Kangra Women Carve a Path to Self-Reliance and Pride
1 min read
Sulah’s Megha Devi and Markoti’s Sanju Kumari Become Lakpatis Through Hard Work
Kangra Mar 05: As International Women’s Day approaches on March 8, Himachal Pradesh will witness various programs recognizing women’s contributions to society. The state-level event will be held in Kangra, where Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will honor women who have made significant contributions to development.
Among the inspiring stories are Megha Devi from Sulah and Sanju Kumari from Markoti, who overcame financial hardships through self-help groups and government schemes.
Megha Devi struggled to support her family due to her husband’s limited income. After joining the Shri Ganesh Self-Help Group, she utilized government schemes under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) to learn Dona Pattal (leaf plate) making. With her determination, she now earns ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 per month, transforming her business into a well-known venture beyond Sulah.
Similarly, Sanju Kumari from Markoti village, Rait block, has become a self-made entrepreneur through the Shiv Shakti Self-Help Group. She mastered bamboo product crafting under NRLM training, generating ₹20,000 per month. Her handcrafted items are now in high demand, ensuring financial stability for her family.
Women’s Collective Empowerment in Kangra
According to Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa, over 8,000 self-help groups operate in Kangra, supporting thousands of women engaged in tailoring, weaving, agro-processing, animal husbandry, and handicrafts. The NRLM provides financial aid and training, enabling women to gain economic independence and play key roles in decision-making—a crucial step toward collective empowerment.
