Social JusticeGS-IGS-IIGS-III· 1 min read
Women Empowerment through Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
Why in news?
The National Saras Mela 2026 highlighted the crucial role of women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in promoting rural entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, with Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and AP CM N. Chandrababu Naidu emphasizing their significance.
Key points
- SHGs are instrumental in rural entrepreneurship and women's economic empowerment.
- Government aims to create six crore 'Lakhpati Didis', with over 3.5 crore already achieving ₹1 lakh annual income.
- Andhra Pradesh has 23 lakh Lakhpati Didis against a target of 60 lakh.
- The 'Swayam AP' brand promotes products made by women's SHGs, leveraging e-commerce.
- Empowerment of women through SHGs is crucial for achieving 'Viksit Bharat by 2047'.
Background & context
Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are small, voluntary savings and credit groups formed by women to pool their savings and provide loans to members for productive purposes. They play a significant role in financial inclusion and women's empowerment in rural India.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Union government aims to create six crore 'Lakhpati Didis' across the country.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Society, Social Justice; GS Paper 2: Government Policies and Interventions; GS Paper 3: Economy.