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Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday launched the official e-commerce website, himira.co.in developed by Rural Development Department to promote the products of more than 3,50,000 rural women associated with 44,000 Self Help Groups (SHGs) across the State. The website aims to provide a global platform for SHG products, enabling these rural artisans and entrepreneurs to expand their reach and increase their income through online sales. 

Sukhu said that Himachal Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (HPSRLM), under the Rural Development Department, was set to take a significant step towards empowering rural women.
He also flagged off seven food vans specially designed to offer SHG women new avenues for income generationand also released a booklet highlighting inspiring success stories of women who have achieved financial independence under the Mission.

He stated that Him-Era was a symbol of transformation and will be further improved in the coming times and emphasized that all self-help groups must ensure the quality of their products to reap maximum benefits. He said, “I am gifting Him-Era products to Union Ministers and other dignitaries.” He further said that the State Government would set up a dedicated shop in the upcoming government buildings to showcase and sell Him-Era products.

Sukhu said that a scheme was underway to involve women’s and youth groups in forest plantation and preservation, for which they would be compensated. He criticized the previous BJP government for introducing schemes in its last six months that shattered the economy of the State and claimed that freebies worth Rs. 5,000 crore were distributed, even to wealthy individuals, for electoral gains. The present government would support the poor with 300 units of free electricity and financial aid for house construction but urged affluent families to voluntarily give up subsidies. He stated that, “I have voluntarily given up my electricity subsidy and express my gratitude to others who have chosen to do the same.”

The Chief Minister said that reforms were being introduced to strengthen the economy of the state. He expressed confidence that with the proper utilization of resources the State could become the most prosperous in the country by 2032.