In a transformative move, Uttar Pradesh has launched skill development centers targeting rural women, aiming to boost their economic independence through tailored training programs. These centers, aligned with national initiatives like DAY-NRLM, focus on skills like tailoring, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship to uplift livelihoods, reduce gender disparities, and drive rural prosperity by 2047.
Empowering Rural Women Through Skill Development in Uttar Pradesh
New Skill Centers Launched
The Uttar Pradesh government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Development and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, has rolled out skill development centers across rural areas. These centers aim to empower women under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). As of August 2025, over 50 centers have been established in districts like Varanasi, Lucknow, and Gorakhpur, training thousands of women in self-help groups (SHGs).
Focus on Practical Skills
The centers offer training in high-demand skills such as tailoring, food processing, organic farming, and digital literacy. For instance, women in Azamgarh are learning to stitch reusable bags for local markets, while others in Bareilly are trained in digital marketing to sell handicrafts online. These programs are customized to align with local industries, ensuring immediate employability.
Economic Empowerment and Lakhpati Didi Mission
The initiative supports the ambitious “Lakhpati Didi” mission, aiming to create three crore women entrepreneurs by 2047. Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized that 10 crore women are already part of 91 lakh SHGs nationwide, with UP leading the charge. Women like Sunita Devi from Jaunpur, who now earns Rs 8,000 monthly through her tailoring business, exemplify the mission’s success.
Breaking Social Barriers
Beyond skills, the centers address socio-cultural challenges. Awareness campaigns challenge traditional gender norms, encouraging families to support women’s participation. In Mirzapur, community mobilization efforts have increased female enrollment in training programs by 30% since June 2025, fostering greater social acceptance of women as breadwinners.
Digital Literacy for Modern Markets
With the digital gender gap a significant hurdle—women are 40% less likely to use mobile internet than men—the centers prioritize digital skills. Programs in Kanpur teach women to use smartphones for online banking and market access, boosting their businesses. The Nasscom Foundation reports that such training has increased incomes by 20-25% for rural women entrepreneurs.
Certification and Financial Support
Training is conducted through institutes like Jan Shikshan Sansthan and National Skill Training Institutes, with certifications provided via the Skill India Digital Hub. Women also gain access to microfinance schemes, enabling them to start ventures. For example, in Raebareli, 200 women received loans worth Rs 50 lakh in July 2025 to launch small enterprises.
Impact on Rural Economy
The centers are transforming UP’s rural economy by enhancing women’s contributions to agriculture, handicrafts, and services. A World Bank report suggests that closing the gender gap in agricultural productivity could lift thousands out of poverty. In UP, women-led enterprises have created over 10,000 jobs since the program’s inception, with ripple effects on community development.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports, government announcements, and insights from organizations like the World Bank and Nasscom Foundation. Data is sourced from credible web references and may reflect ongoing developments. Readers are advised to verify details through official channels for the latest updates.