Jaipur, Oct. 15 -- Rajasthan is witnessing a silent yet powerful revolution led by women who are reshaping the economic landscape of the state. At the heart of this transformation stands Rajasthan Mahila Nidhi - a pioneering financial institution that symbolizes self-reliance and inclusive growth of women associated with Rajeevika Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Inaugurated on 26 August 2022, this initiative has bridged the gap between rural women's entrepreneurial aspirations and their access to affordable and timely credit. As the first initiative of its kind in North India and only the second in the country after Telangana's Stree Nidhi, Rajasthan Mahila Nidhi reflects the State Government's commitment towards advancing financial self-reliance among rural women. The institution has been conceived to meet the credit requirements of SHG members under Rajeevika and to help them transition from small savings groups to thriving business owners. The State Government provided an initial grant of Rs.50 crore, supplemented by Rs.110 crore from the Government of India. Every Cluster Level Federation (CLF) under Rajeevika has contributed Rs.10 lakh plus GST as membership share. With 710 CLFs already onboard, the institution rests on a strong cooperative foundation built by the women themselves- a model where ownership and empowerment go hand in hand. At the core of Rajasthan Mahila Nidhi's success lies its innovative and women-centric approach to lending. Unlike traditional banking institutions, it offers credit at subsidized rates tailored to the diverse financial needs of women entrepreneurs. Under various schemes, such as Suvidha Rin Yojana and Samarth Sakhi Rin Yojana, loans ranging from Rs.40,000 to Rs.1 lakh are extended at interest rates as low as 1.5% to 2.5%. These rates are a fraction of what is typically charged by commercial banks, where SHG loans often range between 7% and 12%. This affordability has opened doors for women to invest confidently in agriculture, animal husbandry, handicrafts, small enterprises, and non-farm activities. As a result, women who once relied on local moneylenders now stand as proud entrepreneurs, contributing significantly to household income and community development. A defining moment in Rajasthan Mahila Nidhi's expansion came with the sanctioning of a massive Rs.3000 crore credit limit by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) at a concessional interest rate of 7.5%. This infusion of capital marks a transformative leap for the institution and the women it serves. It ensures that thousands of SHG members will gain timely access to low-cost credit, enabling larger investments in livelihoods and rural enterprises. The scale of this support also reflects the growing confidence of national institutions in Rajasthan Mahila Nidhi's robust model. Earlier, the Rajasthan State Cooperative Bank had sanctioned Rs.99.75 crore at 8.25%, which has already been successfully repaid. This Rs.3000 crore sanction is not merely a financial milestone; it stands as a testament to the credibility, efficiency, and potential of women-driven cooperative finance. The journey of Rajasthan Mahila Nidhi in just a few years has been extraordinary. Since its inception, it has disbursed Rs.536 crore to 1,22,209 women beneficiaries across 39,118 SHGs. This outreach has been particularly significant in remote, desert, and border areas where banking infrastructure remains weak. By taking financial services directly to women in these underserved regions, Mahila Nidhi has redefined the meaning of inclusion. It integrates technology deeply into every step of the financial process. By embracing digital tools, it has ensured transparency, reduced delays, and built trust among women borrowers who often hesitate to engage with formal financial systems. Loan applications are processed digitally by trained staff during SHG meetings, and small loans are approved within 48 hours. Even larger loans are cleared within 15 days-an impressive turnaround compared to conventional systems. Repayments, too, are made digitally through platforms like PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, and BHIM, making the entire process seamless and paperless. The story of Rajasthan Mahila Nidhi is not just about credit-it is about courage, dignity, and the collective power of women. In just three years, Rajasthan Mahila Nidhi has made notable progress in strengthening rural women's access to finance. It demonstrates that when women are given access to affordable and flexible finance, they not only repay responsibly but also uplift their families, communities, and local economies. The initiative has become a beacon of inclusive development. Its rapid success positions it as a model worth replicating across India. The institution embodies the principles of self-reliance, cooperation, and modern governance- showing how government support, community ownership, and digital innovation can converge to drive social change. The recent sanction of Rs.3000 crore from the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) adds new momentum to this effort, expanding the institution's capacity to reach more self-help groups and women entrepreneurs across the state. It reflects both confidence in the model and the State Government's continuing commitment to inclusive, women-centred development. By combining state support, cooperative participation, and technology-driven processes, it has enabled thousands of women to take small but meaningful steps toward financial independence....