Pune: PCMC’s Sakshama SHGs shine at Western Zonal Council meet

Pimpri, 21st February 2025: Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s (PCMC) women’s self-help groups (SHGs) under the Sakshama Project are making a mark on a national platform. At the Western Zonal Council meeting on February 22, handcrafted bags, folders, diaries, and bookmarks made by Sakshama SHGs will be showcased and distributed, highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit of women in the region.

The Sakshama Project, a collaboration between PCMC and Tata Community Initiatives Trust (Tata Strive), is actively strengthening 5,000 SHGs over five years by providing skill development, financial literacy, and structured business opportunities. Currently, 2,556 active SHGs are benefiting from capacity-building programs aimed at ensuring sustainable livelihoods.

PCMC’s Sakshama initiative is in strong alignment with the Government of India’s ‘Lakhpati Didi’ vision led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which aims to create three crore rural women entrepreneurs earning Rs 1 lakh annually. The Sakshama Project contributes to this goal by enabling women to transition from informal savings groups to structured micro-businesses.

PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh emphasizing the broader impact of this initiative, said, “Sakshama is transforming the economic landscape for women in Pimpri Chinchwad. Through skill-building, market linkages, and digital governance, we are equipping SHGs with the tools they need to become successful entrepreneurs.”

A key focus of the project is integrating technology with business training, ensuring women-led enterprises scale efficiently. The initiative’s digital monitoring dashboard tracks SHG progress, ensuring transparency and structured growth.

Additional Commissioner Pradip Jambhale Patil highlighted the strategic approach, saying, “By enabling structured business models, Sakshama SHGs are stepping into formalized enterprises. Their participation in platforms like the Western Zonal Council meet is proof of their growing market reach.”

Assistant Commissioner Tanaji Narale underscored the project’s prospects, stating, “The next phase of Sakshama will focus on expanding product markets for SHGs, strengthening e-commerce linkages, and enabling direct business-to-business collaborations.”

PCMC’s Sakshama SHGs at Western Zonal Council Meet

Showcasing Women’s Entrepreneurship – Sakshama SHG-made bags, folders, diaries, and bookmarks to be distributed at the Western Zonal Council meet.

Strengthening 5,000 SHGs – A five-year initiative empowering women through skill development, financial literacy, and structured business models.

2,556 Active SHGs Engaged – Women trained in entrepreneurship, market linkages, and sustainable income generation.

Aligning with PM’s ‘Lakhpati Didi’ Vision – Supporting GoI’s goal of enabling three crore rural women to earn Rs 1 lakh annually.

Digital Governance & Market Access – Technology-driven monitoring ensures SHG growth, linking women entrepreneurs to wider markets.