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The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a plan to allocate space within sugarcane committee premises to women’s self-help groups (SHGs), aiming to expand income-generating opportunities in rural areas. Under the initiative, these groups will be allowed to operate small businesses such as canteens and product outlets without paying rent for an initial period.

According to officials, the Department of Sugar Industry and Cane Development has signed an agreement with the state’s rural livelihood mission to implement the scheme. The plan focuses on enabling women associated with SHGs to run “Prerna Canteens” and set up marketing centres to sell locally produced goods, including food items, handicrafts, and agricultural products.

The proposed arrangement includes a two-year rent-free period, after which SHGs will be required to pay a subsidized rent set at half of the prevailing rates determined by district authorities. The ownership of the premises will remain with the sugarcane committees, with no transfer of property rights involved.

Officials say the programme is designed to integrate economic activities within existing institutional spaces, potentially reducing barriers to entry for women entrepreneurs. In addition to providing space, the plan includes provisions for training in areas such as food safety, hygiene, and business operations. Coordination with regulatory bodies is also expected to ensure compliance with safety standards.

The Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission has been assigned a central role in facilitating training and capacity-building efforts. Authorities have indicated that women participating in the programme may also receive support to showcase their products at fairs and exhibitions, potentially widening market access.

While the initiative is being positioned as a step toward strengthening rural livelihoods, its effectiveness will likely depend on execution at the local level. Factors such as infrastructure quality, consistent training, access to supply chains, and sustained demand for products could influence outcomes. Additionally, monitoring mechanisms and transparency in space allocation may be key to ensuring equitable access for SHGs.

The move also reflects a broader effort to diversify the role of sugarcane committees beyond procurement-related activities. If implemented effectively, it could contribute to localized economic activity, though its long-term impact on income generation and employment will need to be assessed over time.