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

Key takeaways

The Ministry of Rural Development launched eSARAS under DAY-NRLM to provide an online marketplace for women Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
The platform supports rural artisans by offering direct access to national markets and integrating with ONDC and the UMANG app.
DAY-NRLM focuses on mobilizing poor rural households into SHGs to build sustainable livelihoods and reduce poverty across India.

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.