SHGs help around 3 lakh women become self-reliant

Gorakhpur: Centre and Uttar Pradesh govt are focusing on making women economically self-reliant through the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), said the officials adding that the scheme has emerged as a key initiative in improving the livelihoods of rural women in the district.According to officials, as many as 21,106 women self-help groups (SHGs) have been formed in Gorakhpur under NRLM, involving around 2,99,892 women. Women are moving beyond household responsibilities and playing an active role in generating income for their families through these groups.Women associated with the mission are engaged in various livelihood activities such as vegetable cultivation, mushroom farming, honey production, livestock rearing, agriculture, spice processing, artificial jewellery making, bag and dress stitching, soft toy production, file-folder making and nutrition (pustahar) production.Deputy commissioner (self-employment) Neerja Gupta said that out of the total active groups in the district, 629 SHGs were formed in the financial year 2025-26, with 7,950 new women members joining during the same period.So far, 18,446 SHGs in Gorakhpur have received revolving funds amounting to nearly Rs 30 crore, including 1,006 groups that received the assistance in the current financial year. In addition, 15,558 groups have also been supported through the Community Investment Fund (CIF) to strengthen their operations.Officials said that cash credit linkage (CCL) from banks has also played a crucial role in expanding the economic activities of SHGs. Under the facility, banks provide a credit limit of up to Rs 6 lakh—Rs 1.5 lakh in the first year, which can increase to Rs 3 lakh and then Rs 6 lakh based on regular transactions and repayment. In Gorakhpur, 12,210 SHGs have so far been provided CCL, enabling women members to invest in livelihood activities and strengthen their financial independence.