Himachal Pradesh's ambitious initiative to empower rural women and strengthen the local economy is yielding remarkable results. The State Government’s e-commerce platform — Himira (himira.co.in), launched by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on January 3, this year — has received an overwhelming response, successfully delivering over 1,050 orders across India in just a month.
Customers from Kerala, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan have embraced Himira’s diverse range of products — from hand-woven Himachali textiles to pure and natural food items. The integration of Himira with leading e-commerce platforms like Paytm and Mystore has further expanded its reach, providing a direct market link to thousands of women artisans in rural Himachal.
Digital Revolution for Women Entrepreneurs
Highlighting the impact of Himira, Chief Minister Sukhu said: “Through this digital platform, nearly 30,000 women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) now have direct access to livelihood opportunities that were previously beyond their reach.”
He emphasized that the State Government is committed to policies that strengthen the rural economy while preserving Himachal’s cultural and environmental heritage. “I am gifting Himira products to Union Ministers and other dignitaries to showcase the rich craftsmanship of our state,” he added.
The initiative has been met with enthusiasm by SHGs across the state, as women entrepreneurs find new opportunities to market their skills and products to a national audience.
Stories of Transformation: Rural Women Breaking Barriers
For Jaswinder Kaur from Nalagarh, Solan district, joining the Sainath SHG was a turning point. With financial assistance and a Rs 60,000 loan, she ventured into producing cow dung products. Once earning just Rs 1,000 a month, her income has now soared to Rs 20,000. Expressing her gratitude, she said: “Earlier, I struggled to pay my children's school fees. Now, thanks to this platform, I not only support their education but also invest in our future.”
Similarly, Megha Devi from Sullah, Kangra district, has transformed her financial situation through Shree Ganesh SHG. Engaged in making leaf plates (dona-pattal), her monthly income has increased from Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000. “Transforming my passion into a livelihood has been a journey of resilience and growth. Each sale represents my dreams coming to life,” she shared.
In the cold deserts of Lahaul-Spiti, Rigzin Chhoedan found new hope through the Kangla Berry SHG. Engaged in agriculture, livestock rearing, and handloom crafts, her income surged from Rs 4,000 to Rs 25,000 per month. “Learning new skills has not just changed my earnings but my entire outlook on life,” she said, now planning to expand her enterprise into new markets.
Anita Devi from Jhamiyat village, Hamirpur district, once relied on a private IT job earning just Rs 5,000 a month. After joining an SHG and receiving training in mushroom cultivation through NRLM, her earnings have now reached Rs 20,000. “With hard work and support from my SHG and the government, I turned small savings into a thriving business. Now, I not only support my family but also inspire others to believe in their potential,” she said.
A Model for Rural Development
Himira’s rapid success underscores its potential as a model for rural economic development, offering financial independence to women across Himachal Pradesh. By leveraging digital platforms, the State Government is not only preserving local craftsmanship but also creating sustainable livelihoods for thousands of women.
With the growing popularity of Himira products and the increasing number of SHGs benefitting from the initiative, the future looks promising for rural women entrepreneurs in Himachal Pradesh. The platform’s impact is a testament to the power of digital empowerment in transforming lives and driving economic growth from the grassroots level.
