Self-Help Groups Empower Women in Madhya Pradesh: A Step Towards Economic Independence – Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav

In a significant push towards making Madhya Pradesh self-reliant, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav addressed a Self-Help Group (SHG) conference and Nutrition Fortnight event in Kukshi, Dhar District. He lauded the pivotal role of SHGs in enhancing women’s economic and social conditions and emphasized the state’s vision to empower women for a prosperous Madhya Pradesh.

Empowering Women Through Self-Help Groups

Dr. Mohan Yadav stated, "Self-Help Groups are a powerful tool for improving the financial and social status of women. These groups not only contribute to women’s empowerment but also lead them toward financial prosperity." Highlighting the essential role of SHGs in the state’s journey toward self-reliance, Dr. Yadav declared that a prosperous state can only be built on the foundation of strong, empowered women.

The Chief Minister also pointed out that women in Madhya Pradesh are making remarkable strides. "Our government is committed to providing 50% reservation for women in local body elections. Furthermore, efforts are underway to ensure 33% reservation for women in both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections by 2029," he added. This initiative aims to ensure greater participation and representation of women in politics, thus fostering an inclusive environment.

The Ladli Behna Scheme and Its Impact

Dr. Yadav discussed the impact of the 'Ladli Behna Scheme,' which has significantly contributed to the economic empowerment of women. "Through this scheme, we are providing financial assistance to women, allowing them to support their families better. The scheme is changing lives," Dr. Yadav remarked. He also noted the government’s initiative to provide registration fee waivers for properties registered in women’s names, promoting women’s ownership and financial independence.

The Government's Commitment to Women’s Welfare

The Chief Minister spoke of the state's ongoing efforts to make women financially independent through a range of welfare initiatives. One such program includes financial incentives for women working in textile factories, where they will receive an additional ₹5,000 as an incentive, ensuring their monthly income reaches ₹14,250. Dr. Yadav also emphasized the state government's commitment to providing 1 lakh government jobs in the coming months, with plans to create 2.5 lakh job opportunities within the next five years.

In addition, the government is focusing on improving nutrition among women and children, as evidenced by the ongoing ‘Poushan Pakhwada’ (Nutrition Fortnight) program. This program highlights critical topics such as infant nutrition, the management of malnutrition, and promoting a healthy lifestyle to combat childhood obesity.

Connecting Women to Dairy Business: A Revolutionary Step

In a game-changing move, the government is linking women from Self-Help Groups to dairy farming. Under the newly launched Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Gopalan Yojana, women will be engaged in the production of milk products such as sweets, rabri, and kalakand. This initiative aims to provide women with new business opportunities, enhance their income, and foster financial independence.

Dr. Yadav emphasized that the government’s focus is on integrating women into the dairy sector, thereby creating a sustainable income model for them. "Every home in the state will be connected to Gokul (a model village), and women will play a crucial role in making the state a leader in dairy production," he said.

The Role of Women in Preserving Heritage

Dr. Yadav also highlighted the significant role women play in preserving and reviving local heritage. At the event, the village head of Pipliya, Anita Lokesh Panchal, shared her experience of restoring a traditional well (Bawdi) with the help of local women. "With community participation, we transformed a neglected well into a clean, usable water source. Our future goal is to make the Panchayat a model for others to follow," she said.

Government’s Future Plans and Development Milestones

Looking ahead, Dr. Yadav shared the government's future plans for infrastructural development in the state. He announced that Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will inaugurate a new 4-lane highway connecting Dhar to Devas on April 10, 2025, as part of a ₹30,000 crore national highway project. He also mentioned the upcoming visits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 11, 2025, and Union Minister Amit Shah on April 13, 2025, who will be participating in cooperative events to strengthen the dairy sector.

The Nutrition Exhibition: A Taste of Healthy Living

As part of the event, the Chief Minister visited a nutrition exhibition where Self-Help Group members showcased food items made from millet. He praised their efforts and recognized the contribution of SHGs to promoting nutritious and healthy eating habits.