The Union Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) and the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) have signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) to collaborate on formalizing and strengthening Self Help Group (SHG) women-led rural enterprises through MoMSME's flagship schemes.

The SoI was signed by Ms. Swati Sharma, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development, and Ms. Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, at a ceremony held at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi. The event was attended by Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, MoRD, Shri S C L Das, Secretary, MoMSME, and Shri Charanjit Singh, Additional Secretary, MoRD, along with other senior officials from both ministries.

Ms. Swati Sharma emphasized that the signing of this SoI reflects a whole-of-government approach. She highlighted that this collaboration will empower Lakhpati Didis, as envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Ms. Mercy Epao affirmed that this SoI will strengthen the partnership between the two ministries to support and elevate SHG Didis in entrepreneurship, leveraging MoMSME's flagship initiatives such as Yeshaswini - Apna Udyam, Apni Pehchaan, Udyam Assist, and more.

Both the Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development and the Secretary of the Ministry of MSME appreciated this convergence and committed to undertaking various collaborative steps in alignment with the Statement of Intent.