Didis of Aajeevika Mission are Strengthening State’s Economy: CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that the Didis associated with the Aajeevika Mission are a living example of the power of unity. Their collective efforts truly embody the spirit of ‘Bandh Mutthi Lakh Ki’, significantly strengthening both the state and national economy. He said that women are now operating tractors and drones, and even managing gas and petrol refilling services. From running cafés to achieving market targets, Didis are excelling in entrepreneurship. Through small-scale industries such as pickle and papad manufacturing, they are earning sustainable incomes. Emphasising the importance of matri-shakti in Indian culture, the Chief Minister stated that with the State Government’s support, women across Madhya Pradesh are becoming increasingly empowered.

Over 65 lakh Didis have been empowered through 5 lakh self-help groups (SHGs) across the state, of which more than 12 lakh have become ‘Lakhpati Didis’. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav reiterated that the State Government remains fully committed to women’s empowerment. He further informed that SHGs achieved a business turnover of ₹310 crore in the past year through partnerships with companies and participation in fairs. Madhya Pradesh is the leading state in natural farming, with 50,000 Didiyan from SHGs actively engaged in it. The Chief Minister also announced that the Women and Child Development Department’s budget for FY 2026–27 has been increased by 26 per cent, while 34 per cent of the total state budget will be allocated to rural development.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav addressed the Aajeevika Mission Capacity-Building Workshop for self-help groups at Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre on Wednesday. He inaugurated the workshop by lighting the ceremonial lamp. Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, Skill Development Minister Shri Gautam Tetwal and Minister of State for Panchayat and Rural Development Smt. Radha Singh were present.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav visited exhibition stalls set up by SHG Didiyan from various districts and interacted with them. He also sampled traditional millet-based dishes at the Millet Café from Gram Chhavani Pathar.

Seven vehicles under the Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana were flagged off to enhance rural mobility and market access. A Special Holi Hamper prepared by Didis of the Madhya Pradesh State Rural Ajeevika Mission was launched. The hamper includes 10 products such as natural colours, desi ghee, sweets, gokashta, pooja materials, and T-shirts. A short film showcasing Holi hampers prepared by Didis from Ujjain, Sagar, Katni, Sehore and Rewa districts was screened.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also inaugurated a Community Managed Training Centre (CMTC). He also virtually inaugurated the ‘Aajeevika Mart’ in Gwalior, the SHG retail outlet at Jabalpur Airport and Holi fairs at divisional and district levels.

A training module to promote natural farming was released during the workshop. In the Chief Minister’s presence, MoUs were exchanged between the Madhya Pradesh State Rural Ajeevika Mission and India Post, Amazon Saheli, Access Development Services, Buddha Institute, TRIF and Sightsavers to strengthen supply chains and market access.

Five outstanding SHG Didis were felicitated for exemplary work. Smt. Meenakshi Faragate from Guna district shared her success story in the marketing sector.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav described the occasion as a golden day in the history of rural economy and women entrepreneurship. He said that dishes prepared by mothers, daughters and sisters bring joy to families and form the foundation of festive celebrations. The initiative to connect products made by Didis with global markets is commendable.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that capacity-building workshops will provide a new direction for the skills and dedication of women. With support from banks and the government, women stepping out of their homes and establishing successful business ventures have accelerated grassroots development. The State Government will continue to provide training and opportunities to help them scale new heights.

Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Shri Prahlad Singh Patel said that SHG Didis have achieved remarkable success, and the nation’s progress toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy will significantly benefit from their contributions, as highlighted by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He emphasised that women’s journey toward self-reliance is reflected not just in words but in tangible outcomes and data. Minister Shri Patel urged women to stay updated with changing technologies and leverage Madhya Pradesh’s central geographical location to expand trade and business.

The MoU with India Post will further strengthen the supply chain for SHG products. Minister Patel also appealed to citizens to burn the evils of addiction and inertia during Holi celebrations.

Chief Executive Officer of the Madhya Pradesh Rural Ajeevika Mission, Smt. Harshika Singh stated that the workshop would provide guidance in production and marketing to SHG Didiyan. It has offered groups from across the state an opportunity to showcase their products in Bhopal.

Under the Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana, seven AGEY vehicles from Betul, Vidisha, Rajgarh, Katni, Gwalior, and Bhopal districts were flagged off to facilitate mobility in remote areas and ensure better market access.

Currently, 43 Rural Marts are operational in Madhya Pradesh. Minister of State Smt. Radha Singh delivered the vote of thanks. Additional Chief Secretary Smt. Deepali Rastogi, Agriculture Secretary Shri Nishant Varwade, Chief Postmaster General (MP Circle) Shri Vinod Mathur, and a large number of SHG Didiyan from various districts were present at the workshop.