India\u2019s Union Budget 2026 has proposed a nationwide network of community-owned retail outlets to widen market access for women-run enterprises.<\/p>\n
Presenting the budget, Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the planned Self-Help Entrepreneur (SHE) Marts would be located within cluster-level federations.<\/p>\n
It will serve as structured sales channels for products made by women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in rural and semi-urban areas.<\/p>\n
Under the SHE-Mart proposal, the government said each district would host community-owned stores designed to showcase and sell products made by women, offering SHGs and rural producers access to wider consumer markets.<\/p>\n
Budget papers said the initiative draws on the Lakhpati Didi Programme and will be supported through enhanced and innovative financing instruments.<\/p>\n
The outlets are intended to raise incomes, strengthen local value chains and place women in roles as entrepreneurs and job creators.<\/p>\n
Retail integration is also envisaged for fisheries and coastal livelihoods, with women-led groups linked to markets through start-ups, women-run collectives and Fish Farmers Producer Organisations.<\/p>\n
These linkages would run alongside the development of 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars.<\/p>\n
Highlighting the district-level rollout, the Indian Government said: \u201cThe Viksit Bharat Budget\u2019s plans to open SHE Marts and girls\u2019 hostels in every district will provide our sisters with better education and opportunities for self-reliance.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Budget aims to \u201cdeepen women\u2019s economic participation at the grassroots\u201d through the new retail outlets.<\/p>\n
In addition, the Budget announced targeted support for traditional, women-intensive sectors via a National Handloom and Handicraft Programme, which will bring various existing schemes under one umbrella.<\/p>\n
The Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj initiative will also be implemented, covering training, skills development, quality upgradation, and international market linkages and branding.<\/p>\n
In a press statement, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said: \u201cIn the Viksit Bharat Budget, the plan to open girls\u2019 hostels in every district will provide our sisters with better and safer access to education.<\/p>\n
“These retail outlets will create a strong foundation for making women enterprise owners. Additionally, with the launch of the She-Mark badge, easy access to financing for women will be ensured.\u201d<\/p>\n