In Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, self-employment prospects in agriculture, horticulture, and small industries are flourishing. A prime illustration is Saraswati Devi from Jawari village, who, with training from RSETI and a loan from a women’s self-help group, established a footwear manufacturing unit. Her diverse range of slippers and shoes has garnered significant local demand.
Saraswati Devi efficiently manages her enterprise alongside household duties, aided by her husband, leading to a notable rise in family income despite limited resources. The footwear, distributed through women’s self-help groups at local events like fairs, benefits not only Saraswati Devi but also other women in the group. These groups, like Gaura Devi, tailor their products to seasonal and market needs, showcasing their items at various local fairs.
Moreover, in Jakhadi village, a small slipper manufacturing unit has been set up, with products selling out rapidly at block- and district-level fairs. The success story extends to another woman who, post-training from RSETI, established a small factory at home, working a few hours daily to access markets through local fairs. These grassroots initiatives by local women not only generate employment but also combat migration from mountainous areas.
