Modi interacts with members of SHG

Maintaining that financially empowered women are a “bulwark against societal evils”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday pointed out that the number of Self Help Groups (SHG), majorly run by the women, has quadrupled over the last four years compared to 2011-2014 period, when the UPA was in power, generating employment and creating entrepreneurs in rural areas in the country.

In three years between 2011 and 2014, only five lakh SHGs were formed covering 52 lakh families whereas additional 20 lakh SHGs covering 2.25 core families were formed since 2014, he said during his interaction with the members of SHGs from across the country and beneficiaries of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY), through video conference.

“For women empowerment financial independence is necessary. Women are enterprising, they don’t need to be taught, only need to be given opportunities to perform,” he said during the interaction through the ‘Narendra Modi Mobile App’.

Underlining the importance of women empowerment especially in rural areas for overall development of the society, Modi said “financial independence makes a woman assertive and empowered. Financially empowered women are a bulwark against societal evils,” he said. The PM appreciated the role of women SHG in development of rural areas.

“Through Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojna, training has been given to over 33 lakh women farmers. At present there are 45 lakh SHGs with active participation of around five crore women all over rural India,” he said.

Modi added that about 28 lakh youth have been trained in skill development through 600 Rural Self-Employment Training Institute and around 19 lakh have been employed.

The aim of DAY scheme is to reach crores of poor households in 2.5 lakh gram panchayats and provide them sustainable livelihood opportunities. Interacting with the Prime Minister, the members shared their experiences and success stories associated with SHGs. He also asked the beneficiaries to send their success stories with photos along with their ideas through Narendra Modi App.