The Punjab government is set to roll out 'Mawan-Dhiyan Di Hatti', a new scheme aimed at promoting rural women entrepreneurs, according to sources. The initiative follows the recently launched Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana and targets the state's 1.01 crore women voters.
Scheme Details and Implementation
Under the scheme, women entrepreneurs who have formed self-help groups (SHGs) will be provided commercial spaces to sell their products. The Rural Development and Panchayats Department is giving final shape to the plan. These SHGs produce various homemade items but often find them economically unviable due to lack of retail space.
Once rolled out, the SHGs will be allowed to sell not only their own products but also products of state cooperatives such as Milkfed and Markfed. The government will provide rent-free commercial spaces in each block, with the Rural Development Department already identifying spaces. In most places, shops at Block Development Office (BDO) premises will be used.
Scope and Phases
While 52 lakh women are expected to benefit from the monthly stipend plan under the earlier scheme, the new initiative aims to further endear the ruling party to women voters. Of the 154 blocks in the state, 130 are set to roll out the scheme initially. In blocks like Mamdot, Khumano, and Ferozepur, where government-owned commercial space is unavailable, efforts are underway to identify alternative government land. The construction cost for each shop is estimated at Rs 7 lakh. In the second phase, the government plans to open these shops in every village.
Though the scheme was conceived and formally shaped in April, preparations have now accelerated, according to sources.
