Good News: Himachal Launches Mukhya Mantri 1 Bigha Scheme

Disasters and public health emergencies often compound gender inequalities in societies. During COVID-19 pandemic, women played a crucial role and this should be acknowledged and promoted through involving women-led organizations and women activists in decision making. 

The rural economy has faced setback due to COVID-19 pandemic and the state Government of Himachal Pradesh is taking various steps to revive it. One of it is, the launch of Mukhya Mantri 1 Bigha Scheme. The scheme aims to empower around 1.5 lakh rural women by making them self sufficient and employed under MGNREGS. 

“The scheme is linked with the Centre’s Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) where a woman or her family owning up to one bigha land can grow a backyard kitchen garden”, said Lalit Jain, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Special Secretary. 

As per estimates, each woman is expected to get an annual cash incentive of Rs 1 lakh under MGNREGS, which includes Rs 198/ day wage. 

The government’s task force and the Gram Rozgar Sewaks will monitor the beneficiaries. 

CM Jai Ram Thakur said amid the battle to contain the COVID-19, the government is focusing on the revival of economic activity in rural areas as the state is predominantly governed by agriculture activities. The Mukhya Mantri 1 Bigha Scheme will not only help enhance their skills but also cushion the impact of the pandemic, he said. 

GRANTS: 

• Reimbursements for purchase of seasonal vegetable seeds and fruit tree saplings as advised by the agriculture and horticulture departments.

• Assistance of INR 40,000 for development of land and setting up irrigation channels

• For setting a concrete vermin-compost pit, assistance of INR 10,000. 

This money will be provided under MGNREGS.