Has the Maha Cabinet Approved Umed Malls for Women SHGs?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Exciting news for women's self-help groups in Maharashtra! The state cabinet has approved the establishment of Umed Malls, aimed at providing a marketplace for SHG products. This initiative promises to boost local economies and empower women entrepreneurs, fostering a new era of economic growth in rural areas.
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra Cabinet has approved Umed Malls in 10 districts.
- Each mall will have a budget of Rs 20 crore.
- The initiative aims to empower women's self-help groups (SHGs).
- A total of Rs 200 crore has been allocated for the project.
- Umed Malls will provide training and communication spaces for women.
Mumbai, July 29 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has given the green light for the creation of 'Umed Mall' (District Sales Centre) in ten districts under the 'UMED-Maharashtra State Rural Livelihood Upliftment Mission' of the Rural Development Department. This initiative aims to establish a robust marketplace for products produced by women's self-help groups (SHGs) in rural regions.
A substantial fund of Rs 200 crore has been allocated for this project. The primary goal is to facilitate local and national market access for various products from SHGs, which aim to foster entrepreneurship among women in rural communities. In the inaugural phase, these malls will be launched in ten districts, with plans for expansion to additional areas thereafter, as stated by the government.
The budget for each Umed Mall is capped at Rs 20 crore, with construction taking place on Zilla Parishad land. Each self-help group will receive designated spaces within the malls, with a special hall reserved for women to enable communication and training, as mentioned in the statement.
The state government will seek proposals from Zilla Parishads for the establishment of Umed Malls, prioritizing districts that have centrally located and available land.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Maharashtra State Rural Livelihoods Mission will oversee the tendering process, develop plans, and ensure project execution.
Maintenance and upkeep of the Umed Malls will fall under the jurisdiction of the Zilla Parishads.
Earlier, Chief Minister Fadnavis lauded the impressive advancements of the UMED initiative, which has provided a solid platform for women SHGs to market their offerings.
Products from women’s SHGs are known for their top-notch quality, but they need effective marketing strategies to reach broader audiences.
As of 2024, Maharashtra boasts 6,08,561 SHGs.
In the 2023-24 period, 44,000 SHGs were initiated in Maharashtra, mobilizing 5.7 lakh rural households into these groups.
He emphasized that SHG products are not only competitive in quality compared to private companies, but they are also affordably priced.
Over 60 lakh families are experiencing economic advancement through the UMED initiative.
State Rural Development Minister Jaykumar Gore stated that the government is committed to enhancing the economic status of women.
The state plans to create a permanent marketplace for SHG products by establishing malls in major district centers and smaller marketing outlets at the taluka level.
Furthermore, consideration will be given to provisions for individual loans tailored for women entrepreneurs within SHGs.
The UMED initiative has successfully transformed millions of women into thriving entrepreneurs, and to further elevate their sales and market visibility, the Mahalakshmi Saras event is held annually, Gore added.
Point of View
The establishment of Umed Malls represents a significant step towards empowering women in rural Maharashtra. This initiative not only provides a platform for women's self-help groups to showcase their products but also contributes to the economic development of the region. The government's focus on creating sustainable marketplaces highlights the importance of supporting local artisans and entrepreneurs, ensuring that they have access to broader markets.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Umed Mall initiative?
The Umed Mall initiative aims to establish District Sales Centres in ten districts of Maharashtra to provide a marketplace for products created by women's self-help groups.
How much funding has been allocated for Umed Malls?
A total fund of Rs 200 crore has been approved for setting up Umed Malls.
Who will manage the Umed Malls?
The Chief Executive Officer of the Maharashtra State Rural Livelihoods Mission will oversee the management and implementation of the Umed Malls.
How many SHGs are there in Maharashtra?
As of 2024, there are 6,08,561 self-help groups in Maharashtra.
What is the goal of the UMED initiative?
The goal is to empower women entrepreneurs and provide them with a sustainable platform for marketing their products.
