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Key Points

Women from Self-Help Groups in Jaunpur are crafting indigenous rakhis as part of PM Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat push. These handmade rakhis will be sent to soldiers at the borders, boosting rural livelihoods. The initiative is supported by NRLM, which has empowered over 10 crore women across India. This Raksha Bandhan, the focus is on self-reliance and honoring the nation’s defenders.

Key Points: Jaunpur SHG Women Send Swadeshi Rakhis to Soldiers for Raksha Bandhan

  • Jaunpur SHG women trained in rakhi-making under NRLM
  • 1,000 rakhis sent to soldiers at borders
  • Initiative supports Atmanirbhar Bharat and rural livelihoods
  • SHGs empower 10 crore women nationwide for financial independence
2 min read

Uttar Pradesh: Women of Self-Help Groups send swadeshi 'rakhis' to soldiers in Jaunpur

Rural women in Jaunpur craft indigenous rakhis under NRLM, supporting soldiers and PM Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

"“Our group has 120 women working for self-employment. This Raksha Bandhan, we are making 'rakhis' to sell in the market, and the income will be shared among us.” – Saroj Singh, SHG Member"

Jaunpur, Aug 8

Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to embrace swadeshi, women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in rural Jaunpur on Friday have stepped forward to craft colourful, indigenous 'rakhis' for this year's festival of Raksha Bandhan. These handmade creations will not only grace the wrists of brothers across the country but will also be sent to soldiers serving at the nation’s borders.

The National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), a poverty alleviation programme implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development under the larger Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY), has been at the forefront of this effort.

Designed to empower rural women socially and economically, NRLM works through SHGs and their federations, enabling poor households to access self-employment and skilled wage opportunities.

In support of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India', NRLM has trained women at SHGs to produce 'rakhis'. Efforts are also underway to market these products, offering buyers an alternative to imported, especially Chinese, 'rakhis' that often dominate festival stalls in India.

Prime Minister Modi had recently renewed his call to adopt swadeshi products. Purchasing India-made 'rakhis', officials say, not only boosts the 'Make in India' movement but also supports the livelihoods of rural women.

UP Deputy Commissioner of Self Employment, Jitendra Pratap Singh, said that many women had already received 'rakhi'-making training.

“NRLM will ensure that interested women also have access to markets. We urge everyone to buy indigenous rakhis,” he stated.

He added that on Friday, 1,000 'rakhis' crafted by district SHGs will be dispatched to the country’s soldiers.

For many women, the initiative has been life changing. Saroj Singh, a member of an SHG, shared, “Our group has 120 women working for self-employment. This Raksha Bandhan, we are making 'rakhis' to sell in the market, and the income will be shared among us. Alongside this, we have also sent 1,500 'rakhis' to our 'fauji' brothers on the border.”

Launched in 2011, DAY-NRLM operates nationwide in mission mode, aiming to include at least one woman from every rural poor household, identified through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 and the Participatory Identification of Poor (PIP) process, into the SHG network. These groups are supported in taking up sustainable economic activities, fostering financial independence and community strength.

As of January 31, 2025, around 10.05 crore women have been mobilised into 90.90 lakh SHGs across India.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
While I appreciate the sentiment, I hope the government ensures these women get fair prices for their work. Too often middlemen eat up the profits meant for artisans. The rakhi quality should also be good to compete with Chinese products.
S
Sarika M
My sister-in-law is part of an SHG in Bihar. After joining, she's become so confident! These groups are transforming rural India one woman at a time. This Rakhi, our whole family is buying only desi rakhis made by SHGs. #VocalForLocal
A
Amit K
Great move! But why only during festivals? We need permanent solutions for rural women's employment. Hope the government creates more sustainable opportunities beyond seasonal items. Still, a good start 👍
N
Neha E
Beautiful gesture! These rakhis carry the love of Bharat Mata's daughters to our brave soldiers. My brother is posted in Siachen - I'm going to send him one of these special rakhis. The handmade touch makes it extra meaningful ❤️
V
Vikram M
SHGs are the real game changers in rural economy. In my village in MP, women's groups have started everything from pickle making to tailoring units. This rakhi initiative shows how traditional skills can be monetized. More power to our didis!

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