The Karnataka state government plans to establish kiosks and mini-supermarkets where female-owned self-help groups (SHGs) can sell their wares in accordance to boost the rural economy. The Congress government which is led by Siddaramaiah, plans for a cash benefit economy for households, particularly for women.
The government also plans to expand Mysore Sales International Ltd's (MSIL) chit fund business, leveraging monthly cash transfers of Rs 2,000 for women under Gruha Lakshmi, enabling women SHGs.
Additional Chief Secretary of Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka, Uma Mahadevan states that women SHGs are providing local goods and services through cash transfers, enabling money to reach the poor. She further said that the government plans to establish work sheds "space of their own" for SHGs to display their products, with plans to provide outlets at existing Halli Santes village marts. The government will also establish 200 kiosks at the Panchayat level for women SHGs, providing small spaces for selling daily items and snacks.
According to Ms. Uma, 3.4 lakh SHGs with over 35 million members are federated with panchayat-level federations. The government plans political empowerment for women panchayat members. She announced a significant training program for women panchayat members to enhance their service claims through the Gruha Lakshmi and Shakti free bus gravel schemes.
The government has earlier organized an online orientation program for SHGs in August, highlighting Karnataka's pioneering role in women's empowerment through SHGs.
