States » SouthPosted at: Oct 23 2026 7:31PM


AP: SARAS Mela–2026 promotes women’s entrepreneurship, financial Inclusion

Vijayawada, Oct 23 (UNI) The First National SARAS Aajeevika Mela–2026 organised here continued to empower Self-Help Group (SHG) women and rural entrepreneurs through initiatives promoting institutional credit, digital financial inclusion, enterprise development and traditional crafts.
Andhra Pradesh State Rural Livelihoods Mission (APSRLM) in a release here on Friday said that Stree Nidhi Credit Cooperative Federation Limited highlighted institutional credit facilities and its Rs 12,000 crore credit disbursement target for 2026–27, including Rs 9,000 crore for livelihood loans and Rs 3,000 crore for enterprise loans. The initiative aims to support women in expanding livelihoods and establishing sustainable micro-enterprises, particularly in food processing and value addition.
The State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC), Andhra Pradesh, convened by union Bank of India, organised an interactive session with SHG women and Lakhpati Didis at the Learning and Knowledge Pavilion.
The session, attended by Dr. G. Lakshmisha, NTR District Collector and representatives of union Bank of India, Stree Nidhi and SERP, created awareness about SHG credit, Lakhpati Didi, MUDRA, PMEGP, PMF ME and other banking schemes. Successful entrepreneurs shared their experiences and highlighted the role of financial support in growing women-led businesses.
The Ministry of Textiles, through the Weavers Service Centre (WSC), Vijayawada, and the National Handloom Development Corporation (NHDC), Vijayawada, conducted awareness activities on October 23 and 24 for SARAS Mela exhibitors.
The programme featured live loom demonstrations and information on key initiatives, including the National Handloom Development Programme, Raw Material Supply Scheme, IndiaHandmade portal, Handloom Mark, India Handloom Brand, Weavers MUDRA and the e-Dhaga mobile application. The sessions also provided an opportunity for artisans and weavers to discuss challenges and seek guidance on available support.
These initiatives reflect the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Rural Development, DAY-NRLM, SERP/APSRLM, banking institutions and the Ministry of Textiles to strengthen women’s financial independence, improve market access, promote entrepreneurship and sustain traditional handloom livelihoods.
UNI DP CDS
Tags: #AP: SARAS Mela–2026 promotes women’s entrepreneurship# financial Inclusion
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