The Himachal Pradesh State Co-operative Bank received a National Award for its excellent work in connecting Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with banks. This award was given under the government scheme Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission, which helps rural people, especially women, become financially independent.
The bank has done excellent work in giving loans and financial support to women’s Self-Help Groups. The Himachal Pradesh State Co-operative Bank has provided loans to over 53,000 women through its Sashakt Mahila Rin Yojana. Because of this support, thousands of women were able to start small businesses and earn their own income, which improved their lives and financial stability.
The bank has won this national award for the third year in a row, which shows its consistent & strong performance. Himachal Pradesh State Co-operative Bank has steadily increased its loan support to Self-Help Groups over the years. In 2022–23, the bank gave about Rs 24.38 crore in loans to 1,048 groups. This amount nearly doubled in 2024–25, when the bank provided Rs 48.89 crore to 1,997 groups, helping many more people. In the current year 2025–26, the bank has already given Rs 35.14 crore in loans to 1,383 groups.
The award ceremony was held in Hyderabad. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan gave the award to the bank’s Managing Director Sharwan Manta. Managing Director Sharwan Manta said this achievement will encourage the cooperative banking sector and help empower more women. Bank Chairman Devender Shyam said this award shows the hard work of the bank staff and the trust of women customers.
