*Saras Aajeevika Mela boosts artisan–buyer connect and strengthens economic self-reliance: Chief Minister*

*Chief Minister addresses the closing ceremony of Saras Aajeevika Mela-2025 as Chief Guest*

*CM launches Swaapan Digital Gram Bazar Portal and Sanjha Bazaar Sales Portal*

*Self-Help Groups are key to women’s economic empowerment: Chief Minister*

Chandigarh November 23: Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the Saras Aajeevika Mela not only brings artisans and buyers together but also contributes to the country’s economic self-reliance. He emphasized that everyone should take pride in the products created by local artisans and give priority to purchasing them. By doing so, we can support the artisans and small entrepreneurs of our region, he added.

Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini was addressing the closing ceremony of the Saras Aajeevika Mela-2025, held today at the Parade Ground in Sector 5, Panchkula, as the chief guest.

Chief Minister calls on women entrepreneurs to develop products matching global standards in quality and craftsmanship

Earlier, the Chief Minister visited stalls showcasing various products set up by women self-help group members, artisans, and craftsmen from different states, and he showed keen interest in their creations. Praising the women’s artistry and skills, he said that by producing indigenous (Swadeshi) goods, they are making a significant contribution to Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi’s vision of a Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) and strengthening the spirit of Vocal for Local. He also urged women entrepreneurs to create products that can compete foreign goods in both quality and craftsmanship.

Swaapan Digital Gram Bazar Portal to enable global display and sales of SHG Products

On this occasion, Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini launched two online portals of the Haryana State Rural Livelihood Mission-the Swaapan Digital Gram Bazar Portal and the Sanjha Bazaar Sales Portal.

The Swaapan Digital Gram Bazar Portal is an integrated e-commerce platform that will enable the global display and sale of products manufactured by Haryana’s Self-Help Groups. This initiative will enhance the livelihoods of rural women and strengthen their economic independence. Through this online retail platform, SHGs will be able to register their products, receive orders, monitor sales records, and reach customers at both the state and national levels.

Similarly, the Sanjha Bazaar Sales Portal will provide SHGs with continuous market access, transparency in stall allocation, real-time sales tracking, and product performance analytics. This portal will integrate all operational activities under Sanjha Bazaar, including bus stand shops, village shops, canteens, Saras Mela stalls, and mall kiosks.

*Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi commends the contribution of Self-Help Groups*

The Chief Minister expressed his delight at the large participation of women in the fair, saying that it has become an important platform for women’s empowerment. He said that SHGs have played a significant role in advancing the economic independence of women across the country. He also highlighted that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has praised the work of SHGs. In his Mann Ki Baat address on July 28, 2024, the Prime Minister mentioned the handloom industry in Rohtak district and commended the hard work and skills of the women involved. More than 250 women in Rohtak are engaged in block printing and dyeing, having received training through self-help groups. He said that to promote such industries, the state government established the Haryana State Rural Livelihood Mission, which is helping rural poor families increase their income and integrate into the mainstream of society.

*Sanjha Bazaar are being set up at all district headquarters*

The Chief Minister said that after seeing the handmade products created by women at the fair, he realized that, if given the opportunity, they are second to none. Sanjha Bazaar are being set up at all district headquarters to promote and sell these products, with ten Sanjha Bazaar already established across the state. Both online and offline platforms have been provided to support marketing and branding of these products.

*Over 5.9 lakh families connected through 60,554 SHGs*

The Chief Minister stated that under the Haryana State Rural Livelihood Mission, 598,000 families have been linked to 60,554 self-help groups so far. These groups are provided financial assistance through soft loans, revolving funds, and community investment funds. To date, various types of financial support totalling Rs 547.89 crore have been disbursed. The government has also increased the community investment fund from Rs 50,000 to Rs 150,000. In addition, women from self-help groups have received hotel management training, and they now operate approximately 380 canteens across the state.

*Haryana aims to empower 3 lakh women as Lakhpati Didis*

Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that under the Drone Didi scheme, women are being trained to operate drones and provide services in agriculture, horticulture, and other sectors, promoting their self-reliance. Drones have already been distributed to 100 women, and the government is continuously working to ensure that Drone Didis receive ample work opportunities. The government’s aim is to create 3 lakh Lakhpati Didis across Haryana.

Women manage 151 Vita sales centers across the State

The Chief Minister said that women are the backbone of our society and have played an equal role in the state’s overall development. This is why Haryana is today recognized as one of the most progressive states in the country. To further empower women and promote self-reliance, the management of 151 Vita sales centers in the state has been entrusted entirely to women.

*Saras Aajeevika Mela gives new wings to women entrepreneurs’ dreams- Dr Saket Kumar*

In his welcome address, Commissioner and Secretary of the Development and Panchayats Department and Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. Saket Kumar, said that the objective of the Saras Aajeevika Mela is not only to provide women from self-help groups with an opportunity to sell their products but also to give new wings to their dreams. He added that both Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini have taken several important initiatives to empower women at the national and state levels.

*Women entrepreneurs share experiences and express gratitude to the Chief Minister*

During the event, women from self-help groups in Haryana and other states shared their experiences and expressed their gratitude to Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini for providing a platform that enables women entrepreneurs to sell their products. They highlighted that they have become self-reliant and that their products are gaining recognition both nationally and internationally. They also said that the fair generated substantial revenue through the sale of pickles, spices, various dishes, metal utensils, toys, and other items.

On this occasion, Women and Child Development Minister Shruti Choudhry, former Speaker of the Haryana Legislative Assembly Gian Chand Gupta along with women from self-help groups, artisans, weavers, and craftsmen from various states, were present.

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