Ministry Launches Initiatives to Empower Rural Women in Webinar

07 Apr 2025 CW Team

The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) organized an engaging webinar on Friday, bringing together inspiring Lakhpati Didis and representatives from State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs). This session was part of the post-budget consultation series aimed at implementing the Budget 2025-26 announcements with a focus on collaboration and strategic action.

Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, MoRD, emphasized the importance of State partnerships in advancing the Rural Prosperity and Resilience Programme. T K Anil Kumar, Additional Secretary, MoRD, provided a detailed outline for the interaction, setting the tone for constructive discussions. Participants shared valuable insights and strategies to empower more Self Help Group (SHG) women to achieve financial independence and success. The consultation revolved around four critical pillars of rural prosperity: Infrastructure, Finance, Marketing, and Skill Development.

As part of its commitment to empowering rural women, MoRD also launched the Entrepreneurship Planning Digital Tool (EPDT), designed to support aspiring Lakhpati Didis in crafting effective business plans. Developed by LoKOS, the tool simplifies data entry for SHG members, tracks entrepreneurial progress, and offers necessary guidance, making it a key resource for fostering entrepreneurship.

Additionally, a toll-free number—0120-5202521—was introduced to assist women with queries related to becoming Lakhpati Didis. Available Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 6 pm (excluding National Holidays), the helpline aims to provide timely and effective support.

Smriti Sharan, Joint Secretary, MoRD, Swati Sharma, Joint Secretary, MoRD along with other senior officers and thematic team members were present on this occasion.

Infrastructure Transport

28 Oct 2025

Smart Roads, Smarter India

India’s infrastructure boom is not only about laying more kilometres of highways – it’s about building them smarter, safer and more sustainably. From drones mapping fragile Himalayan slopes to 3D machine-controlled graders reducing human error, technology is steadily reshaping the way projects are planned and executed. Yet, the journey towards digitisation remains complex, demanding not just capital but also coordination, training and vision.Until recently, engineers largely depended on Survey of India toposheets and traditional survey methods like total stations or DGPS to prepare detai..

What Does DCPR 2034 Mean?

The Maharashtra government has eased approval norms for high-rise buildings under DCPR 2034, enabling the municipal commissioner to sanction projects up to 180 m on large plots. This change is expected to streamline approvals, reduce procedural delays and accelerate redevelopment, drawing reactions from developers, planners and industry experts about its implications for Mumbai’s vertical growth.Under the revised DCPR 2034 rules, buildings on plots of 2,000 sq m or more can now be approved up to 180 m by the municipal commissioner, provided structural and geotechnical reports are certified b..

Driving Infrastructure Forward with Trustworthy AI

At its Year in Infrastructure 2025 conference in Amsterdam, Bentley Systems reaffirmed its vision for trustworthy AI and connected digital ecosystems shaping the future of infrastructure engineering. The company unveiled AI-powered design applications and Bentley Infrastructure Cloud Connect, a unifying platform connecting data, workflows and professionals across the project lifecycle.“AI is poised to transform infrastructure,” said Nicholas Cumins, CEO, Bentley Systems. “At Bentley, our vision is for AI to empower engineers – not replace them. Trustworthy AI, built on infrastruct..