Jaipur, March 16:
Cabinet Minister Kanhaiya Lal Chaudhary inaugurated Raj Sakhi Mela 2026 in Tonk, highlighting the crucial role of women in strengthening India’s rural economy.
Addressing women associated with self-help groups under the Rajasthan Grameen Aajeevika Vikas Parishad (Rajeevika), the minister said women’s empowerment is a key pillar for achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047. He emphasised that empowering women economically is essential for sustainable rural growth.
₹8 crore financial support distributed
During the event, the minister distributed cheques worth over ₹8 crore to women belonging to Rajeevika self-help groups to support livelihood and entrepreneurship activities.
He also noted that under the Lakhpati Didi Scheme, expanded under the leadership of Narendra Modi and Bhajan Lal Sharma, women can now avail loans up to ₹1 lakh at an interest rate of 1.5%, enabling them to build sustainable income sources.
‘DM with Didis’ initiative appreciated
The minister praised Kalpana Agrawal, District Collector of Tonk, for innovative initiatives such as “DM with Didis”, aimed at strengthening the financial and social empowerment of women in the district.
He also highlighted initiatives like the Rajeevika Mart at the district headquarters and shops allocated to women near Shri Kalyan Ji Temple Diggi, which provide wider market access for products made by self-help group members.
To further support these efforts, the minister announced ₹50 lakh financial assistance.
Encouraging women entrepreneurs
During the event, the minister visited stalls set up by Rajeevika self-help groups at the fair and appreciated the products created by women artisans. He encouraged training more women in such skills so that more members can join self-help groups and become financially independent.
He also handed over scooter keys purchased through loans from the Mahila Nidhi Bank at 1.5% interest, aimed at improving mobility and ease of work for women entrepreneurs.
