About SHE Marts:
- SHE (Self-help Entrepreneur) Marts are planned as community-owned retail outlets that will be set up within cluster-level federations through enhanced and innovative finance instruments.
- It aims to provide women entrepreneurs with better market access, branding opportunities, and sustainable income avenues, while strengthening grassroots institutions such as self-help groups (SHGs).
- The proposal builds on the success of the Lakhpati Didi programme and signals a policy shift from micro-credit-led livelihoods to structured, women-owned enterprises.
- SHE Marts are meant to:
- Provide permanent retail points for SHG-made goods.
- Improve direct market access.
- Support value-added and processed products.
- Be backed by enhanced and innovative financing instruments.
What is the Lakhpati Didi Programme?
- Run by the Ministry of Rural Development, the Lakhpati Didi programme seeks to support rural women by helping members of SHGs start small businesses and earn a steady income of at least Rs 1 lakh a year.
- Under this scheme, women will be trained in various skills, such as plumbing, LED bulb making, drone operation and repair, and tailoring and weaving.
- After completing the training, women will be provided with opportunities to earn income using their skills.
- The programme aims to help them become financially independent.
