Rural livelihood mission a boon for Barnala women
347 self help groups operational under project
Parvesh Sharma
Tribune News Service
Barnala, October 13
The Punjab State Rural Livelihood Mission has proved to be a boon for women in Barnala, who have achieved economic independence by running various self help groups (SHGs) here.
The district has around 347 self help groups being run by women, who have been working with dedication. The SHGs in various villages of the district are creating handicrafts, clothes, masks and decorative items, and selling them at a nominal price. The SHGs have not only enabled women to become self reliant, but have also helped in conserving the heritage of Punjab.
Sukhwinder Kaur, who is leading Baba Himmat Singh Group, said she was motivated by the district administration to start the group in 2016. “Now, the group participates in various trade fairs and provides home delivery of its finished goods.”
At Jodhpur village, groups including, Baba Himmat Singh, Baba Vishawkarma, Baba Bhai Mool Chand, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Guru Gobind Singh, Bhagat Ravidass and Mata Gujri Ji are operating under the project.
“With hard work, these groups have been constantly able to increase their income. The residents should support these groups and help them stay afloat,” said Tej Partap Singh Phoolka, Deputy Commissioner, Barnala.
District Functional Manager Amandeep Singh said the handicrafts created by the groups demonstrate rich heritage of the state. They even make hand-knitted sweaters and fans, he said.
