March 3, 2025 | Uttarakhand:
In a move aimed at empowering rural women and boosting self-employment, the Uttarakhand government will set up Rural Business Incubators in Hawalbagh (Almora district) and Kotdwar (Pauri district). These centers will be launched under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Swayam Sahayata Samuh Sashaktikaran Yojana, a flagship scheme focused on promoting economic independence among women through self-help groups.
Each incubator will receive funding of ₹25 lakh from the state government. These centers will provide support for training, business development, and mentorship to help women become successful entrepreneurs, often referred to as “Lakhpati Didis”—a term used for women earning ₹1 lakh or more annually through self-employment.
In addition, ₹15.40 crore will be allocated to cluster-level organizations to promote women-led business activities across various sectors.
The state cabinet has also approved new provisions under the scheme to create more opportunities for women in the field of entrepreneurship. A total of ₹2.30 crore has been sanctioned to support the expanded implementation of the program.
To improve transparency and efficiency, ₹75 lakh has been set aside for the development of a Digital Management Information System (MIS). Furthermore, the government will organize two national-level SARAS fairs within the state, with each event receiving ₹11.12 lakh in support. These fairs will offer women’s self-help groups a platform to showcase and sell their products.
This initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, rural development, and inclusive economic growth by helping women build sustainable livelihoods and become financially independent.
