29/08/2026
From Stitches to National Pride: SHG Women Turn Skills into Livelihoods through the National Tricolour Campaign- 2026
The Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission - MSRLM (Manipur SRLM) created a meaningful livelihood opportunity for rural women Self-Help Group (SHG) members by engaging them in the stitching and supply of National Flags (Tricolours) during the National Tricolour Campaign from 9th to 17th August 2026. As part of the initiative, several SHGs from Imphal East and Thoubal districts participated in the production of National Flags. Drawing on their existing tailoring and stitching skills, the women collectively produced approximately 15,000 National Flags, which were supplied to various line departments, government institutions and offices.
The initiative generated an estimated income turnover of ₹7 lakh for the participating SHGs, providing the women with an additional source of livelihood while also enabling government institutions to procure locally produced flags from SHG enterprises.
“The National Tricolour Campaign has provided our SHG members with more than an opportunity to stitch flags. It has created a platform where their skills can be converted into income and their collective efforts can contribute to a national cause. Such convergence with line departments can open new markets for SHG products and strengthen the economic empowerment of rural women.”
The initiative demonstrates the potential of convergence between livelihood programmes and government departments in creating sustainable market opportunities for SHGs. By connecting women producers with institutional demand, Manipur SRLM is encouraging SHGs to move beyond traditional livelihood activities and explore market-oriented enterprises, collective production and local business opportunities.
For the participating women, the campaign was not merely an income-generating activity. It was an opportunity to put their skills to meaningful use, support their families and contribute to a national cause.
“We were happy to receive the opportunity to stitch the National Flags. It allowed us to use our tailoring skills, earn income for our families and, at the same time, feel proud that our work was contributing to the National Tricolour Campaign.” - Reni, SHG Member, .
The campaign also highlighted the strength of SHGs as grassroots institutions capable of undertaking collective production, fulfilling institutional orders and generating income through group-based enterprises. What began with needles, threads and the skills of rural women became a collective effort that connected livelihoods with national pride.
Manipur SRLM continues to work towards strengthening the livelihoods of rural women through skill development, enterprise promotion, market access and convergence with government departments and institutions. Initiatives such as the National Tricolour Campaign demonstrate how such convergence can translate existing skills into real economic opportunities at the community level.
The experience is a testament to the fact that when rural women are given opportunities, their skills can create not only livelihoods, but also products that carry a sense of pride, purpose and national identity.
Aajeevika - National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) Saras Aajeevika Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India
