Sangrur/ Satoj:

In a significant move towards women empowerment, the District Administration of Sangrur, in collaboration with Vardhman Special Steels Limited, launched a pilot project for digital financial literacy aimed at strengthening rural women entrepreneurs in village Satoj. The initiative was inaugurated by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s mother, Harpal Kaur, and wife, Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Rishi.

A specially designed mobile application, ‘MeraBills App,’ in Gurmukhi language, was introduced to help women entrepreneurs efficiently manage their business records.

Addressing the event, DC Sandeep Rishi highlighted that 3,741 self-help groups (SHGs) are operational in the district, enabling women to produce and sell various handmade products. With the support of the administration and banks, these women have been accessing loans to strengthen their financial conditions. Under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Vardhman Special Steels Limited plans to connect 5,000 rural women with the MeraBills App to enhance their digital financial literacy.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, wife of CM Bhagwant Mann, emphasized the importance of this initiative in making rural women self-reliant. She encouraged more women to benefit from the program.

Sachit Jain, Vice Chairman of Vardhman Special Steels Limited, stated that this initiative aims to empower women entrepreneurs to expand their businesses. The company has also proposed innovative projects, including creating a forest area on 20 acres near Satoj. Additionally, an e-classroom, skill development center, and sewing center will be established to boost employment opportunities.

During the event, MeraBills App CEO Pia Bahadur addressed the audience, and various individuals were honored by the district administration and village panchayat for their contributions.

Harpal Kaur and Dr. Gurpreet Kaur flagged off 10 e-rickshaws provided by Vardhman Special Steels Limited for waste collection and visited the stalls showcasing products by SHGs, appreciating the hard work of the women entrepreneurs.

Notable attendees included ADC Development Sukhchain Singh Papra, SDM Pramod Singla, Amit Dhawan and Harnek Singh from Vardhman Steels, Satoj village sarpanch Harbans Singh, and DPM Saurabh Bansal, along with a large number of villagers.