VARANASI, Sept. 11 -- Over the past decade, at least 11,600 self-help groups (SHGs) have been established across Varanasi district under the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM), bringing together more than 1.38 lakh women engaged in producing a variety of locally made 'Swadeshi' goods to earn a livelihood. "UPSRLM in Varanasi has not only empowered rural women but also created a vibrant ecosystem of self-employment, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive growth," said chief development officer Himanshu Nagpal. To support women in their economic activities, the mission has provided various forms of financial assistance, including revolving funds, community investment funds, and livelihood funds, according to district mission manager SK Singh. He further stated that bank credit linkages have been facilitated to ensure easy access to financial resources. So far, SHGs in the district have received financial aid worth crores of rupees, enabling them to launch and sustain income-generating activities. In addition, cadres have been deployed at the village panchayat level to provide regular guidance, assist in livelihood enhancement, manage fund disbursals, and connect women with employment opportunities. So far, 840 village organisations and 32 cluster-level organisations have been formed. These structures serve as monitoring bodies, platforms for knowledge-sharing and collaboration, and are instrumental in livelihood promotion and market access, Singh added....