Self-help Groups Play a Crucial Role in Women Empowerment: Guardian Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar

Chandrapur : Guardian Minister and Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar emphasized the importance of self-help groups (SHGs) in empowering women, particularly in rural areas. Speaking at a women’s meet organized by Sankalp Loksanchalt Sadhan Kendra through the Women Economic Development Corporation (MAVIM) in Pombhurna, Minister Mungantiwar credited Savitribai Phule’s pioneering work in women’s education as a foundation for women’s progress in various fields.

He noted that SHGs have provided employment opportunities to rural women, enabling them to contribute to economic development. The industries and businesses initiated through these groups play a significant role in uplifting women, helping them gain financial independence and fostering empowerment.

Mungantiwar highlighted several government initiatives aimed at empowering women, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Lakhpati Didi” program, which promotes women’s entrepreneurship through a network of SHGs. He also announced plans to establish a solar-powered commercial complex (Bazar Haat) in Chandrapur, providing a marketplace for products made by SHGs and local farmers.

Additionally, he revealed that a sub-centre of Smt. Nathabai Damodar Thackeray (SNDT) University is being set up near Ballarpur, offering 72 types of skill development courses for girls and SHG members. In honor of Sushma Swaraj, a Skill Development Center with a budget of ₹11.5 crore is also being established at Ballarpur, with the goal of further training women and SHG members in the region.

Mungantiwar expressed optimism that with these initiatives, Chandrapur district would lead in women empowerment across the country.