Mandi: Rural women in Himachal Pradesh are becoming self-reliant by benefiting from government welfare schemes. One such inspiring example is Heti Devi, who is earning a steady income by making eco-friendly leaf plates.
A resident of Bihandhar village near Mandi district headquarters, Heti Devi serves as the secretary of the Jyoti Self-Help Group. She has been associated with the group since 2018 and has been actively involved in making traditional leaf plates, locally known as pattals.
These plates are made from the green leaves of the Taur tree and are widely used in weddings, community feasts, and other functions across the region. Apart from being hygienic, these plates are biodegradable and environmentally friendly, making them a popular choice in rural areas.
Initially, Heti Devi used to make pattals manually, earning around ₹5,000 per month. However, after receiving a machine from the Mandi development block in 2023 under the Himachal Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission, her income doubled. She now produces pattals using the machine and earns approximately ₹10,000 per month, depending on demand.
She shared that her products are of better quality compared to others in the market. Handcrafted pattals are sold at ₹200 per hundred, while machine-made ones fetch ₹400 per hundred. Similarly, handmade bowls (dona) are priced at ₹100 per hundred, whereas machine-made versions sell for ₹200 per hundred.
The self-help group has also adopted digital methods to boost sales. Orders are now received via mobile phones, helping streamline their business operations and increase reach.
Expressing gratitude, Heti Devi credited government initiatives and thanked Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for supporting rural women through such schemes.
Group president Tripta Devi informed that the self-help group was formed in 2018 and consists of six women. The group received ₹40,000 as a revolving fund from the government, which is being used for internal lending and expanding their business. She added that the group earns between ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh annually from the leaf plate business, helping sustain their families.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Apurva Devgan stated that self-help groups are playing a vital role in promoting women empowerment at the grassroots level. He assured that all necessary steps are being taken in Mandi district to strengthen such groups as per government directives.
