The Uttarakhand State Women’s Commission organized a “Discussion Program with Successful Women Entrepreneurs” at Jhajhra Panchayat Bhawan, Dehradun, as part of the National Commission for Women’s campaign, “Navratri – Navshakti Navsankalp.” On this occasion, various women entrepreneurs shared their journeys and experiences, narrating inspiring stories of self-reliance and entrepreneurship. State Women’s Commission Chairperson Kusum Kandawal said that just as energy was transmitted throughout the universe, women today are giving new direction to society and the economy through entrepreneurship and innovation. She said that by joining various government schemes, women are becoming self-reliant and strengthening the state’s economy. Furthermore, while fulfilling their family responsibilities, women are also playing a powerful role in society. > “Today’s women are not limited to household chores; they are taking advantage of schemes and becoming pivotal to nation-building through their strength, hard work, and innovation.” – Kusum Kandawal, Chairperson, Uttarakhand State Women’s Commission She further explained that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme, the NSIC Women Entrepreneurship Scheme, the Mahila Udyam Nidhi Yojana, the Drone Didi Yojana, and the Lakhpati Didi Yojana are opening new avenues for women. By leveraging these schemes, women are not only finding employment but also creating opportunities for others. Women entrepreneurs shared their experiences at the event. Deepa Bachhaiti, Chairperson of the Balaji Cluster, stated that over 100 women associated with her cluster are engaged in pickles, papads, take-home rations, ghee, milk, sewing, and knitting, and almost all of them have a monthly income of 20,000 rupees. Entrepreneur Poonam explained that with the help of a Mudra loan, she has started a tuition center with a digital board, where 20 to 30 children study in one batch and, through five batches, she is earning an income of 40,000 to 50,000 rupees per month. Some women from the group are operating a canteen near Graphic Era Hospital. Vaishnavi said that she produced various varieties of salt using a loan from a government scheme. Now, her salt is being sold online on Amazon, earning her an income of 30,000 to 40,000 rupees per month. Commission Member Secretary Urvashi Chauhan informed the women about their rights and legal protections, raising awareness. Women from the Balaji Cluster, Sakhi Group, and Village Organization Jhajhra were present in large numbers. Block head Alpana Rawat, BDC member Suraj Chaudhary, Commission legal officer Dayaram Singh, sub-inspector Swati Chamoli, Sangeeta Maurya, Inder Singh Chauhan from NRLM, Narayan Tomar, Shanu Rawat, Anjali, Virendra Rawat, and Pooja Das were also present.
