New Delhi, July 15: The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) is participating in Bharat Tex 2026, held from July 14 to 17 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, through the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). This event showcases enterprises run by rural women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from across the country, along with their products.
Through this initiative, various ‘Lakshmi Didis’ from different states are making their mark on the global textile platform. They are presenting their products and enterprises to visitors, buyers, and stakeholders in the textile industry. Their participation highlights the growing role of rural women in creating sustainable enterprises, increasing household income, and bringing local skills and products to larger markets.
The exhibition booth of the Ministry was inaugurated on Wednesday by Rohit Kansal, Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development. He was joined by Swati Sharma, Joint Secretary of Rural Livelihoods, and Dr. Maulishree, Director of DAY-NRLM. They interacted with the participating ‘Lakshmi Didis’ and explored the diverse products showcased by women-led enterprises from across India.
This exhibition highlights the various skills and traditions promoted by rural women entrepreneurs throughout the country. From handloom weaving and garment manufacturing to handicrafts and products made from natural materials, the exhibition demonstrates how traditional knowledge and local skills are being transformed into sustainable enterprises that are gaining access to broader markets.
A diverse array of traditional handicrafts and regional specialties is on display, including handloom products, Dhokra metal crafts, Kolhapuri leather crafts, jute crafts, bamboo crafts, wood crafts, bead crafts, silk-thread jewelry, and sustainable handicraft products made from water hyacinth. Collectively, these traditions reflect the rich heritage of skills and local resources preserved and enhanced by women-led SHG enterprises across the nation.
The exhibition also features the ‘Saras Shakti Collection,’ a unique premium gift initiative under DAY-NRLM. This collection presents high-quality handmade products created by SHGs of rural women as branded institutional gift collections. This initiative helps women-led enterprises access government and institutional markets while enhancing the significance and recognition of rural craftsmanship.
The ‘Saras Shakti’ collection is characterized by its high quality, excellent craftsmanship, attractive designs, well-designed packaging, and products tailored to market needs. The careful selection and development of products ensure they retain their regional identity and the traditional knowledge associated with their creation, while also meeting contemporary market expectations. Through distinctive brand identity and thoughtful presentation, ‘Saras Shakti’ aims to establish a strong market presence for SHG products and create more economic opportunities for rural women entrepreneurs.
The participation of ‘Lakshmi Didis’ at Bharat Tex 2026 is proof that women associated with SHGs are successfully advancing from livelihood activities to sustainable enterprises. Through DAY-NRLM, rural women are provided with the necessary support to access financial resources, skill development, product development, and market engagement, enabling them to increase their income and expand their enterprises.
Under DAY-NRLM, over 100 million rural women have been linked to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across the country. Based on this extensive network of community institutions, the ‘Lakshmi Didi’ initiative empowers rural women to strengthen their livelihoods, increase their income, and establish sustainable enterprises. After surpassing the milestone of 30 million ‘Lakshmi Didis,’ the government is working towards achieving the goal of creating 60 million ‘Lakshmi Didis.’
The Ministry’s participation in Bharat Tex 2026 provides rural women entrepreneurs with the opportunity to showcase their products on a global platform, engage with buyers and industry stakeholders, and explore broader market opportunities. This initiative further reinforces the Indian government’s commitment to empowering women-led rural enterprises, preserving traditional skills, and expanding market access for products made by rural women.
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