Mrituanjay Kumar
Ranchi
Minister for Rural Development, Rural Works, and Panchayati Raj Department, Deepika Pandey Singh launched the ‘Jharkhand Incubator Program’ on Thursday in Ranchi. She also unveiled the official programme’s website and the website for ‘Thakur Gangti-Mandro Sakhi Silk Handloom Weavers’.
Speaking at the event, Singh noted that while Jharkhand has traditionally been known primarily for its minerals now the State’s women possess the potential to become successful entrepreneurs. She stated that the Government’s objective is to make them self-reliant, and take their products to national and international markets.
The Minister said it would not be limited to just 150 enterprises, its goal is to develop an ecosystem for women entrepreneurship. She mentioned the Government’s plan to expand this initiative in the future to the more than 1.54 lakh enterprises associated with (Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society) JSLPS.
Sing remarked, ” Now, the time has come for Jharkhand to be recognized across the country not merely for its minerals, but also for its innovation, women entrepreneurship, and successful rural enterprises.” She noted that there are currently over 10,000 such enterprises. It is efforts of these women that brands like ‘Palash’ and ‘Aajeevika’ are establishing a national identity.
She expressed confidence that, through the technical support of IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, the robust network of JSLPS, and the commitment of the State Government would carve a niche for itself.
Operated in collaboration with the Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS), the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP), this three-year state-wide program is a significant initiative aimed at making women-run micro and nano-enterprises in rural areas competitive and self-reliant. Under the program, a central hub in Ranchi and five regional spokes at the divisional level will be established.’
The Department Secretary Manoj Kumar, JSLPS CEO Ananya Mittal, Jharcraft MD Garima Singh, and Atal Innovation Mission Director Himanshu Joshi along with women linked with SHGs were present on the occasion.
Speaking about ‘Sakhi Silk’, the Minister said “We launched the ‘Sakhi Silk’ web portal. Through this, the Bhagaiya silk weavers of Thakur-Gangti and the women associated with SHGs will gain a platform. Their products will be procured via FPOs and branded under the ‘Sakhi Silk’ label, while market access will be provided through ‘Palash’ and ‘Adiva’ stores.”
