- Yogi government will provide free space to women for business activities in sugarcane committees.
- Women from self-help groups will be given space to set up Prerna Canteens and marketing centers.
- On the instructions of Chief Minister, the Department of Sugar Industry and Cane Development has signed an MoU.
News Street Live, Lucknow, April 19: Yogi government has decided to provide free space in sugarcane committees to promote employment among women and strengthen their economic empowerment. This space will be allotted to the “half population” (women) to run Prerna Canteens and to display and sell their products.
Following the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Department of Sugar Industry and Cane Development and the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission have signed an MoU. This initiative will provide direct employment and self-employment opportunities to rural women associated with self-help groups through sugarcane committees.
Cane Commissioner Mini S. said, “In line with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision of making women self-reliant, space will be provided in sugarcane committees for selling their products.” Sugarcane cooperative societies across the state will allocate available or surplus space within their premises to women’s self-help groups. This space will be used to run Prerna Canteens and for the display and sale of products.
Notably, no rent will be charged for the first two years. After this moratorium period, self-help groups will only be required to pay 50% of the rent, determined as per the circle rates set by the district administration.
The Cane Commissioner further clarified that ownership of the space will remain entirely with the respective committee and will not be transferred to self-help groups or any other entity under any circumstances, ensuring the protection of government assets. Through Prerna Canteens and display/marketing centers, women will be able to sell handmade and household products, including food items, solar lamps, handicrafts, agricultural produce, and other local goods.
This will not only increase women’s income but also provide an organized market for local products. The department will also support self-help group women through training, marketing, and promotion. They will be given opportunities to participate in fairs, exhibitions, and other public events, expanding the reach of their products. Additional assistance will also be provided as needed to ensure maximum opportunities for women in the sugarcane sector.
The Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM) has been assigned a key role in the scheme. It will ensure proper training for self-help group women in canteen operations, cleanliness, food safety, and quality control. Coordination will also be established with the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) to ensure compliance with food safety standards, providing consumers with safe and high-quality services.
While the initiative will generate employment for women, it will also diversify the activities of sugarcane committees. Increased local production and consumption will strengthen the rural economy.
