THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, April 3: Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s efforts to promote economic self-reliance among rural women have accelerated the credit linkage of self-help groups (SHGs) across Jharkhand. Since 2019, more than 53,293 new SHGs have been formed, bringing the total count to 2.91 lakh groups.
The credit linkage under this initiative has seen a significant rise, reaching ₹14,204 crore from ₹545.30 crore before December 2019. This move is playing a crucial role in strengthening the rural economy by ensuring SHGs have access to bank credit on easy terms, enabling them to expand livelihood opportunities.
Bokaro’s Premlata Devi Finds New Hope Through Credit Linkage
Premlata Devi from Chandrapura block, Bokaro, has transformed her life through the credit linkage scheme. After her husband’s untimely demise, she faced immense financial struggles. However, with the support of the Jeevan Jyoti Aajeevika Sakhi Mandal, she secured a loan of ₹50,000 under the credit linkage scheme and bought a sewing machine to start tailoring work.
As her income grew, she repaid her previous loan and borrowed ₹30,000 from her village organization to expand her business by opening a sewing center. Now, earning nearly ₹10,000 per month, Premlata supports her family independently.
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Jamtara’s Kiran Jha Turns Entrepreneur with SHG Support
Kiran Jha from Nala block, associated with the Radha Krishna Aajeevika Sakhi Mandal, underwent training in pickle and papad making under the Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI). She availed a ₹50,000 loan through the cash credit linkage scheme to start her business.
Today, she earns ₹1.2 lakh annually and has empowered other women to follow her path. Additionally, her son, trained under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), now earns ₹3.6 lakh per year, bringing financial stability to their family.
Livelihood Mission Expands to 32 Lakh Families
Under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), 32 lakh families in Jharkhand have been connected to sustainable livelihood opportunities such as agriculture, animal husbandry, minor forest produce, egg production, and organic farming. These initiatives aim to strengthen rural households financially.
Advancing Farming with Technology
Through the Jharkhand Micro Drip Irrigation Project, approximately 31,861 farmers have adopted drip irrigation technology, leading to improved agricultural practices and higher yields.
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Women Gaining Expertise in Technology
The state has trained around 85,000 women as Banking Correspondent Sakhis, Pashu Sakhis, Krishi Sakhis, Vanopaj Mitras, Aajeevika Resham Mitras, and Community Resource Persons (CRPs) to support livelihood projects.
Equipped with modern communication technology, these women are actively contributing to the implementation and expansion of rural development programs.
