155 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras operating in Chhattisgarh are becoming a strong medium for economic self-reliance of women. Thousands of women are getting employment and better income by getting involved in forest produce collection, processing and herbal product manufacturing.
Raipur. Van Dhan Vikas Kendras have emerged as a strong medium of economic self-reliance for women in rural and forest areas of Chhattisgarh. Under the effective implementation of Pradhan Mantri Tribal Development Mission and Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana, 155 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras have been established in the state so far. Of these, 139 centers are operating in general areas, while 16 centers have been specially created in Backward Tribal Group (PVTG) areas. Along with providing employment to women in the village itself, these centers have also prepared a way for better utilization of local resources.
New opportunity from small forest produce collection to herbal product manufacturing
Van Dhan Vikas Kendras have given a new direction to the traditional minor forest produce collection work by connecting it with modern processing techniques. In these centres, forest produce is not only collected, but primary processing is also done to prepare high quality herbal products. Through this initiative, thousands of women have got the opportunity of regular employment near their villages. Due to this, the income of women has increased and they are becoming more financially strong.
Thousands of women self-help groups got financial benefits
About 4 thousand 900 women self-help groups are directly connected to Van Dhan Vikas Kendras. About 55 thousand women members are doing the work of collecting and processing forest produce in villages and markets. A commission of about Rs 4 crore has been distributed to women for collection work during the last five years. This has improved the economic condition of women and also created new employment opportunities in rural areas.
Women’s income increased through herbal product manufacturing
In Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, special emphasis is being laid not only on collection work but also on value addition. 17 thousand women from about 1,300 women groups are involved in the preparation of herbal products. So far, commission of about Rs 1 crore has been given to women for this work. The prepared herbal products are being supplied to the AYUSH department. In this sequence, 4 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras of the state have set a successful example by earning a net profit of Rs 25.17 lakh.
Forest economy getting stronger with the use of local resources
This initiative of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras is not only empowering women economically but is also giving a new impetus to the economy of forest areas. The use of local resources and manufacturing of herbal products is increasing both employment and income in rural areas. This campaign is working to realize the vision of ‘Local for Vocal’ and ‘Self-reliant India’ in the forest areas of Chhattisgarh.