In a bid to uplift rural women and promote their economic independence, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has accelerated the credit linkage program for self-help groups (SHGs). So far, 2.91 lakh SHGs have been formed, with over 53,293 new groups established since 2019.
The credit linkage amount has surged to Rs 14,204 crore from just Rs 545.30 crore before December 2019. Under the leadership of CM Soren, this initiative is strengthening the rural economy by ensuring easy access to bank credit for SHG members, facilitating their livelihood activities and financial stability.
Transformative Impact of Credit Linkage on Women Entrepreneurs
Premalata Devi from Bokaro Overcomes Hardship with SHG Support
Premalata Devi, a member of the Jeevan Jyoti Aajivika Sakhi Mandal in Chandrapura block, Bokaro, has successfully reshaped her family’s future. After the untimely demise of her husband, she faced immense financial and emotional challenges.
However, with the support of her SHG, she availed a credit linkage loan of Rs 50,000 under CCL and purchased a sewing machine to start tailoring. As her income grew, she repaid her loan and took an additional Rs 30,000 loan from the village organization to expand her business. Today, she earns around Rs 10,000 per month, ensuring a stable livelihood for her family.
Kiran Jha from Jamtara Becomes a Successful Entrepreneur
Kiran Jha, a resident of Nala block, is associated with the Radha Krishna Aajivika Sakhi Mandal. She underwent training in pickle and papad making through RSETI and secured an Rs 50,000 loan under cash credit linkage to start her business. Today, she earns Rs 1.2 lakh annually and has empowered other women by providing employment opportunities.
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Additionally, her son received training through DDU-GKY, increasing his annual income to Rs 3.6 lakh, leading to a prosperous family life.
Expanding Livelihood Opportunities
To strengthen rural women and the economy, the National Rural Livelihood Mission has connected 32 lakh families with sustainable livelihood programs, including agriculture, animal husbandry, forest produce, egg production, and organic farming.
Under the Jharkhand Microdrip Irrigation Project, approximately 31,861 farmers have adopted drip irrigation technology, enhancing agricultural productivity and rural prosperity.
Women Empowered with Modern Technology
Around 85,000 community cadres, including banking correspondent sakhis, animal sakhis, agriculture sakhis, forest produce friends, livelihood silk friends, and CRPs, have been trained and deployed for project implementation and expansion. These women are now equipped with modern communication technology, ensuring their effective participation in various economic activities.
