Self Help Group empowers rural woman to become entrepreneur in Rohtak: DC Sachin Gupta

Rohtak, March 8, 2026: Deputy Commissioner Sachin Gupta said that under the Haryana State Rural Livelihood Mission (HSRLM), women associated with Self Help Groups (SHGs) are becoming economically self-reliant and strengthening their families’ livelihoods. The success story of Asha from Lakhanmajra village is an inspiring example of this transformation.

He said that in August 2014, a Community Resource Person (CRP) team from Andhra Pradesh motivated Asha and 11 other women from nearby areas to form the Shree Ram Self Help Group under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).

After joining the group, Asha participated in various capacity-building and skill development training programmes organised under the mission, which helped her learn new livelihood skills and build confidence. Recognising her dedication and leadership, she was later entrusted with the responsibility of working as a Group Sakhi, supporting newly formed SHGs in Lakhanmajra village for one year.

DC Sachin Gupta said that before joining the SHG, Asha’s family depended mainly on daily wage labour for survival and often relied on small loans from the group to meet household needs. Inspired by the training programmes, she decided to start her own business.

Under the government-supported SHG framework, Asha received a loan of ₹1 lakh from the group, which helped her start a cosmetics shop and later expand into manufacturing and selling jute bags.

Over the past three years, she has successfully run both ventures. Through the Haryana State Rural Livelihood Mission, she has also received opportunities to participate in SARAS fairs organised by the Government of India, where SHG members showcase and sell their products.

So far, Asha has participated in 22 SARAS fairs, where she sells jute bags through stalls provided by the mission. During a typical 15–20 day fair, she sells jute bags worth nearly ₹1 lakh, earning a steady income after meeting expenses. Today, her enterprise provides a stable livelihood to her family, with a monthly income of approximately ₹10,000 to ₹15,000.

DC Sachin Gupta said that the example of Asha demonstrates how Self Help Groups are creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural women, enabling them to become financially independent while contributing to their household income. He added that the Haryana State Rural Livelihood Mission continues to play a crucial role in empowering rural women by providing training, financial access and market linkages, helping them move towards self-reliance and dignity.