‘Him Ira’ Strengthens Rural Economy, Provides Market Access to Women SHGs: Chief Minister Sukhu.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday reiterated the state government’s commitment to strengthening the rural economy and empowering women by providing assured market access to products made by women self-help groups (SHGs) under the ‘Him Ira’ brand. He said that rising income through skill development has enabled women across the state to become self-reliant.
The Chief Minister said that the newly constructed ‘Himachal Haat’ in Shimla will act as a vibrant marketplace showcasing authentic Himachali products. Built at a cost of Rs 2 crore near the lift in Shimla, the Haat houses 25 shops displaying products prepared by women self-help groups from all 12 districts of Himachal Pradesh.
He added that the Haat brings rural artefacts, handicrafts, handloom items, food processing products and traditional Himachali cuisines under one roof. This initiative is expected to significantly boost the income of self-help groups while promoting self-reliance and preserving the state’s cultural heritage.
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the government is also providing food vans to self-help groups, ensuring them a monthly income of around Rs 50,000. He emphasized that self-help groups have emerged as a powerful medium for women empowerment in the state.
Sharing progress figures, the Chief Minister informed that 5,428 self-help groups, 1,257 village organizations and 189 cluster-level federations have been constituted so far. Financial support includes the release of Rs 36 crore as revolving funds to 14,410 self-help groups, Rs 41 crore as community investment funds to 7,567 self-help groups and Rs 36 crore as risk mitigation funds to 7,187 families.
Highlighting the success of the ‘Him Ira’ initiative, he said that 109 permanent Him Ira shops have generated sales worth Rs 34.95 crore, while 81 weekly Him Ira markets have achieved business of Rs 29.70 crore.
For the financial year 2025–26, approval has been granted for 10 blocks under the Livelihood Rural Express scheme, targeting 60 vehicles at the rate of six per block. So far, 18 vehicles worth Rs 1.15 crore have been approved.
The Chief Minister further said that special initiatives are being taken through the Himachal Pradesh State Handicrafts and Handloom Corporation Limited to preserve and promote traditional arts. In Kullu district, 11 training centers are providing training ranging from three months to one year to 108 trainees, along with a monthly stipend of Rs 2,400.
Training is being imparted in hand knitting, handloom weaving, carpet making and Kullu cap production in villages including Katrain, Badai Ra Gram, Surah, Dobhi, Prini and Khanag Mithanu. These efforts have enabled local women and men to become self-employed.
CM Sukhu asserted that Kullu’s handicrafts are not merely a cultural heritage but a strong medium for rural development, women empowerment and economic growth. He said that increased demand and government support have infused new energy into the traditional handicraft sector, inspiring youth towards employment and a brighter future.
He added that tourists visiting Kullu-Manali are increasingly purchasing local handicrafts, helping sustain this rich tradition while thousands of artisans achieve self-reliance through self-employment.
