Himira Empowering Rural Women, Driving Transformation: CM.
Over 1,000 Orders Nationwide within a Month.
Shimla:
The state government’s efforts to empower women and invigorate the rural economy are bearing fruit with the launch of Himira, an official e-commerce platform aimed at providing rural women a direct channel to showcase their craftsmanship. The platform, launched on January 3, 2025 by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has already garnered tremendous support, recording over 1,000 successful online orders within its first month. Customers from Kerala, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan have embraced the platform, underlining its growing popularity across the nation.
Himira, found at himira.co.in, serves as an online marketplace for products made by women of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Himachal Pradesh. By integrating with major e-commerce platforms such as Paytm and Mystore, Himira products are now accessible to buyers across the country, allowing rural artisans to share their work with a wider audience and open new doors for their businesses.
A Vision of Empowerment and Growth
Chief Minister Sukhu expressed his pride in the success of the initiative, highlighting that nearly 30,000 women across Himachal Pradesh’s SHGs have gained access to livelihood opportunities that were previously out of reach. “This digital platform has not only created economic prospects but has also amplified the unique cultural heritage of Himachal, bringing hand-woven textiles, natural food products, and more to every corner of India,” Sukhu said.
He further emphasized that the government is aligning policies to promote local culture while strengthening the rural economy. “This initiative is part of our larger vision to foster self-employment and make rural women key contributors to the state’s economic growth,” he added.
In a gesture of support, the Chief Minister also mentioned gifting Himira products to Union Ministers and dignitaries, showcasing the platform’s growing recognition. Women across Himachal are enthusiastic about this opportunity, seeing it as a life-changing initiative that promises both financial independence and personal empowerment.
Transforming Lives Through SHGs
The impact of Himira is evident in the stories of women like Jaswinder Kaur from Nalagarh, Solan district. A member of the Sainath SHG, Jaswinder received a Rs. 60,000 loan for livestock and non-farming activities, which enabled her to start producing cow dung products. Her income has surged from just Rs. 1,000 per month to Rs. 20,000, significantly improving her family’s financial situation. “Before this, my income could barely cover my children’s school fees. Now, I can support their education and invest in our future,” she shared with pride.
Similarly, Megha Devi from Sullah in Kangra district transformed her passion for leaf plate making into a thriving business. After joining the Shree Ganesh SHG, Megha’s monthly income increased from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 20,000. “I used to depend entirely on my husband’s income. Now, I’m able to support my family and realize my dreams,” she said, reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey.
In Keylong, Lahaul-Spiti district, Rigzin Chhoedan joined the Kangla Berry SHG and, through skills in agriculture, livestock rearing, handicrafts, and handlooms, saw her income jump from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 25,000 per month. Rigzin expressed her excitement for the future: “It’s incredible how learning new skills has not only improved my income but also reshaped my perspective on life.”
Anita Devi, from Jhamiyat village in Hamirpur, was once stuck in a low-paying IT job. But after joining an SHG and receiving training in mushroom cultivation, her monthly income has grown from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 20,000. She said, “I’m proud to have turned my small savings into a thriving business. With the support of my group and the state government, I’m now able to empower others to believe in their potential too.”
A Bright Future Ahead
The Himira platform is more than just an online store; it represents a transformative shift in rural empowerment. With each order, the women of Himachal are not only earning a livelihood but also breaking barriers, demonstrating resilience, and contributing to the nation’s economy. The success of Himira is a testament to what is possible when technology and tradition come together to empower the underserved.
As the platform continues to expand and evolve, the government remains committed to supporting rural women and facilitating their journey toward economic independence and social empowerment. The future looks bright for Himira and the women who are at the heart of this remarkable initiative.
