Women self-help groups transforming rural Chamba

Bhanu P Lohumi

Tribune News Service

Shimla, May 24

A silent revolution is taking place in the remote and backward tribal area of Pangi in Chamba district with womenfolk emerging as harbinger of change by strengthening their economy and improving their socio-economic status.

As many as 100 self-help groups (SHG) have been formed with the participation of 800 women under the brand Pangi Hills. The women associated with the Pangi Hills are mainly engaged in making handlooms and handicraft products for self-reliance and they are offering 15 products, including pairian (cover for socks), scarf, gloves and socks, besides growing pahari rajma, which are sold in packages.

Collective Efforts for Voluntary Actions (CEVA), a non-profit organisation, is covering the entire Chamba district and working for the uplift of tribal people. The Pangi Hills is trying to provide a market linkage to the products and in turn providing better, sustainable means to earn livelihood.

To start with, the products were sold in local markets and for the first time these women participated in different fairs in the state and the income of six-seven women in one group ranged between Rs 2 and Rs 2.5 lakh per annum, said Harish K Sharma, president, CEVA, Pangi.

Their hard work and dedication earned them recognition globally through their products and one of the SHG named Lakshmi Self-Help Group from Kawas, Pangi, under their leading lady Nain Dei had achieved an outstanding response in Aajeevika Mela held in Delhi from April 14 to April 23.

People were impressed with the traditional hand-woven handloom products and pure organic products which were sold like hot cakes at remunerative prices. “Customers wanted new design and fancy items. To cater to their needs, we proposed to tie-up with some fashion designing institute for training these women,” he added.

Kamla Devi, one of the pioneers in forming self-helps groups, said: “After the initial success, we reached out to other women and motivated them with our success stories and in course of time the number started to swell.”

“Pangi Hills has ignited a fire that will light up the future generations and its endless efforts will definitely bring about revolutionary changes in the lives of the tribal community,” Sharma asserted.

“Despite personal, societal, work-related issues and family conflicts, these women stood firm against all odds and barrier and transformed themselves from simple tribal women to empowered women of society,” said Ram Devi, a member of the group.

Harbinger of change

• As many as 100 self-help groups have been formed with the participation of 800 women under the brand Pangi Hills
• The women associated with the Pangi Hills are mainly engaged in making handlooms and handicraft products for self-reliance
• The Pangi Hills is trying to provide a market linkage to the products and in turn providing better, sustainable means to earn livelihood