The National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) scheme has empowered rural women, enabling them to showcase their culinary skills and earn a substantial income through self-help groups (SHGs) like the Jay Mata Bijai group. These women have established successful food stalls at various fairs and festivals, generating impressive profits and gaining recognition for their traditional Himachali cuisine.

Empowering Rural Women Through Culinary Ventures

( Credit to: Tribuneindia )

The National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) scheme has been instrumental in empowering rural women across the state, enabling them to contribute significantly to their families' finances. Through self-help groups (SHGs) like the Jay Mata Bijai group in the Trans-Giri region, women are showcasing their culinary skills and attracting domestic and international tourists at various fairs and festivals. With the support of the government, these women have been able to establish food stalls and generate substantial profits, transforming their lives and gaining recognition for their traditional cuisine.

Delicious Sirmauri Cuisine: The Pride of Jay Mata Bijai SHG

The Jay Mata Bijai SHG specializes in Sirmauri cuisine, tantalizing taste buds with their delectable dishes. With the help of a food van provided by the NRLM scheme, these women have set up stalls at festivals across different states, offering authentic flavors of Himachali cuisine. Their culinary prowess has gained them immense popularity and financial success.

Profitable Ventures: Transforming Lives and Finances

Since the introduction of the NRLM scheme, the Jay Mata Bijai SHG has experienced remarkable growth in their earnings. From November 2023 to February 2024 alone, the group generated a net profit of Rs 4,20,000. The seven-day international Renukaji Fair proved to be particularly lucrative, with the women earning nearly Rs 2 lakh. Additionally, at the Saras Mela held in Chandigarh, they made a profit of Rs 80,000 in just 12 days. The group has also ventured into cricket tournaments, earning Rs 30,000 at a match in Nahan and over Rs 50,000 per tournament in rural cricket tournaments in Haripur Dhar, Lanacheta, and Ludhiana.

Savoring the Flavors of Himachali Cuisine

The culinary offerings of the Jay Mata Bijai SHG have been met with great enthusiasm by visitors in various locations such as Shimla, Kullu-Manali, Nahan, and Chandigarh. The crowd-favorite Siddu or Sidku, a local delicacy, has received high praise at every location. Other popular dishes include poli, askali, tel paki, lushke, patande, malpude, chaulai ki kheer, makki and kode ki roti, madra, bichhu-booti, and the pure ghee of mountain cows. The demand for these traditional Himachali delicacies continues to grow, ensuring a steady stream of customers for the Jay Mata Bijai SHG.

The Transformative Impact of the NRLM Scheme

The NRLM scheme has empowered rural women in the state, allowing them to showcase their culinary talents and earn a substantial income. Through the Jay Mata Bijai SHG, women have been able to establish successful food stalls at various fairs and festivals, generating impressive profits. Their dedication to preserving and sharing the flavors of Himachali cuisine has gained them recognition and appreciation from both locals and tourists. The success of these women exemplifies the transformative impact of the NRLM scheme, providing rural women with newfound opportunities for financial independence and empowerment.