CM Launches E-Commerce Platform for SHG Products, Flags Off Seven Food Vans to Empower Rural Women.

Shimla:

In a landmark initiative aimed at empowering rural women and enhancing their economic opportunities, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today launched the official e-commerce platform, himira.co.in. Developed by the Rural Development Department, this website is designed to promote products made by over 350,000 rural women associated with 44,000 Self Help Groups (SHGs) across the state. With the goal of expanding their market reach, the platform will offer these rural artisans a global stage to sell their products, ultimately boosting their income.

Speaking at the launch, the Chief Minister emphasized that this initiative would be a transformative step towards the economic empowerment of rural women. He highlighted that the Himachal Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (HPSRLM), under the Department of Rural Development, had made significant strides in uplifting women in rural areas. The online platform will not only offer a new channel for sales but also help improve the socio-economic status of these women.

In addition to the e-commerce launch, CM Sukhu flagged off seven mobile food vans, each designed to provide new income-generation avenues for SHG women. This initiative is part of the state’s broader effort to promote self-employment and economic independence for women. He also unveiled a booklet showcasing inspiring success stories of women who have achieved financial independence through the mission.

The Chief Minister assured that the platform, Him-Era, would be continually improved and would serve as a symbol of rural transformation. He called on SHGs to focus on quality to maximize benefits, revealing plans for a dedicated shop in upcoming government buildings to display and sell Him-Era products. “I am gifting Him-Era products to Union Ministers and other dignitaries,” he said.

Further reinforcing his commitment to women’s empowerment, the CM mentioned that the state government’s budget included measures to strengthen the rural economy, with a special emphasis on creating employment for women. Notable initiatives include reserving 30 percent of police constable posts for women, raising the legal marriage age for girls, and providing loans to rural women for their households.

In line with environmental sustainability, the government is also working on a scheme to involve women and youth in forest plantation and preservation activities, with compensatory benefits for participants. Criticizing the previous BJP-led government for its alleged reckless fiscal decisions, CM Sukhu outlined his government’s focus on economic reforms and welfare, citing the distribution of 300 units of free electricity to poor households and financial support for house construction as part of this approach. He also urged affluent families to voluntarily forgo subsidies, sharing that he had personally given up his electricity subsidy.

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh highlighted the state government’s ongoing efforts to uplift marginalized communities, particularly rural women. He commended the leadership of CM Sukhu for formulating policies that foster self-reliance among women’s self-help groups. The newly launched e-commerce platform, he said, would allow SHG products to reach global markets, supported by a customer-friendly return policy.

Plans are also underway to further expand the reach of SHG businesses, with the Shimla Municipal Corporation allocating land for a new National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) shop. Additionally, more than 70 food vans will soon be distributed to self-help groups to support their growth.

The launch event was attended by several dignitaries, including Shimla Municipal Corporation Mayor Surender Chauhan, CM’s Principal Advisor (Media) Naresh Chauhan, Rural Development Secretary Rajesh Sharma, and NRLM CEO Shivam Pratap Singh, among others.

The initiative marks a significant step toward creating a more inclusive and prosperous future for the women of Himachal Pradesh, positioning the state on a path of sustainable development and social equity.