Women of Balh region empowered as entrepreneurs through Self-Help Groups

Women in the Balh region are transforming traditional skills like weaving, crafting ceera-badian, and sweater-making into thriving businesses, thanks to self-help groups (SHGs). These women, once known for their artistry in stitching and ink-bangle making, are now emerging as successful entrepreneurs by enhancing their skills and utilizing community resources.

Pooja Walia, the president of Surya Self Help Group in Bhadyal, shared her success story. She has been producing tasty wheat products like ceera and kachalu snacks for years. After joining the SHG, she turned her culinary skills into a professional venture. Alongside managing household duties, Pooja and her team also focus on sewing. With a loan of ₹50,000 from the SHG, they purchased two sewing machines, expanding their operations.

Sunita, the secretary of Surya Group, added that four of their members specialize in making ink, while two focus on sewing and weaving. Additionally, some members raise dairy animals. Collectively, the group earns around ₹1.5 lakh annually, offering them financial independence and security.

Meena, the secretary of Bala Kameshwar Self Help Group in Bhadyal, highlighted her sweater-weaving business. She explained that handwoven men’s half-sweaters sell for up to ₹700, while machine-made sweaters are priced around ₹500. Children’s sweaters are also in demand, with prices ranging from ₹200 to ₹450. In addition to selling locally, they distribute their products through HIM-ERA shops and at government-organized stalls for SHGs.

These women initially received ₹10,000 as seed funding, followed by a revolving fund of ₹15,000 and a startup grant of ₹2,500. This financial support allowed them to hone their skills, and today, they earn ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 each season from sweater weaving. The two groups, comprising seven members, have also secured a ₹40,000 loan under the Prime Minister Food Processing Venture (PMFME) scheme.

Expressing their gratitude to Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, the women acknowledged the government’s incentive schemes, which have enabled them to expand their ventures beyond family needs. Today, these women are making significant strides as small-scale entrepreneurs, stepping out of their homes and into the world of business.