Empowering Rajasthan's Women: Raj Sakhi Stores and BPOs Initiatives
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Jaipur, March 6 (NationPress) Over 1.6 million women in Rajasthan have achieved the status of 'Lakhpati Didis' thanks to the state government's proactive measures aimed at empowering women and enhancing financial inclusion, as reported by officials.
"In an effort to foster economic independence and job opportunities for women in rural areas, Rural Women's BPOs will be set up at the district level with an investment of Rs 100 crore," officials stated on Thursday.
The Chief Minister Lakhpati Didi Loan Scheme has also seen its loan limit raised from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh, promoting greater women entrepreneurship.
Innovative initiatives are being rolled out through the Grameen Aajeevika Vikas Parishad (Rajivika) to further empower women.
This year's budget includes provisions for buildings to support 100 cluster-level federations associated with Rajivika.
Additionally, "Saksham Centres" will be created in these offices to promote digital and financial literacy.
By enhancing the branding, design, and packaging of products crafted by self-help groups, the government aims to establish 50 new enterprises in various sectors, including dairy, textiles, footwear, millets, and spices.
The state is also collaborating with national and international organizations to broaden market access for these products.
With a focus on fostering women entrepreneurship, Raj Sakhi Stores will be launched at all divisional headquarters to support women affiliated with Rajivika in building successful businesses.
In a phased approach, centers for entrepreneurship and capacity building will be established across all districts.
Under the Chief Minister Nari Shakti Udyam Protsahan Yojana, the loan limit has been raised from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore.
Around 5,000 women from self-help groups will receive training to become "Banking Correspondent Sakhis".
Furthermore, 11,000 Amrit Poshan Vatikas will be created to bolster the livelihoods of women’s self-help groups while ensuring the availability of fruits and vegetables for mid-day meals in Anganwadi centres and schools.
Early childhood care and education courses will be offered for Anganwadi workers, with specialized training provided to 1,000 workers from esteemed institutions.
This year, the Kishori Balika Yojana has been expanded from the aspirational districts of Karauli, Dholpur, Baran, Jaisalmer, and Sirohi to cover all 27 aspirational blocks in the state, benefiting over 50,000 adolescent girls with nutritional supplements.
Additionally, facilities for Chief Minister Shishu Vatsalya Sadan will be established in government offices during office hours to care for children aged six months to six years.
Ensuring women's safety remains a top priority for the state government.
The number of Kalika Patrolling Units, tasked with preventing harassment and domestic violence against women in public spaces, will increase from 500 to 600.
Women's barracks will also be established in 100 police stations.
Moreover, female security personnel and guides will be appointed to enhance the Tourism Assistance Force for the safety of tourists.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, women are being empowered via numerous initiatives, including the Chief Minister Nutrition Nutri-Kit, Lado Incentive Scheme, Chief Minister Nari Shakti Training and Skill Enhancement, Chief Minister Nari Shakti Enterprise Promotion, Solar Didi, and Lakhpati Didi.
These comprehensive initiatives have significantly uplifted women's economic status and increased their involvement in decision-making, thereby contributing actively to the state's overall development.