PRAYAGRAJ, March 19 -- In a major push to strengthen the rural economy and empower women, authorities are working to build an extensive entrepreneurial network across villages, aiming to bring a large section of the rural female population into self-employment, officials said. Traditionally confined to household chores and agricultural support, women in rural areas of Prayagraj district are now being encouraged to take up income-generating activities. According to Gulab Chandra, deputy commissioner of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) in Prayagraj, women listed as ration card holders will be linked to self-help groups (SHGs). This will enable them to balance domestic responsibilities while pursuing economic opportunities. Under the initiative, around 5,00,000 women out of approximately 7,50,000 women ration card holders in the district are expected to be brought under the mission. The move is likely to provide significant relief to families facing financial constraints, he said. Across UP, rural women are increasingly emerging as a vital force in the local economy. The state government, under the National Rural Livelihood Mission, is running campaigns to connect women with SHGs.htc...