Context: The Ministry of Rural Development launched the SARAS Shakti Collection and the SARAS Shakti Coffee Table Book during the Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Sammelan (RGVS) 2026.
About SARAS Shakti:
What It Is?
- SARAS Shakti is a flagship branding and marketing initiative under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). It showcases premium products made by women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to promote rural entrepreneurship and expand market access.
Aim:
- To strengthen women-led rural enterprises through branding, product promotion, and wider market linkages.
- To position SHG products in premium institutional and consumer markets while supporting the vision of Lakhpati Didis and Viksit Bharat.
Key Features:
- Curated Product Collection: Showcases premium handlooms, handicrafts, textiles, wellness products, home décor, and traditional foods made by women SHGs.
- SARAS Shakti Coffee Table Book: Documents the diversity, quality, success stories, and market potential of SHG enterprises across India.
- Market Access Platform: Enhances branding, packaging, digital marketing, and institutional market linkages for rural products.
- Women Enterprise Promotion: Supports over 10 crore women associated with SHGs under DAY-NRLM, encouraging sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurship.
Significance:
- Strengthens women’s entrepreneurship, improves rural incomes, and supports the goal of creating 6 crore Lakhpati Didis by 2029.
- Enhances the visibility of indigenous products, preserving traditional crafts while expanding domestic and institutional markets.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus
- GS Paper II:
- Government policies and interventions for rural development and inclusive growth.
- GS Paper III:
- Inclusive development, rural economy, livelihood generation, women-led entrepreneurship, and MSMEs.
