SHG women weave success story online: 1,050 orders and counting

Over 1,050 online orders have been delivered through e-commerce platform Himira to customers across Kerala, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan in a month’s time. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had launched the portal on January 3 to make the products prepared by Self Help Groups (SHGs) available online to the customers across the country. With the integration into e-commerce, these products are now automatically listed on platforms like Paytm and Mystore, making these accessible to buyers across the country.

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“Through this digital platform, nearly 30,000 SHG women across the state have gained direct access to livelihood opportunities that were previously not accessible. The website features a diverse range of nearly 30 products, from hand-woven Himachali textiles to pure and natural food items,” the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister further said the government was formulating policies that align with culture and environment of the state, with a strong focus on strengthening the rural economy and promoting self-employment opportunities for the local residents. “I am gifting Himira products to Union Ministers and other dignitaries.”

Women associated with SHGs are enthusiastic about the initiative to enhance market access through the e-platform. For Jaswinder Kaur from Nalagarh, joining the Sainath SHG has been life changing experience. With a financial support and Rs 60,000 loan for livestock and non-farming activities, she ventured into producing cow dung products. “Before joining the SHG, I could barely cover school fee of my children but now I can support my children’s education and invest in our future by selling livestock and cow dung products through this platform. The skills I gained from SHG have truly changed our lives,” she said.

Megha Devi from Sullah in Kanga district has a similar story to tell. After getting associated with Shree Ganesh SHG, she started a small enterprise in Dona-Pattal (leaf plate making). Once she was solely dependent on her husband’s income, but now her financial situation has transformed. “Transforming my passion into livelihood has been a journey of resilience and growth. With every sale from my retail shop and each pattal I create, I see not just profit but the dreams of my children coming to life,” she said.

In Keylong, Lahaul-Spiti district, Rigzin Chhoedan found a new opportunity through Kangla Berry SHG. Engaged in agriculture, livestock rearing, handicrafts and handlooms, her monthly income, too, has increased significantly. Now she plans to expand her venture and explore new opportunities in rural markets.

Anita Devi of Jhamiyat village of Hamirpur district was initially dependent on a private IT job, with a small salary. Her journey with SHG began with basic savings and through NRLM training in mushroom cultivation. “Through hard work and the support of my group and the government, I have turned my small savings into a thriving business. Now, I not only support my family but also empower others to believe in their potential,” she said.