Udyam Sakhi started with 12 women and one USHA machine in Nagaur in 2011. It is now 19 collectives federated as Maru Shakti Sangathan, with forward linkages to Fabindia, Anokhi and local haats, and backward linkages to bank accounts and social security.
Each collective saves ₹100 per week in its own account, audits its books on the first Monday, and rotates leadership every year. In 2023-24 average annual income per member crossed ₹46,000 — up from ₹11,000 at baseline.
What changes with income
- Girls stay in school — fees paid from women's earnings
- Decision-making shifts at home — documented in our annual social audit
- Climate-resilient crafts — khadi, appliqué, block-print