Amit Shah Launches She-Mart and Cooperative Schemes in Kolla
What Happened
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah inaugurated multiple initiatives in Kollam, Kerala, aimed at strengthening the cooperative sector and promoting women’s empowerment. The centerpiece was the launch of “She-Mart” outlets, designed to connect women self-help groups (SHGs) and rural entrepreneurs directly with consumers. More than 300 She-Marts are planned across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, selling local products alongside Bharat brand goods. Shah also flagged off NAFED and NCCF mobile vans to distribute onions at ₹35/kg, Bharat Atta, and Bharat Rice at subsidized rates. Additionally, free urad and gram seed kits were distributed to women farmers under the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, and scholarship cheques were given to daughters of registered farmers under the NAFED Kalyan Scholarship Scheme. Shah emphasized Kerala’s strong cooperative tradition, with over 23,000 cooperative institutions, and invited the state’s cooperation minister to collaborate with the Centre for dairy, seed, and organic agriculture initiatives
Key Takeaways
The initiatives reflect the government’s push for women-led development through cooperatives, combining market access, affordable essentials, and agricultural support. By linking SHGs to consumers and providing subsidies, the schemes aim to strengthen rural livelihoods and food security.