NABARD launches MEDP to train SHG Women, ensures livelihood linkages
Ferozepur, October 14, 2025: A NABARD-supported Micro Enterprise Development Programme (MEDP) was inaugurated today at Village Betu Qadim, Mamdot Block, Ferozepur district. The programme aims to train and empower rural women Self Help Group (SHG) members in the stitching of school uniforms, thereby enabling them to acquire sustainable livelihood skills and generate consistent income.
The MEDP has been sanctioned by NABARD for SHG women of Betu Qadim and Mamdot villages, and is being implemented by Sharan Foundation, an NGO active in rural skill development and women empowerment initiatives.
During the inaugural session, Rohit Kashyap, District Development Manager, NABARD Ferozepur, highlighted that such capacity-building initiatives are critical to transforming SHG members into self-reliant micro-entrepreneurs. He stated that skill-oriented interventions not only enhance the earning potential of women but also pave the way for sustained rural enterprise development.
He further added that in a unique example of institutional convergence, the trained SHG members have been linked under the PAHAL Scheme of the Punjab State Rural Livelihood Mission (PSRLM) for stitching school uniforms of government schools, thus ensuring them assured employment even after training completion. “This linkage between NABARD’s skill development initiative and PSRLM’s livelihood mission will provide women consistent income opportunities, enhance their confidence, and strengthen their role in local rural economy,” he remarked.
The event was attended by Maninder Singh, District Programme Manager, PSRLM, who appreciated the efforts of NABARD and Sharan Foundation in creating livelihood linkages and assured that the convergence may be further expanded to include stitching of uniforms for other departments like Police and Civil Administration.
Amritpal Singh, President, Sharan Foundation, anchored the programme and explained the training curriculum and support mechanism planned for participants. Gurbachan Singh, CEO, Mamdot FPO (a NABARD-supported Farmer Producer Organisation), in his special address, highlighted NABARD’s pivotal role in uplifting farmers through FPO promotion and support initiatives. He also presented products developed by the FPO to the dignitaries, showcasing local entrepreneurship nurtured under NABARD’s guidance.
The event also witnessed the presence of the Sarpanch of Village Betu Qadim, local dignitaries, and around 30–40 enthusiastic SHG women members.
Keeping in tune with the observance of Vigilance Awareness Month 2025, a Vigilance Pledge was administered to all participants under the theme “Vigilance: Our Shared Responsibility.”
The initiative reflects NABARD’s continued commitment to fostering women empowerment, livelihood creation, and institutional convergence for sustainable rural development in Ferozepur district.