New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu said on Thursday that Self-Help Groups and SARAS Melas can help bring development to every village and every household as India moves towards its goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Addressing the SARAS Mela in Vijayawada organised by the Union Ministry of Rural Development and the Andhra Pradesh Government President Droupadi Murmu said that rural women are no longer only beneficiaries of government schemes. Rural women have become wealth creators. Are emerging as important drivers of development.
President Droupadi Murmu noted that women play a role in agriculture and that Self‑Help Groups have opened new paths for women’s financial, technical and social empowerment. President Droupadi Murmu said that more than 10 crore women are now associated with over 90 lakh Self‑Help Groups across the country contributing meaningfully to families’ well-being and, to inclusive rural development.
Highlighting the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative President Droupadi Murmu said that the initiative has given momentum to rural women’s empowerment. Women’s empowerment now gains new momentum. She added that growing participation in sectors such as digital services and renewable energy has created new opportunities for skill development.
President Murmu also stressed that empowerment should be measured by rural women’s control over their income and assets. She called for stronger community-based support for domestic care responsibilities and greater participation of rural women in climate-resilient enterprises.
Describing SARAS Melas as thriving rural markets, she said the fairs have strengthened direct links between women entrepreneurs and consumers across the country.
Around 1,500 women SHG entrepreneurs and Lakhpati Didis from 34 States and Union Territories are showcasing products at more than 650 stalls. The Mela will continue till October 31, 2026.
