In a transformative push under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, Uttar Pradesh has witnessed an unprecedented expansion of the National Rural Livelihood Mission. What was once confined to just 104 development blocks between 2013-14 and 2016-17 has now permeated every corner of the state, reaching 826 blocks across all 75 districts. This marks an eight-fold surge in scope, revolutionizing women’s empowerment in rural India.
The Yogi administration has aggressively linked over 10.6 million women to self-help groups (SHGs), fostering economic independence through targeted skill development. Women are now mastering high-value sectors like textiles, handicrafts, food processing, dairy, beauty products, and organic farming. These initiatives have turned rural women from job seekers into job creators, injecting vitality into village economies.
Government support extends beyond training. SHGs receive banking linkages, marketing assistance, and continuous capacity building, resulting in significant income boosts for members. In districts statewide, these groups are leveraging e-commerce platforms to sell directly to consumers, bypassing traditional middlemen.
This expansion aligns seamlessly with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat – Viksit Uttar Pradesh.’ By aiming to establish entrepreneurial networks in every gram panchayat, the state is not just empowering women but building a sustainable model of rural prosperity. The ripple effects are already visible, with women mentoring others and driving community-led growth.