eSARAS: Empowering Rural Women through Digital Markets

#GS-2 #GS-3 #Governance & Social Justice #Women #Poverty #Economy #Employment #Current Events #National #eSARAS #DAY-NRLM #Self-Help Groups

Why in News

The **Ministry of Rural Development** is promoting the **eSARAS** initiative to empower rural women entrepreneurs and preserve India's traditional crafts.

**eSARAS** is an official online marketplace developed by the **Ministry of Rural Development** under **DAY-NRLM** exclusively for women **Self-Help Groups (SHGs)**.
The platform connects rural artisans like **weavers**, **potters**, **marble artisans**, and **Pashmina producers** directly to buyers across India.
It offers a wide product range including **Chanderi sarees**, **marble crafts**, **Pashmina products**, home items, and traditional food products.
The government provides institutional support for **marketing**, **branding**, **logistics**, **packaging**, and **shipping** of these products.
The platform has expanded into a full digital ecosystem integrated with **ONDC**, **UMANG app**, **SARAS Shakti Collection**, and the **SARAS Aajeevika Gallery** in **New Delhi**.
This initiative boosts rural women entrepreneurship, drives digital inclusion, preserves cultural heritage, and ensures sustainable rural livelihoods.

**DAY-NRLM** is a flagship poverty alleviation program run by the **Ministry of Rural Development** to create sustainable self-employment opportunities.
The mission organizes rural poor households into **Self-Help Groups (SHGs)** and provides continuous financial and technical support to increase their income over time.