SHGs fuel economic self-reliance of rural women in Prayagraj

Prayagraj: From just 1,409 self-help groups (SHGs) in 2017 to 27,451 today, Prayagraj is witnessing one of the state's strongest transformations in women-led self-reliance.District officials say state govt's push to expand SHGs under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) has rapidly strengthened livelihood opportunities for women across rural pockets. Deputy commissioner (NRLM–Prayagraj) Gulabchandra said over 3 lakh rural women are now part of this network. At least 10 women form each SHG, after which a bank account is opened in the group's name. Three months later, they receive a Rs 15,000 revolving fund, followed by another Rs 15,000 Community Investment Fund after six months, once repayments begin. The most striking results are visible in the trans-Yamuna belt, especially Jasra block, where women have moved beyond traditional work and set up a Ganga water packaging unit. Block mission manager (NRLM) and founder of the Nari Shakti Mahila Prerna Sankul, Namita Singh, said the journey began five years ago when local women decided to step out after finishing household chores and explore income opportunities. They established a small packaging plant in a village near Jasra town, where women gather daily to fill and seal bottles of Sangam jal. The initiative has helped dozens achieve economic independence. After Maha Kumbh 2025, demand for Ganag jal surged both online and offline. The group has already dispatched 1,000 bottles of Ganga water to Germany and 50,000 bottles to Pune. There is also steady demand from Hindu immigrant families in the US, Russia and Nepal. What began as a village-level initiative has now become a model of rural women's entrepreneurship, demonstrating how SHGs are reshaping livelihoods across Prayagraj's remotest pockets.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Holi wishes, messages and quotes !