‘Govt schemes help rural women build biz’

Lucknow: Govt initiatives are helping rural women move towards self-reliance and financial independence, officials said on Friday. A senior govt official cited the example of Kirti from Hamirpur district.He said Kirti, who earlier worked as a teacher and social worker, joined a women's self-help group in 2018. The decision helped her move towards financial independence and build her own identity.In Aug 2025, she started a ‘Prerna Canteen' with 10 women at Jai Prakash Narayan Sarvodaya Vidyalaya in Dariyapur, Hamirpur. The venture began with an investment of around Rs11 lakh and has grown into a business with a turnover of about Rs1.25 crore, the official said.At present, eight women are working at the canteen, each earning around Rs8,000 per month. The canteen provides nutritious snacks, milk and meals to 332 children daily at affordable rates, along with food for teachers.The official said Kirti gained initial experience as a bank sakhi and later turned to entrepreneurship. Her journey reflects the impact of schemes such as self-help groups and the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Yojana."I believe clean and nutritious food is the foundation of a healthy society, and I am committed to taking this work forward," Kirti said.She has also applied for a loan under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Yojana to expand her business further.The official added that such examples show how govt schemes, combined with individual effort, are helping bring change at the grassroots level.