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UP's Prerna Canteens: Free Spaces for Women SHGs in Sugar Societies

The Uttar Pradesh government has directed sugarcane co-operative societies to allocate free spaces to women's Self-Help Groups to establish 'Prerna Canteens' and product display centers. This initiative, following an MoU between the Sugar Department and the Rural Livelihood Mission, aims to provide direct employment and self-employment opportunities for rural women. Women will be able to sell handmade goods, food items, and local agricultural produce, with no rent charged for the first two years and only half the prevailing rate thereafter. The program includes support through training in canteen operations, marketing, and participation in fairs to increase women's income and provide an organized market for local products.

Key Points: UP Launches Prerna Canteens for Women SHGs in Sugar Societies

  • Free space for SHGs in sugarcane societies
  • Two-year rent-free period followed by 50% discount
  • Training in operations, food safety & marketing
  • Aims to diversify sugarcane committees' role
  • Strengthens rural economy via local production
2 min read

UP govt directs sugarcane societies to provide free spaces to SHGs for setting up 'Prerna Canteens'

UP govt directs sugarcane co-ops to provide free spaces to women's SHGs for Prerna Canteens, boosting rural income & local products.

"In line with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's vision of making women self-reliant, space will be provided in sugarcane committees for selling their products. - Cane Commissioner Ministhy S."

Lucknow, April 19

In a significant move to support and prop up 'naari shakti', the Uttar Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed sugarcane co-operative societies in the state to allocate free spaces to women from Self Help Groups for setting up their shops.

The women from SHGs will be encouraged to start 'Prerna canteens' from here, displaying and selling their products.

Following the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Department of Sugar Industry and Cane Development and the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission have signed an MoU to this effect.

The initiative will provide direct employment and self-employment opportunities to rural women associated with SHGs through sugarcane committees.

Cane Commissioner Ministhy S. said, "In line with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's vision of making women self-reliant, space will be provided in sugarcane committees for selling their products."

No rent will be charged from them for the first two years; however, after the moratorium period, they will only be required to pay 50% of the rent, determined as per the prevailing circle rates.

The Cane Commissioner further clarified that ownership of the space will remain entirely with the respective committee and will not be transferred to self-help groups or any other entity under any circumstances, ensuring the protection of government assets.

Through Prerna Canteens and display/marketing centres, women will be able to sell handmade and household products, including food items, solar lamps, handicrafts, agricultural produce, and other local goods.

The purpose behind this move is to increase women's income and also provide an organised market for local products. The department will also support self-help groups of women through training, marketing, and promotion. They will be given opportunities to participate in fairs, exhibitions, and other public events, expanding the reach of their products.

The Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM) will provide training for smooth operation in canteen operations, cleanliness, food safety, and quality control.

The initiative is also believed to diversify the role of sugarcane committees, leading to the strengthening of the rural economy on the back of increased local production and consumption.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good step, but implementation is key. Sugar co-op societies are often in remote areas. Will there be enough customer footfall for these canteens? The government must also ensure regular power supply and basic amenities at these sites.
S
Sarah B
Diversifying the use of co-operative society buildings is a smart move. It utilises existing infrastructure for community benefit. Selling local produce and handicrafts can really boost the village economy. Hope they get good marketing support.
A
Aditya G
'Naari Shakti' is not just a slogan, it needs such concrete support. The 50% rent after two years is a fair clause. My only concern is the bureaucratic process - hope the space allocation is quick and transparent, without any middlemen involved.
M
Meera T
As someone from a rural background, I can see this working well. Women in SHGs make amazing pickles, papads, and snacks. A dedicated canteen at the sugar society, where farmers already gather, is a perfect marketplace. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
K
Karthik V
A respectful criticism: The article says ownership remains with the committee. That's fine, but what about long-term security for the women? If the canteen becomes successful, could the committee suddenly ask them to vacate after the agreement period? Clarity on tenure is needed.
N
Nisha Z

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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