MORD and MSDE Collaborate to Empower Rural Women through Skill Development and Livelihood Support
In a historic moment, the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) and the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) signed a signification Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi to strengthen rural livelihoods and empower women. The MoU focuses on skilling women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to promote rural entrepreneurship and create viable, market-oriented livelihood opportunities.
This initiative is in support of the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, as well as helping fast-track the Lakhpati Didi Mission, which seeks to enable 3 crore rural women with sustainable livelihoods and financial inclusion.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister for Rural Development, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Rural Development, and Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Senior officials from both ministries, including Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, MoRD, and Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE, also attended the event.
Speaking at the event, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized that rural women are becoming the driving force behind India’s economic transformation. “Today, over 10 crore women are part of 91 lakh SHGs under DAY-NRLM. These women are not just participants — they are leaders in agriculture, enterprise, and services. Our goal of creating 3 crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’ is not just a dream, but a mission in motion.”
He further noted that with this new partnership, both ministries are working together to bring structured skilling programs, entrepreneurship development, and market access right to the grassroots.
Shri Jayant Chaudhary highlighted the importance of convergence between skill development and rural aspirations. “We are ensuring that rural women have the tools and support needed to earn, grow, and lead,” he said.
The MoU is valid for three years, during which a Joint Review Committee will monitor progress every quarter.This convergence will leverage the MoRD’s deep engagement with communities and experience with livelihoods and the MSDE’s training infrastructure and institutional support to provide rural women with practical and market-relevant skills, and engage them with entrepreneurship support.
Dr. Pemmasani, MoS for Rural Development called the partnership a powerful step towards an inclusive and developed rural India, where women were front and centre in economies.
The government, then, communicates through this initiative its strategic intent to uplift women at the last mile by developing the capacity of SHG members to become confident entrepreneurs and support the emergence and growth of India’s rural economy from the ground upwards!
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