Haryana Development and Panchayats Minister Sh Krishan Lal Panwar stated that the Haryana Government is advancing the principle of "Vocal for Local," bringing Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi's vision to life. By empowering women and connecting them with self-employment opportunities, the government is effectively fulfilling its responsibility to support them in achieving positive goals in life.
Minister Sh Krishan Lal Panwar today officially inaugurated the Saras Mela, which will be held from January 24 to February 6, 2025, at the HSVP Ground, Sector-12, Faridabad. Along with Food and Supplies Minister Sh Rajesh Nagar, he visited the exhibition showcasing handicrafts from various states across the country and encouraged the participants.
Both ministers going around all the stalls at the mela and commended the products created by women in self-help groups. The Minister stated that the products made by rural women are a testament to their hard work, creativity, and self-reliance.
He mentioned that around 60,000 self-help groups are operational in Haryana, benefiting 6 lakh families and improving their livelihoods. He said that the objective of HRML is to empower rural women and provide them with a broader market for their products.
He highlighted that the Saras Mela offers a large platform for rural women, enabling them to showcase and sell their products both within the state and across the country. The event serves as an important opportunity to present the skills and hard work of these women on national and international stages.
He said that organizing Saras Mela not only strengthens the rural economy but also introduces urban consumers to the unique products from rural areas. Furthermore, he mentioned that women from self-help groups are running canteens across the state, offering affordable delicacies to consumers, a service facilitated by the Haryana government.
Sh Panwar also appealed for an increase in the number of women joining self-help groups, particularly in villages where such groups are fewer. The Development and Panchayat Minister shared that approximately Rs 1500 crore has been provided to self-help groups so far. He also informed that a target has been set to create 4 lakh Lakhpati Didis in Haryana, with one lakh Lakhpati Didis already achieving this goal.
He said that cultural mandals will be established in all panchayats. Additionally, he mentioned that on July 28, 2024, Prime Minister ShNarendra Modi had directly communicated with the women from self-help groups across the country. His positive vision is to train these women in new products and guide them towards self-reliance.
Mr. Panwar praised the efforts of the Lakhpati Didis of the Haryana State Rural Livelihood Mission and also took a group photo with them. He honored the women who had performed exceptionally well by presenting them with awards.
On the occasion of the inauguration of Saras Mela, former minister and MLA from Ballabhgarh Moolchand Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of Haryana State Rural Livelihood Mission Dr. Amrinder Kaur and other dignitaries were also present.