Gonda: In a significant initiative to promote women’s economic empowerment and self-reliance, the Saras Mela organised by the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) was held on March 16 at the Venkat Acharya Club premises in Gonda. The exhibition-cum-sale event showcased products created by women associated with various Self Help Groups (SHGs), attracting visitors and encouraging local entrepreneurship.
Stalls Display Wide Range of Products
Women entrepreneurs displayed a diverse range of handmade products including handicrafts, embroidered garments, household items, food products and decorative articles. The stalls highlighted the creativity and skills of rural women and provided them with an opportunity to market their products directly to buyers.
Dignitaries Visit and Appreciate Women’s Efforts
The event was attended by Chairperson of the Divisional Aakanksha Committee Garima Bhushan, who graced the programme as the chief guest. She visited various stalls and appreciated the dedication and craftsmanship of the SHG members.
District Magistrate Priyanka Niranjan and Chief Development Officer Ankita Jain also inspected the exhibition and interacted with the women participants. The officials purchased several products and encouraged the women to continue expanding their enterprises.
Financial Support Announced for SHGs
During the programme, a demonstration cheque worth ₹43.2 crore was distributed under the Community Investment Fund and Revolving Fund schemes. The support will benefit 2,584 SHGs under the Community Investment Fund and 1,422 SHGs under the Revolving Fund, strengthening financial access for rural women’s enterprises.
Encouraging Self-Reliance
Speaking on the occasion, Garima Bhushan stated that Self Help Groups have emerged as an effective platform for empowering rural women economically. District Magistrate Priyanka Niranjan highlighted that the administration is working to connect SHG products with broader markets. CDO Ankita Jain praised the women for becoming self-reliant through entrepreneurship and contributing to positive social change.
The Saras Mela not only provided a marketplace for SHG products but also reinforced the mission of empowering rural women through livelihood opportunities and financial support.
