Boosting SHG Women Enterprises: MoRD and MoMSME Collaborate to Empower Rural Women
In a significant development aimed at enhancing rural empowerment, the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) and the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) have come together to bolster Self Help Group (SHG) women-led enterprises. This collaborative effort underscores a unified approach across government sectors to uplift grassroots entrepreneurship.
Strengthening SHG Women Enterprises Through Collaborative Efforts
The Union Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) and the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) have recently signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) to formalize and strengthen Self Help Group (SHG) women-led rural enterprises. This collaboration aims to harness the potential of SHG women entrepreneurs through MoMSME’s flagship schemes.
Signing of Statement of Intent (SoI) for Empowerment
On 3rd July 2024, Ms. Swati Sharma, Joint Secretary of Ministry of Rural Development, and Ms. Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary of Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, signed the SoI at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi. The event was graced by senior officials including Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, MoRD, Shri S C L Das, Secretary, MoMSME, and Shri Charanjit Singh, Additional Secretary, MoRD.
Unified Efforts Towards Empowerment
Ms. Swati Sharma emphasized the holistic approach of the SoI, highlighting its potential to empower rural women, colloquially referred to as Lakhpati Didis, in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision. This collaboration aims to provide a structured framework for SHG women to thrive in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Leveraging MoMSME’s Initiatives for SHG Didis
Ms. Mercy Epao affirmed that the SoI will foster deeper collaboration between MoMSME and MoRD, leveraging MoMSME’s initiatives like Yeshaswini- Apna Udyam, Apni Pehchaan, Udyam Assist, among others. These initiatives are designed to provide comprehensive support to SHG women entrepreneurs, enabling them to scale their businesses and contribute more robustly to the economy.
Commitment to Collaborative Progress
Both ministries expressed their commitment to implementing various joint initiatives outlined in the SoI. This commitment reflects a shared vision to create a conducive environment for the growth and prosperity of SHG women enterprises across rural India.
Conclusion
The collaboration between MoRD and MoMSME marks a pivotal step towards empowering SHG women entrepreneurs. By pooling resources and leveraging respective strengths, the ministries aim to create a sustainable ecosystem where SHG women can thrive as successful entrepreneurs. This partnership not only aligns with national development goals but also underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and women empowerment in rural areas.
In summary, the SoI signifies a transformative opportunity for SHG women, promising to unlock their entrepreneurial potential and contribute meaningfully to India’s socio-economic fabric.

