28-05-2025
‘Widen Prerna canteen base through women SHGs'
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Lucknow: Deputy Chief Minister
Keshav Prasad Maurya
issued directives to integrate women associated with self-help groups into new livelihood activities, focusing particularly on expansion of Prerna canteens.
These canteens are key component of govt's effort to boost self-reliance and economic independence in women under the larger vision of creating 'Lakhpati Didis'—women earning at least Rs 1 lakh annually.
A govt spokesperson said Prerna Canteens had emerged as a vital support system. "They provide sustainable source of income to women in SHGs who voluntarily operate canteens across various public institutions," he said.
According to data, more than 1,876 Prerna Canteens are operational in the state, with 832 of them functioning within community health centres and primary health centres.
The canteens are managed actively by over 5,628 women from SHGs, extending across CHCs, PHCs, development buildings, selected colleges and other institutions. The initiative is not only improving financial condition of rural women but also contributing to overall socio-economic and educational uplift of their families.
Maurya directed the rural development department to strengthen further this model and explore ways to enhance income generation for SHG members through such entrepreneurial ventures.
