuring them an income of around Rs. 50,000 per month. In the state, self-help groups have become a key medium for women empowerment.
A total of 5,428 self-help groups, 1257 village organizations and 189 cluster-level federations have been constituted. The Chief Minister informed that Rs. 36 crore as revolving funds has been released to 14,410 self-help groups, Rs. 41 crore in community investment funds to 7,567 self-help groups and Rs. 36 crore as risk mitigation funds to 7,187 families.
He highlighted that 109 Him Ira permanent shops have generated Rs. 34.95 crore in sales, while 81 Him Ira weekly market products have achieved Rs. 29.70 crore in business.
For the financial year 2025-26, approval has been granted for 10 blocks under the Livelihood Rural Express scheme, targeting 60 vehicles (6 per block).
So far, 18 vehicles worth Rs. 1.15 crore have been approved. The Chief Minister emphasized that to preserve and promote traditional arts, the state government has taken special initiatives through the Himachal Pradesh State Handicrafts and Handloom Corporation Limited.
In Kullu, 11 training centers are providing three month to one year training to 108 trainees, including a monthly stipend of Rs. 2,400. Training in hand knitting, handloom weaving, carpet making and Kullu cap production is being offered in villages like Katrain, Badai Ra Gram, Surah, Dobhi, Prini and Khanag Mithanu.
This has enabled local women and men to become self-employed. Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu asserted that Kullu’s handicrafts are not just a cultural heritage but a medium for rural development, women empowerment and economic growth.
He said that increasing demand and government schemes have injected new energy into this traditional industry, inspiring youth towards employment and a brighter future. Tourists in Kullu-Manali are purchasing local handicrafts, helping to sustain this rich tradition while thousands of artisans achieve self-reliance through self-employment.
