Uttar Pradesh Government Empowers Women with Free Spaces for Prerna Canteens
Synopsis
In a transformative effort to uplift women, the Uttar Pradesh government is providing free spaces in sugarcane societies for Self Help Groups to establish Prerna Canteens. This initiative aims to foster self-reliance and enhance the local economy by empowering women entrepreneurs.
Key Takeaways
Women Empowerment: The initiative focuses on strengthening women's economic independence.
Self Help Groups: Support for SHGs through designated spaces in sugarcane societies.
Prerna Canteens: A platform for women to sell various products.
Training Provided: UPSRLM will offer training in canteen operations and food safety.
Community Impact: Aims to bolster the rural economy through increased local consumption.
Lucknow, April 19 (NationPress) In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bolstering ‘naari shakti’, the Uttar Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has instructed sugarcane co-operative societies across the state to provide complimentary spaces for women from Self Help Groups (SHGs) to establish their businesses.
The objective is to empower these women to launch ‘Prerna Canteens’, where they can showcase and sell their products.
In alignment with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s directives, the Department of Sugar Industry and Cane Development, in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission, has formalized this initiative through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
This program aims to create direct employment and self-employment avenues for rural women linked with SHGs via sugarcane committees.
Cane Commissioner Ministhy S. remarked, “In accordance with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision for women’s self-reliance, we will offer designated spaces within sugarcane committees for the sale of their products.”
For the initial two years, these women will not incur any rental costs; after this period, they will only be required to pay 50% of the rent, determined by the prevailing circle rates.
The Cane Commissioner emphasized that the ownership of these spaces will remain fully with the respective committee and will not be transferred to self-help groups or any external parties, safeguarding government assets.
Through the establishment of Prerna Canteens and marketing centers, women will have the opportunity to sell a variety of handmade and household items, including food products, solar lamps, handicrafts, agricultural goods, and other regional products.
This initiative aims to boost women’s incomes while providing a structured marketplace for local offerings. The department will also facilitate training, marketing, and promotional support for women’s self-help groups. They will be granted opportunities to participate in fairs, exhibitions, and other public events, enhancing the visibility of their products.
The Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM) will provide training to ensure effective operation of the canteens, including aspects of hygiene, food safety, and quality control.
This initiative is expected to diversify the roles of sugarcane committees, subsequently strengthening the rural economy through increased local production and consumption.
Point of View
The state aims to create opportunities for women to flourish in business while contributing to the local economy.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Prerna Canteens?
The Prerna Canteens are designed to empower women from Self Help Groups to sell their products, thereby enhancing their income and providing a structured market for local goods.
Will there be any rent for the spaces provided?
No rent will be charged for the first two years. After that, a 50% rent based on prevailing rates will be applicable.
Who will own the spaces allocated for Prerna Canteens?
The ownership of the allocated spaces will remain with the respective sugarcane committees and will not be transferred to any self-help groups.
What type of products can be sold at Prerna Canteens?
Women will be able to sell handmade products, food items, solar lamps, handicrafts, agricultural produce, and other local goods.
How will the government support women in this initiative?
The government will provide training, marketing support, and opportunities for participation in fairs and exhibitions to enhance the visibility of their products.
