Chamoli’s SHG women craft eco-friendly rakhis

Women of Self-Help Group are not only running their livelihood by taking advantage of the public welfare schemes run by the government, but they have also improved their economic condition by earning good profits by making eco-friendly rakhis in Uttarakhand's Chamoli.

- INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE

The initiative is a part Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana — National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), the Ministry of Rural Development’s flagship programme aimed at reducing poverty by building strong institutions for the poor, especially women. These institutions are empowered to access financial services, market linkages, and diverse livelihood opportunities.

In Chamoli, this mission has taken a colourful turn. As Raksha Bandhan approaches, SHG members are crafting rakhis from pirul, bhojpatra, and vaijayanti seeds — materials rooted in the region’s ecology and traditions. Alongside, they are preparing local delicacies like arasa and roti, attracting buyers keen on authentic, handmade products.