From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jul 29: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Sanjeevini-KSRLPS and e-commerce firm Meesho for the empowerment of 2,500 Women’s Self-Help Groups in the state was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai in Bengaluru on Friday.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said the world will know the women's 'potential' from Karnataka. The State Government has launched the ‘Saamarthya’ and the project will be taken up on an end-to-end route.

He welcomed the efforts of Meesho and Canara Bank for joining hands with the government's initiative to empower rural women.

The Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood is providing assistance for self-employment to self-help groups under the ‘Elevate Scheme’ with the support of the Government of India's `Livelihood’ programmes.

He said these programmes need to be scaled up and managed at the micro level.

'Belief in the power of women'

The Chief Minister said it is commendable that self-help groups in the State have been selected for the Canara Bank scheme. More and more women should be involved in economic activities.

“An economy is not money but rather it is the economic activities of the people. Women have immense power and are always engaged in these activities. I believe in the power of women and that is why I decided to implement a scheme called ‘Saamarthya,’ he said.

Women, who make up half of the society, should be involved in economic activities. For this, the products they produce need to be introduced to the global level by providing branding, marketing facilities in collaboration with online commercial entities like Meesho, he said.

'Big change in women's lives'

Specific schemes for self-employment of women should be identified in each Gram Panchayat and the DPR should be prepared. This can make a huge difference in the lives of thousands of women. Self-reliance is necessary to live a life of self-respect. The government will provide necessary assistance and cooperation in this regard, the Chief Minister said.

Vidit Aatrey, Founder and CEO, Meesho said: “We are honoured to join hands with Sanjeevini and the Government of Karnataka to further our mission of democratising internet commerce for everyone. Over the years, Meesho has supported and empowered millions of women entrepreneurs and the partnership will take our efforts forward in that direction.’’

“Karnataka is home to several MSMEs who have the potential to grow their business online. We will provide these self-help groups with all the tools and guidance they need to succeed in the digital world,” he said.

Minister for IT-BT, Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Dr C N Ashwa th Narayan, ministers Araga Jnanendra, B A Basavaraj, B Sriramulu, Chief Secretary Vandita Sharma, Chief Minister's Principal Secretary N Manjunath Prasad, Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Department Principal Secretary S Selvakumar, National Livelihood Mission Director Manjushree. Meesho CFO Dhiresh Bansal and Devender Sahu of Canara Bank were also present.

Earlier, a delegation from US company Tower Semi-Conductor led by its Chief Executive Officer Russel Eltanger called on the Chief Minister and held discussions.