Una, March 23: In the rural areas of Himachal Pradesh, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as a powerful medium for the economic empowerment of women. Amidst the state government's efforts to promote women's entrepreneurship and self-employment, Nishu Sood—hailing from Ambota village in District Una—has today become an inspiring example of self-reliance. She has not only achieved financial stability for herself but has also instilled a sense of confidence and renewed hope in the lives of dozens of other women by connecting them with self-employment opportunities.
The appeal of the chutneys and pickles prepared by Nishu Sood is no longer confined merely to Una. People across various districts of Himachal Pradesh, as well as those in neighboring states, have grown fond of her products. The positive market response has earned her endeavor recognition as a successful women-led enterprise.
**The Journey from a Small Initiative to Great Heights**
Nishu Sood launched her entrepreneurial venture through the 'Ganesh Self-Help Group.' What began as a modest initiative involving just eight women has today expanded to include approximately 70 women. The group currently produces around 60 varieties of chutneys and pickles, featuring a range of traditional flavors such as jackfruit, drumstick, bitter gourd, lemon, carrot, mango, Indian gooseberry (Amla), and black plum (Jamun).
**Monthly Income Up to ?60,000; Permanent Employment for 5 Women**
Nishu Sood's enterprise has today become a financially robust entity. After covering all operational expenses, she generates a net monthly profit ranging from approximately ?50,000 to ?60,000. Furthermore, she has provided permanent employment to five women, thereby strengthening the livelihoods of their respective families.
**Gaining Recognition Through Fairs and Markets**
The superior quality and authentic traditional flavors of the products prepared by the group have carved out a distinct identity for them within the market. Nishu Sood has successfully sold her products by setting up stalls at major fairs across Himachal Pradesh—including the Saras Mela, the Shri Chintpurni Mahotsav, and the state-level Haroli Utsav—generating a turnover of approximately ?2 to ?2.5 lakhs at each event. Furthermore, her products have now reached markets in cities outside the state, such as Gurugram.
**Honored by the Governor and the Chief Minister**
Nishu Sood's exemplary work has been lauded on numerous platforms. In 2023, she was honored by the Governor of Himachal Pradesh for her remarkable contribution to women's empowerment. Additionally, on the occasion of International Women's Day, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu honored her with an incentive award of ?1 lakh. In 2021, she was also conferred with the 'Garima Award' by the Deputy Commissioner of Una for her commendable work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
**Self-Help Groups: An Opportunity for Growth**
Nishu Sood shares that she learned about Self-Help Groups (SHGs) through Anganwadi workers. Following the registration of her group in 2001, she began selling her products on a small scale. In 2015, after the group was linked to the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), she received financial and technical assistance, which gave fresh momentum to her work. Utilizing a revolving fund of ?35,000, she purchased machinery for grinding pulses and making *badiyan* (sun-dried lentil cakes), thereby further strengthening her business.
Currently, Nishu Sood sells her products through outlets located at various tourist destinations across Himachal Pradesh, including Shivbari Gagret, Shimla, Tattapani, Kufri, and Chamba. Additionally, she supplies her products across the country through online orders and courier services.
Nishu Sood states that the support and recognition she has received from the government and the administration have inspired her to move forward. She has also appealed to other women to join Self-Help Groups and become self-reliant, enabling them to contribute to the financial stability of their families. Government Initiatives Provide Boost to Women's Groups
Continuous efforts are underway to promote the economic empowerment of women in the state by providing Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with training, financial assistance, and marketing opportunities. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the State Government is actively promoting various schemes aimed at making women self-reliant and strengthening the rural economy, thereby providing women's groups with a broader platform for their products.
**Self-Help Groups Give New Direction to Rural Economy: Deputy Commissioner
Una Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal stated that Self-Help Groups in the district are emerging as a powerful medium for the economic and social empowerment of women. He noted that, in accordance with the directives of Chief Minister Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the district administration is effectively implementing various schemes to empower SHGs and integrate women into self-employment initiatives.
He further informed that, under schemes such as the National Rural Livelihoods Mission and others, these groups are being provided with training, financial aid, marketing facilities, and exhibition platforms. The district administration is connecting these products to a wider market by offering opportunities to set up stalls at fairs and festivals; this initiative is not only boosting the income of women's groups but also giving a new direction to the rural economy.