Why in news?
In the Union Budget 2026‑27, the government proposed the creation of community‑owned SHE Marts—retail outlets managed by women from self‑help groups (SHGs). These outlets build on the ongoing Lakhpati Didi programme, which aims to raise the annual household income of SHG members to at least ₹1 lakh. The initiative highlights efforts to transform SHG members from borrowers into entrepreneurs.
Background
Self‑help groups have long been vehicles for women’s economic empowerment in India. Through collective savings and access to microcredit, members invest in small businesses or livelihoods. In 2023 the government launched the Lakhpati Didi initiative with a target of assisting three crore women to achieve an annual income of ₹1 lakh. The programme identifies eligible women, offers them skills training and links them to markets and government schemes.
SHE Marts concept
- Community‑owned retail: SHE Marts will be operated by SHGs at the cluster level. They will sell products produced by SHG members—such as handicrafts, processed foods and textiles—giving women a stable platform to market their goods.
- Innovative finance: The outlets will use blended finance instruments and credit guarantees so that SHG federations can own and manage them without heavy external debt.
- Value addition: SHE Marts will encourage quality control, packaging, branding and digital payments, helping women capture more value and build enterprises rather than simply selling raw products.
Impact of Lakhpati Didi
- More than one crore women have already crossed the ₹1 lakh income threshold through diversified livelihoods such as poultry farming, handicrafts, tailoring and small retail.
- The programme focuses on training, market linkages and convergence of government schemes. Women receive guidance on bookkeeping, product design and digital skills, enabling them to run micro‑enterprises.
- By creating a pipeline of trained entrepreneurs, Lakhpati Didi lays the groundwork for SHE Marts to succeed as women‑run retail hubs.
Significance
- SHE Marts will provide a collective marketing platform, allowing women to obtain better prices for their goods and reduce reliance on middlemen.
- The initiative promotes women’s leadership and ownership in retail operations, fostering confidence and community solidarity.
- Integrating digital payments and professional retail practices brings rural producers into the formal economy and improves financial inclusion.
Source: The PRINT
