CM Dhami also launched the ‘Rising Tehri – Physics Wala Online Coaching Class’—a collaborative effort between the Tehri district administration and Physics Wala
In a significant step toward rural empowerment, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for economic activities worth ₹2.20 crore under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) at the ‘Saras Aajeevika Mela’ held in Rishikesh, an initiative spearheaded by the Tehri district administration.
The CM inaugurated 12 economic activities worth ₹1.20 crore for Community Livelihood Federations (CLFs), while foundation stones were laid for 10 additional activities worth ₹1 crore.
As part of the event, CM Dhami also launched the ‘Rising Tehri – Physics Wala Online Coaching Class’—a collaborative effort between the Tehri district administration and Physics Wala. Under this initiative, students from rural areas of Tehri will now be able to access free JEE and NEET coaching from their own homes.
Praising the district administration and the Department of Rural Development, the Chief Minister lauded their joint efforts under the ‘Gramothan Pariyojna’, which aims to uplift rural livelihoods.
A Platform for Rural Culture, Skill, and Enterprise
Addressing a large gathering of Self-Help Group (SHG) members and rural entrepreneurs at the fair, CM Dhami said,
“This fair is a unique initiative to showcase the rich cultural heritage, skills, and entrepreneurship of our rural areas.”
He emphasized that livelihood fairs like these not only provide a platform for showcasing local products but also contribute significantly to realizing the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Vocal for Local’ as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Through these fairs, we are connecting rural artisans, SHGs, craftsmen, entrepreneurs, and agricultural products to national and global markets,” he added.
The stalls set up by SHGs at the fair promote the message of ‘Adopt Swadeshi’, encouraging the public to prioritize products made in their own villages, state, and country.
“When we buy Swadeshi products, we are not just purchasing goods—we are investing in the dreams of rural artisans, women, and entrepreneurs,” CM Dhami stated. “Swadeshi keeps our culture alive while ensuring livelihood security for farmers, artisans, and local entrepreneurs.”
Empowering Women Through Livelihood and Enterprise
The Chief Minister noted that the foundation of Atmanirbhar Bharat lies in promoting indigenous industries. He acknowledged the pivotal role of women, especially SHG members, in leading this movement.
Highlighting the success of the ‘Lakhpati Didi Yojana’, he shared that over 1.65 lakh women in the state have now become ‘Lakhpatis’—earning ₹1 lakh or more annually.
Under the ‘Mukhyamantri Sashakt Bahna Utsav Yojana’, women entrepreneurs set up nearly 2,000 stalls, generating ₹5.5 crore in sales—a significant milestone in grassroots enterprise.
Additionally, products made by women under the state-backed ‘House of Himalayas’ brand are now reaching international markets, expanding the footprint of local goods globally.
Currently, over 68,000 Self-Help Groups in the state comprise more than 5 lakh women, supported by over 7,500 Village Organizations and 534 Cluster-Level Federations.
Focus on Women Farmers and Sustainable Agriculture
CM Dhami reiterated his government’s commitment to empowering women farmers. Through the ‘Farm Livelihood’ and ‘Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Yojana’, over 3 lakh women farmers have been upskilled.
Further, the state has established 2.5 lakh kitchen gardens and agri-nutri gardens, along with 500 farm machinery banks to support rural women in sustainable agriculture.
More than 5,000 women farmers are also being integrated into organic farming initiatives.
“These efforts have significantly improved the economic status of women in our state. Today, our women are scripting a new story of self-reliance, clearly visible at this Saras Mela,” he said.
Rural Empowerment Through Collective Efforts
The ‘Saras Aajeevika Mela’, organized in collaboration with the Rural Development Department and the Tehri district administration, has become a symbol of rural empowerment. Local products from Tehri have gained national recognition, thanks to these concerted efforts—drawing praise from the Chief Minister.
“This fair strengthens rural entrepreneurship and promotes the spirit of Swadeshi. Women’s groups in Tehri are setting an example of what ‘Vocal for Local’ truly means,” CM Dhami concluded.
The event was also attended by Cabinet Ministers Ganesh Joshi and Subodh Uniyal, along with SHG members, rural entrepreneurs, and local residents.
