Aadhar Housing Finance Ltd. (AHFL) has rolled out a skill development initiative aimed at economically empowering underprivileged women in Assam. The program targets 300 women across seven villages in Dakhin Bholagaon and Ranigaon Gram Panchayats of Chayani Rani Block, Rani Development District. The initiative focuses on enhancing livelihoods through training in handloom weaving, turmeric and black pepper processing, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy.
The project is implemented in collaboration with Assam and Meghalaya-based NGO, Grameen Sahara, and seeks to provide women with access to markets, financial institutions, and technical partners. AHFL’s MD & CEO, Rishi Anand, highlighted that the program builds on local traditions while promoting financial independence, sustainable income opportunities, and self-reliance. “This initiative will strengthen traditional skills, promote financial awareness, and connect women to market opportunities,” Anand said.
In Guwahati, the initiative is expected to create a ripple effect. By linking rural producers with urban buyers and platforms in Guwahati, women artisans and spice producers can tap into a wider consumer base, boosting demand for handloom products and locally cultivated spices, while supporting sustainable rural-urban economic integration. Grameen Sahara Secretary Sarat Chandra Das added that combining traditional skills with modern financial awareness will enable rural women to transition from subsistence livelihoods to sustainable enterprises. AHFL plans to expand its CSR initiatives across India, focusing on skill development, education, and social inclusion.