Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh government has rolled out a major initiative aimed at empowering the Tharu tribe. As part of the drive to bring forest-dwelling and special tribal communities into the economic mainstream, the state has formed 371 Tharu Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across three districts.

Each group is being provided with a revolving fund of ₹30,000 and a Community Investment Fund (CIF) of ₹1.5 lakh to support small-scale industries and sustainable livelihoods. These efforts are designed to make the Tharu community more self-reliant, boost their income levels, and promote entrepreneurship among tribal members.

Tharu Handicraft Company to Promote Traditional Art

In a significant step to promote the traditional skills of the Tharu community, the government has established the Tharu Handicraft Company in the Palia block of Lakhimpur Kheri district. With support from the Forest and Development Related Value Chain (FDRVC), this company aims to unite Tharu artisans under a single platform, offering them better market access and brand recognition for their products.

The initiative is expected to help Tharu artisans scale their businesses and promote indigenous crafts at national and international levels. Until now, the lack of organization had prevented them from receiving fair value for their work.

A Model for Tribal Empowerment

The Yogi government’s mission is to integrate every section of society, including forest dwellers and marginalized tribal groups, into the path of development. “Our priority is to make every citizen self-reliant through education, healthcare, employment, and livelihood initiatives,” said CM Yogi Adityanath.

The Tharu initiative, he added, would become a model for future programs aimed at other tribal communities in the state. By harnessing the community’s rich heritage in handicrafts and natural resource-based products, the state aims to create sustainable, long-term economic benefits for the Tharu people.