Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said women self-help groups (SHGs) could play an important role in UP's One District One Product growth story.
"Women SHGs could be engaged in ODOP. They can also enhance the quality, packaging and marketing of local products through ODOP," the CM said while speaking at the inauguration of the Akanksha Haat 2024.
Akanksha Haat is being organised by the Akanksha Samiti – started and managed by IAS Officers' Wives Association. Through chapters across all the 75 districts of UP, the samiti is committed to financially empowering women engaged through self-help groups. It also creates economic opportunities for women to help them evolve into entrepreneurs.
Yogi expressed satisfaction over Akanksha Haat serving as a platform for ODOP scheme entrepreneurs.
"This event will not only empower local enterprises but will also help the products under ODOP gain recognition in both national and international markets," he said.
Stating that festivals and traditions were vital towards the preservation of India's cultural heritage, Yogi said in present times, celebrations also came up as an opportunity to empower women financially.
"Initiatives like Akanksha create an ecosystem to empower women entrepreneurs. It offers valuable skills, fresh ideas and opportunities to expand their businesses on a larger scale," he said.
He was especially delighted to see the Haat had participation from Jammu and Kashmir.
"Products from various states of the country, including J&K, are also being showcased through Akanksha Haat, which will provide an opportunity for cultural and economic exchange," he said.
He added that women engaged with Akanksha can amplify the wave of change in society and encourage others to step forward.
Yogi further said there was once a perception about UP that nothing could be accomplished here but now the narrative has changed as the state has been able to carve a new identity for itself.
He also felicitated several women self-help groups and entrepreneurs for their exceptional work. One such example was the Bundelkhand-based 'Bellini Milk Producer Group,' which began in 2019 and now provides employment to 71,000 women. He praised their efforts, stating that by promoting such initiatives, the state could progress towards self-reliance.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak also spoke at the event, which was attended by State Women Commission chairperson Babita Singh Chauhan, agriculture production commissioner Monica Garg, Aakanksha Committee chairperson Rashmi Singh among others.