A New Role for Women
The Jalsakhi Initiative is transforming lives in lovely hilly Uttarakhand. It assists women to be strong and independent and it guarantees villages access to clean drinking water. This initiative is all about respect, confidence, and future of the women because the government after the success of the Lakhpati Didi scheme that helped 163,000 women earn more than 1 lakh annually are building upon.
The Jalsakhi Initiative began with the Dhami government in 2025, and trains women on self- help groups to operate rural water systems. These women who were referred to as Nal Jal Mitras or Tap water Friends take care of activities such as providing new water connections, supplying bills, water collection, water paying, and water quality checking.
By using water testing kits, they identify and report issues and received 10 rupees each bill and a percentage of revenue. This is a constant income which sustains them within their villages.
Building on Success
Jalsakhi Initiative is an extension of Lakhpati Didi scheme, which was introduced in 2022. In that program women were trained in farming, dairy, stitching and digital payments that made them earn good money. Jalsakhis now go a step further and involve themselves in water management which is a requirement by every family. It is life transforming to the likes of Meena who hails out of Pauri Garhwal. She says, I felt ignored. It gives me joy now that I am correcting water problems.
More Than a Job
It is not all about money in this program. It provides women with power of expression.
Women in rural Uttarakhand usually cover long distances to get a supply of water. They as Jalsakhis resolve the water issues and are thus respected leaders of the community. When a water pipe breaks or the water is not clean, they come to the rescue and test the water and repair breakdowns. This makes the family healthier and leaves time in order to do other work.
Lifting Families Up
The monies Jalsakhis make are beneficial to their families. They spend it on education of the children, improved diet or savings. The effect of this is that they become self-reliant and thus they do not have to rely on other people. It also motivates young girls to regard women as powerful leaders. The situation was demonstrated by the Lakhpati Didi scheme that allowed women to access a business. Jalsakhis are going up that success to the next level.
Saving Water, Saving Lives
Jalsakhis also contribute to the environment. They conserve a lot of water in the hills
through monitoring water and repairing leaks. They make water systems function efficiently thus having enough water to all. This is crucial in Uttarakhand where water source may be distant or dry during the summer.
A Brighter Future
Jalsakhi Initiative provides women with finances, esteem, and the opportunity of making
their communities stronger. As an extension of the Lakhpati Didi scheme, it provides
evidence that when a woman is given a chance, then she can transform herself and others as well. When Jalsakhis wander on the hills with their water testing gadgets, they bring along a nugget of hope, pride and brighter future of Uttarakhand.
Related Articles
Leave a Reply