The Himachal Pradesh government's efforts to boost the rural economy and empower women are seeing great success. Since the launch of the official e-commerce platform (himira.co.in) by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on January 3, there has been a very positive response.
Over 1,050 orders have already been delivered to customers in states like Kerala, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, showing the growing popularity of the platform and its products across India.
The spokesman mentioned that with e-commerce integration, products made by women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are now listed on major platforms like Paytm and Mystore, making these local goods accessible nationwide. This initiative brings the skills and craftsmanship of rural Himachal Pradesh to people all over the country.
Through this platform, almost 30,000 women from SHGs in the state now have access to livelihood opportunities that were once out of reach. The website offers nearly 30 different products, ranging from hand-woven Himachali textiles to natural food items.
The government is working on policies that support the state’s culture and environment, with a strong focus on boosting the rural economy and offering self-employment opportunities to local residents.
For Jaswinder Kaur from Nalagarh in Solan district, joining the Sainath SHG has been life-changing. With financial support and a loan of Rs. 60,000 for livestock and non-farming activities, she began producing cow dung products. Her income, which was once just Rs. 1,000 a month, has now increased to Rs. 20,000.
She credits the government for providing her with an opportunity to excel in her skills and earn a livelihood, allowing her to support her children’s education and invest in her family's future.
Megha Devi from Sullah in Kangra district has had a similar transformation. After joining the Shree Ganesh SHG, she started a small business making Dona-Pattal (leaf plates). Her monthly income increased from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 20,000. Once dependent on her husband's earnings, Megha is now financially independent.
She says, "Turning my passion into a livelihood has been a journey of resilience. With each sale, I see my children’s dreams becoming reality."
In Keylong, Lahaul-Spiti district, Rigzin Chhoedan joined the Kangla Berry SHG. She was involved in agriculture, livestock rearing, and handicrafts. Her income grew from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 25,000 a month, and she plans to expand her business. She says, "Learning new skills has not only changed my earnings but also my outlook on life."
Anita Devi from Jhamiyat village in Hamirpur district began with a small private IT job earning Rs. 5,000 a month. After joining the SHG and learning mushroom cultivation through NRLM training, her income has grown to Rs. 20,000.
She shares, "Through hard work and support from my group and the government, I've turned my small savings into a thriving business. Now, I not only support my family but also empower others to believe in their potential."
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