MoRD Charts Roadmap for Women-Led Rural Marketing Ecosystems

The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India, through the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), organized a two-day National Consultation on SHE-MARTs (Self Help Entrepreneurs-Marketing Avenues for Rural Transformation) on 14th-15th May’2026 at the Mayfair Convention Hall, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The consultation paved the way for operationalization of the Budget Announcement – 2026, hosted by the Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM), Mission Shakti Department, Government of Odisha, and facilitated by PRADAN as the National Support Organisation (NSO).

The inaugural session was led by Shri T. K. Anil Kumar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India who delivered the keynote inaugural address virtually.

Ms. Swati Sharma, Joint Secretary, MoRD, highlighted that the National Consultation is intended to function as a working platform where States/UTs could critically examine the draft framework, identify implementation gaps, and propose practical alternatives for large-scale rollout.

Ms. Rohini R Bhajibhakare, Joint Secretary, MoRD also joined the consultation to highlight the key features of VB-GRAM-G.

Dr. Monica Priyadarshini, State Mission Director, Odisha Livelihoods Mission highlighted Odisha’s experience in building decentralized women-led enterprise ecosystems through Mission Shakti and community institutions.

Dr. Molishree, Director, Rural Livelihoods, DAY-NRLM, presented the evolution and strategic vision of the SHE-MART initiative and emphasized the need to move from livelihood promotion to enterprise-led rural market systems.

Ms. Deeksha Supyaal Bisht, Assistant Commissioner, VB-GRAM-G, Government of India, discussed potential convergence opportunities between VB-GRAM-G and SHE-MARTs, particularly around women-centric infrastructure, demand generation, and market support systems.\

(updated on 18th may 2026)