DERA BASSI, APRIL 26 — Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Satnam Singh Sandhu recently engaged with approximately 500 women representing 60 self-help groups (SHGs) across the region to assess the impact of national livelihood initiatives. During his visit to examine locally crafted goods, the MP asserted that Dera Bassi and Lalru are set to become focal points for women’s empowerment under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission.
To facilitate this growth, the MP declared his intention to utilize MPLAD funds to establish a dedicated Skill Training Centre in Dera Bassi. Mr. Sandhu stated he would coordinate with the Chandigarh administration and the Punjab Governor to facilitate a retail presence for SHG products in the city, branded as “SHE Mart.” Furthermore, the MP maintained that he would initiate discussions with transport authorities to improve bus connectivity for women traveling from Dera Bassi and Lalru to Chandigarh for commerce.
During the event, women shared how government-backed programs like “Lakhpati Didi” and “Drone Didi” have catalyzed their transition from domestic roles to independent business owners. Participants noted that these schemes have provided a pathway to financial independence, allowing them to bypass traditional middlemen and secure guaranteed-free loans to grow ventures in agriculture, food processing, and handicrafts.
Mr. Sandhu affirmed the broader significance of these efforts, noting that the Union government’s commitment to gender parity has been a cornerstone of national development over the past decade. He stated that out of a national target of 3 crore “Lakhpati Didis,” over 3.24 lakh women in Punjab have already achieved the milestone of earning more than Rs 1 lakh annually. Regarding the “Drone Didi” initiative, the MP observed that 57 SHGs in Punjab have received specialized training, effectively integrating technology into rural livelihoods.
