National Institute of Technology–Tiruchii (NIT-T) has developed an enhanced e-commerce mobile application for Self-Help Groups and women, Thirumathikart, featuring additional features for selling food, snack items, perishables, agricultural, and dairy products, and geolocation.
ThirumathiKart, a Department of Science and Technology or DST-sponsored project, consists of four components: Thirumathikart, Thirumathikart seller, Thirumathikart buyer, and Thirumathikart logistics, aiming to empower women and facilitate seamless market access. During a five-day orientation workshop on the advanced ThirumathiKart, over 150 women's self-help groups (SHGs) and micro-entrepreneurs had the chance to learn about the possibilities of digitally marketing their products.
K. Ramesh Kumar, project director of Magalir Thittam, Tiruchi, stated that women sellers can access the benefit of the digital literacy initiative by strengthening their business and marketing plans, which will help them succeed in the highly competitive marketplace of today.
The workshop would provide participants with information on buying wholesale raw materials, the Goods and Services Tax (GST), and food safety certification, and also provide knowledge about the Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSME) registration process over the course of the following few days.
During the workshop, a sale-cum-exhibition area was established, where SHG entrepreneurs offered snacks, saris, dress materials, and herbal cosmetics among other products.
The Thirumathikart app offers enhanced versions for promoting SHG products. Eligible groups and women entrepreneurs who are registered under the Tiruchi Magalir Thittam office can enroll in the workshop. The program, coordinated by N. Sivakumaran and M. Brindha, ends on January 12 whereas the second respective workshop will be planned next month in February.
