Self Help Groups are emerging as a powerful medium to empower women and strengthen their financial condition in Amethi district. Under the National Livelihood Mission, financial support and subsidies are being made available to women in both rural and urban areas to help them set up self-employment ventures. The primary goal of this initiative is to remove financial hardships standing in the way of unemployed women and open up fresh earning avenues for them.
Eligibility Criteria and Required Documentation
The process to join a Self Help Group has been kept simple and accessible. Any unemployed woman aged between 18 and 40 years can enrol in this program. In terms of educational background, the applicant must have completed at least eighth grade education.
To form or participate in a group, a selection of at least 10 women is required. Applicants need to submit a few basic identification and financial documents during enrollment
- Aadhaar card of the applicant
- PAN card
- Bank passbook copy
- Selection of 10 female group members
Diverse Business and Employment Avenues
Through these groups, women can launch small-scale manufacturing units or service enterprises based on their interests and local demand. A wide variety of traditional and modern work opportunities are available under the scheme.
Women can choose from several viable micro-enterprises including
- Munj craft and handicraft making
- Household products and food processing
- Sewing and embroidery work
- Toy manufacturing
- Agricultural operations
- Services as Bank Sakhi or Samuh Sakhi
- Running Prerna Canteens
Interest Free Collateral Free Loan of 5 Lakh
To ensure financial constraints do not stall their entrepreneurial ambitions, eligible groups receive loans up to 5 lakh rupees without any requirement of guarantee or security. The loan comes interest free and includes a government subsidy ranging from 20 to 25 percent. This financial cushion allows women to kickstart their businesses smoothly.
Training Programs Fostering Self Reliance
District Development Officer Veer Bhanu Singh stated that Self Help Groups are offering multiple employment avenues, allowing women to generate substantial earnings. He noted, "Women are doing excellent work through groups, earning good income and becoming self-reliant." He added that continuous training sessions and awareness drives are organized to guide members toward sustainable livelihoods.
