In Uttarakhand's Bageshwar district, women linked to a self-help group have taken charge of the canteens inside two government buildings, turning what began as a modest side job into a steady livelihood for more than 15 women. The canteens at Vikas Bhawan and the district office are now held up as an example of how self-employment initiatives can grow into wider community benefit.
A five-woman start
According to Sunita Tamta, who is part of the group, the canteen at Vikas Bhawan was launched in May 2025 under the name Naman Self Help Group, with just five women running it. Resources were limited in the early days, and getting the operation off the ground was not easy. But the women put in consistent effort, focusing on cleanliness and the quality of the food they served. That focus gradually won over the trust of officials and staff at the office, and the canteen began drawing steady support.
Success at Vikas Bhawan opens the door to the district office
Once the Vikas Bhawan canteen was running smoothly, the group's women were given the opportunity to also operate a self-help group canteen at the district office. They approached this new responsibility with the same dedication and made it a success as well. The team here, too, started small, but as the workload grew, so did the number of women joining the group. Today, more than 15 women are directly employed across the two canteens and earning a regular income, more than three times the original team of five.
Beyond the counter: aipan, spices and local products
Sunita Tamta says the group's earnings are not limited to canteen operations alone. The women also make aipan, several varieties of spices and other local products by hand, which they then sell in the market. Ahead of festivals and special occasions, the group prepares these local products in advance so they can be delivered to the market at the right time. This gives the women an additional source of income through the year, rather than depending solely on canteen earnings.
Government schemes add support, confidence grows
Bhavna Rawat, who works with the group, said working through a self-help group has brought the women several benefits. Being part of the group also makes it easier for them to access government schemes, which plays an important role in strengthening their finances. She said working through the group has boosted the women's confidence, and they are moving steadily toward self-reliance through their own earnings.
District officer calls it a model for women's empowerment
Sangeeta Arya, the District Development Officer, said women linked to self-help groups are doing commendable work, and that it is the government's objective for women to become self-reliant while strengthening their finances. She said these women have not only improved their own economic condition by running the canteens well, but have also brought other rural women along, giving them a source of employment. From running canteens to making aipan, spices and other local products, this initiative is giving self-employment a new direction while standing as a strong example of women's empowerment.
