Rural Trading Services: Enabling sustainable livelihood

Local industry and local entrepreneurship are two relevant matters under national economy. Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company has tried to empower women in Sakhi Mandals (women SHGs) of Gujarat. It has made efforts to develop the skills like Knowledge, ideas for new product, skills required for business, level of confidence, optimistic attitude  for  starting business by giving them training and facilities to join in sustainable livelihood.

Women are worried about security instead of taking risk of starting new business. Thus, they are hesitant to start an independent business. GLPC-Porbandar team effected convergence with primary education department under the guidance of hon. District Development Officer and Director-DRDA. Primary education department has allowed selling stationery to children in school premises by Sakhi Mandal member and given an opportunity to earn money.

With this innovative scheme, under taluka pilot project of rural trading services, 127 livelihood was generated by selling stationery. 127 Sakhi Mandal members are connected to primary schools in the district for stationery selling. Schools have given related facilities to Sakhi Mandal member like table and chair for selling of stationery.

With this activity SM member can additionally earn Rs.1000/- to Rs.1500/- per month by giving only 45 minutes per day.

Porbandar district has provided an illustration of livelihood creation by coordination with other government departments with such convergence.