A New Pathway for Rural Women: Historic MoU Signed Between MSDE and Ministry of Rural Development

A new MoU between the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the Ministry of Rural Development aims to empower women in Self-Help Groups through targeted skill training and income opportunities, fostering economic growth in rural India.

In a major boost for women-led entrepreneurship and rural livelihood enhancement, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement aims to empower women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by aligning skill training with local market needs and promoting income-generating opportunities across rural India.

The MoU was signed at Krishi Bhawan in the presence of Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), MSDE; Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development; and Dr. Chandrasekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications. At the heart of this collaboration is the ambition to transform SHG women into successful entrepreneurs or "Lakhpati Didis" — those earning ₹1 lakh or more annually. The initiative will focus on demand-driven skill training, digital and financial literacy, market linkages, and access to formal certification through the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH).

Training will be delivered using a robust institutional network, including ITIs, Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSS), Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs), and NIESBUD. Special emphasis will be placed on future skills, business development, legal literacy, and mentorship. The MoU facilitates a framework where State Rural Livelihoods Missions (SRLMs) and District Skill Committees (DSCs) will coordinate to ensure the training is effectively integrated into District Skill Development Plans.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Jayant Chaudhary highlighted the transformative potential of the initiative: "This is not just about economic empowerment — it’s about preparing women to become leaders, job creators, and drivers of local economies." Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan echoed the sentiment, stating: "Over 1.48 lakh Lakhpati Didis are already showing us the way. Our goal is to equip many more with future-ready skills, using India’s training infrastructure to its full potential."

Implementation and Monitoring

This MoU will remain in effect for three years. A Joint Review Committee will conduct quarterly assessments to ensure effective implementation. MoRD will handle beneficiary identification, curriculum support, and state-level coordination. MSDE will oversee trainer programs, certification, and outcome monitoring.

A Step Toward Self-Reliance

The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’, and supports national goals such as ‘Vocal for Local’, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and women’s empowerment. The event also saw the launch of new websites for the Ministry of Rural Development and the Department of Rural Development, further underlining the government’s commitment to digital inclusion and outreach. This historic partnership is poised to bring lasting change to rural India by placing women at the center of India’s economic transformation.