The Himachal government’s efforts to empower rural women are yielding impressive results, with Himira products reaching over 1,000 orders across the nation in just a month.On Sunday, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu shared that since the launch of the official e-commerce platform, Himira (himira.co.in), on January 3 this year, the initiative has been met with enthusiastic support.

“We have successfully delivered more than 1,050 online orders to customers in states including Kerala, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, highlighting the growing popularity of our products and platform nationwide,” he remarked.

The integration into e-commerce allows products crafted by women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to be automatically listed on platforms such as Paytm and Mystore, making them broadly accessible to buyers across the country. Sukhu emphasized that this initiative is showcasing the rich and diverse craftsmanship from rural Himachal to every corner of India.

“Thanks to this digital platform, around 30,000 SHG women across the state now have direct access to livelihood opportunities that were previously out of reach. The website features a variety of nearly 30 products, ranging from hand-woven Himachali textiles to pure and natural food items,” he stated.

Additionally, the Chief Minister mentioned that the current state government is developing policies that align with the culture and environment of Himachal, focusing on strengthening the rural economy and fostering self-employment for local residents.

He shared, “I have been gifting Himira products to Union Ministers and other dignitaries,” and noted that women involved with SHGs are excited about the government’s initiative to enhance market access through the e-platform, with widespread support from SHGs across the state.

Sukhu highlighted the transformative impact for women like Jaswinder Kaur from Nalagarh, Solan district. With financial assistance and a ₹60,000 loan for livestock and non-farming activities, she has shifted to producing cow dung products. Her monthly income has skyrocketed from ₹1,000 to ₹20,000, allowing her to support her children’s education and invest in their future.

“The skills I gained from SHG have truly changed our lives,” she shared.

Similarly, Megha Devi from Sullah in Kangra district found her calling after joining Shree Ganesh SHG, launching a small business in Dona-Pattal (leaf plate making). Her monthly income has grown from ₹5,000 to ₹20,000, transforming her dependence on her husband’s income into financial independence. “Turning my passion into a livelihood has been a journey of resilience and growth,” she reflected.

In the remote tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti, Rigzin Chhoedan discovered new opportunities through Kangla Berry SHG, boosting her monthly income from ₹4,000 to ₹25,000 through agriculture, livestock rearing, handicrafts, and handlooms. She is now looking to expand her ventures into new markets. “Learning new skills has transformed my earnings and my outlook on life,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Anita Devi from Jhamiyat village, once reliant on a private IT job earning just ₹5,000, has seen her monthly income grow to ₹20,000 through her SHG, starting with basic savings and supported by NRLM training in mushroom cultivation. “With hard work and the support of my SHG and the state government, I’ve turned my small savings into a thriving business. Now, I empower others to believe in their potential,” she declared.