Come Forward In Rooftop Solar Scheme's Implementation: PM To Self-help Groups

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday has asked the self-help groups to come forward in the implementation of the rooftop solar scheme. While speaking at the Sashakt Nari- Viksit Bharat (empowered woman-developed India) programme, he said wherever members of these groups take initiative, they will be given priority in the initiative.

He praised the societal impact of self-help groups and said, "These groups have contributed significantly to the development of rural infrastructure and the overall upliftment of rural communities." PM Modi Minister acknowledged the role and services of Bank Sakhi, Krishi Sakhi, Pashu Sakhi and Matasya Sakhi. 

“These Didis are giving new impetus to the country's national campaigns, from health to Digital India. More than 50 per cent of those running the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan are women and more than 50 per cent of the beneficiaries are also women. This series of successes only strengthens my faith in Nari Shakti," he stated.

Notably, the expansion of self-help groups in India over the past decade has been remarkable. The State Bank of India (SBI) in a report on Monday has said that the female self-help group (SHG) members' income has increased three times from financial year (FY) 2019 to FY2024 as the opportunities in the Covid-19 pandemic scaled up SHG activities significantly.

He added that these groups have rewritten the narrative of women's empowerment in the country. Acknowledging the pivotal role played by women in self-help groups, the PM expressed his gratitude, saying, "I extend my heartfelt greetings to every sister in the self-help groups today. Their hard work has elevated these groups to become leaders in nation-building." 

The report mentioned that female SHG members' accounts have shown a maximum 4.6 times increase in urban areas and major income growth is witnessed in age groups less than 27 years (4.7 times). Income has increased for members with 65 per cent of rural SHG members as they moved into upper quantiles FY24 when compared to FY19.

Prime Minister Modi emphasised the impressive growth of women's participation in self-help groups and noted, "Today, the number of women in self-help groups has surpassed ten crore."