Barik Hilal Zargar
Empowerment of women is the cornerstone on the path to becoming a developed and progressive country. The Government of India has embarked on many programs with the aim of improving the socio-economic status of women, and more specifically, rural women. The ‘Sashakt Nari – Sashakt Bharat’ program stands out as a key effort to give women more economic power and help them become independent. This program doesn’t just offer money; it also teaches women new skills so they can earn a steady income and stand on their own two feet.
One of the highlight features of this scheme is the introduction of ‘Namo Drone Didis’, in which women are trained as drone pilots for agricultural use. The scheme introduces modernity in the cultivation of crops and, at the same time, generates new avenues of employment for women. Men used to rule the roost in farming tech, but this class is shaking things up by getting women involved in high-tech agriculture. The SHG ladies get top-notch training in flying drones staying safe, and keeping the machines in good shape. When they finish, they earn a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) from the Directorate General ofCivil Aviation (DGCA) making them official drone pilots. So that this profession is made available to everyone at a reasonable price, the government subsidizes 80% of the cost of the drone and hence makes it affordable and accessible to everyone.
Financial support is this program’s key to success. Understanding the huge amount of financial inputs required, the government has provided about ₹8,000 crore as subsidized interest-rate bank loans and another ₹2,000 crore as capitalization grant support for SHGs. This financial support empowers the entrepreneurial attitude of women so that they can pursue economic activities beyond conventional practices. By providing access to low-interest loans and seed capital, the scheme enables long-term financial security for women-owned businesses.
The other key element of the scheme is the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ program, under which rural women are motivated to start micro-enterprises. The aim is to make at least ₹1 lakh a year’s income per family by equipping women with marketable skills. Training is offered in various activity areas like plumbing, LED bulb production, tailoring, and weaving so that women have more than one source of income. The focus on skill development renders the women not only self-reliant but also contributors to the local economies. By rendering the women self-earning, the initiative shifts the gender dynamics in a way that the problem of money is no longer the sole concern of the men.
Kulsum Mir, a 28-year-old mother from Sopore, was one of the many women hesitant to take a business role; nevertheless, after attending a community awareness session on the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ program, she decided to apply for a loan of ₹50,000 under the government- sponsored scheme. The business started with this capital to set up a small handcrafted pashmina weaving unit. Within half a year, her business took a flight and she started earning ₹.120,000 a year. She started training other women in her locality. Today, she has helped more than 20 women to start a similar business.
The project’s scope is broader than it being economically independent due to the fact that it also seeks to revolutionize agricultural production. Drones have a positive impact on farming. They enable farmers to spray pesticides, check crop health in real time, and survey land. This technology makes farming more profitable and eco-friendly by cutting down on manual work. As farms embrace new tech, women are becoming key players in the rural economy. This shift helped balance out the gender differences in farming practices.
But it all hinges largely on awareness and outreach. So that deserving women may avail of the opportunities offered to them, the government has organized far-reaching campaigns of awareness. Workshops, training camps, and local meetings are held at the grassroots level, providing firsthand information on the advantages of the program. Radio, TV and other media is the best way to spread information so that even those in remote areas are aware of the assistance available. Digital media has also come in, with various websites and helplines providing information and simple registration process for those who are eligible. ‘Lakhpati Didis’ and ‘Drone Didis’ success stories are typically shared to encourage and inspire higher participation.
Despite having numerous advantages, there are certain challenges. One of the main issues is access to training in distant and geographically challenging areas. Most women, especially in rural interior areas, continue to have no access to formal training centers. To address these issues, mobile training units can be set up to bring education and skills to these communities. The second challenge is continuous funding. While initial funding is available, securing funding for the expansion and sustainability of women owned businesses is a big challenge. Creating long term mentorship programs and regular check ups of financial assistance can help address this issue. In some areas, cultural barriers still limit women’s access to non traditional jobs. Get community leaders, local influencers and families involved in awareness programs to break the social barriers.
Despite all this the program is life changing. Women who were confined to the four walls of their homes are now being trained as certified drone pilots, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers who are contributing to the economy. The program has already started changing the rural employment landscape, where women are not just participants but drivers of economic growth.
Sashakt Nari – Sashakt Bharat scheme is a good example of an overall strategy towards empowering women by incorporating technology, funding, and upskilling. As more women become ‘Drone Didis’ and ‘Lakhpati Didis’, not only do they empower their own families but also create the way for generations to come. With persistent government assistance, ongoing awareness campaigns, and participation at the community level, this program has the potential to revolutionize India’s socio-economic fabric, empowering women standing as the real masters of an India developed.
