Secretary Shailesh Kumar Singh Inaugurated Saras Mela at India International Trade Mela

Shailesh Kumar Singh, the Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development, inaugurated the Saras Mela at the International Trade Mela on November 16. Congratulating the dedicated ‘Didis’ from every corner of the country, Singh acknowledged their hard work, which has contributed to the establishment of the Saras Livelihood Mela as a distinct and recognized entity both nationally and internationally.

Mr Singh emphasized the crucial role Saras Melas play in enhancing the livelihoods of Self-Help Group (SHG) Didis. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Mela Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Rural Development is committed to reaching the target of transforming one million SHG Didis into Lakhpati Didis, and the Saras Mela serves as a vital platform in this journey. Various interventions, with a significant focus on marketing, are being provided by the Ministry to empower SHG Didis.

Charanjit Singh, Additional Secretary of the Rural Development Department, highlighted the remarkable progress made by Saras Melas over the past 25 years. He commended the Didis for setting new standards of success through their hard work and expressed their readiness to compete not only nationally but also internationally.

Organized under the Deendayal Anyodya Yojana - National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM), in collaboration with the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), Saras Melas aim to promote marketing for rural women self-help groups. The Mela provides a platform for rural artisans to sell their products directly to customers, eliminating the need for intermediaries. This not only enables direct communication with customers but also ensures Mela prices for the artisans' hard work.

For the past 25 years, the Ministry of Rural Development and NIRDPR have been organizing Saras Melas, contributing to the employment of lakhs of rural women and equipping millions with valuable marketing skills. This year's Mela boasts 165 stalls featuring over 330 rural women from self-help groups across 28 states, with online registration facilitating Didis' participation. To further enhance the business acumen of women in self-help groups, four workshops are scheduled during the Mela. Experts from reputed institutions will impart knowledge and skills related to marketing, fostering a more professional approach.

Running from November 14 to 27, 2023, the Saras Mela will showcase diverse products from states such as Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Himachal, Karnataka, Telangana, and Jharkhand. From traditional textiles like Tussar sarees to wooden products from Jharkhand, the Mela promises a glimpse into the rich tapestry of rural India.