Amit Shah launches 'SHE Mart' and NCCF schemes in Kerala
Union Minister Amit Shah inaugurates the SHE Mart initiative in Kollam to empower rural women and strengthens cooperative networks in Kerala.
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has officially kicked off a transformative series of initiatives in Kollam, Kerala, aimed at revitalising the cooperative sector and driving women's empowerment. During his visit on Saturday, Shah inaugurated the "SHE Mart" initiative and several National Cooperative Consumers' Federation (NCCF) schemes designed to bolster rural economies.
A Historic Milestone for the Cooperative Sector
Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah highlighted that the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Cooperation is a long-awaited achievement for the nation. He noted that since independence, farmers and cooperative stakeholders had consistently demanded a central ministry to oversee their interests, a wish that remained unfulfilled until the current administration took action.
"By creating a Co-operative Ministry, the PM has taken a big step for the country's rural development, agricultural development, and women's empowerment," Shah stated, emphasizing the Prime Minister's vision for a stronger grassroots economy.
Kerala's Strong Cooperative Legacy
The Minister paid tribute to Kerala's deep-rooted cooperative traditions, referencing the historical strength of the movement in regions such as Malabar, Cochin, and Travancore. He pointed out that the state possesses a robust infrastructure, with more than 23,000 cooperatives currently operating effectively.
Shah extended an invitation to the Kerala Cooperation Minister to visit Delhi, expressing the central government's readiness to provide specialized guidance and assistance in key sectors, including:
- Dairy development
- Seed distribution
- Organic agriculture
Empowering Women through 'SHE Mart'
A major highlight of the event was the launch of the "SHE Mart" initiative. Originally announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the 2026-27 Union Budget, this mission is designed to transition rural women from being mere credit seekers to becoming successful enterprise owners.
The "SHE Mart" concept functions as a self-help entrepreneur marketplace. It aims to bridge the gap between Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), rural industry entrepreneurs, and the end consumer. The scale of this rollout is significant:
- Retail Presence: NCCF will make Indian brand products and local goods available through more than 2,500 retail outlets.
- Regional Focus: Over 300 "SHE Mart" stores are set to be established across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
Affordable Essentials and Welfare Schemes
Beyond entrepreneurship, the Minister also oversaw the rollout of essential commodity distribution. Through NCCF and NAFED mobile vans, citizens in Kerala can now access 'Bharat Atta', 'Bharat Rice', and onions at affordable rates.
In a gesture towards supporting farming families, Shah also noted the distribution of scholarships under the NAFED Welfare Scholarship Scheme, which were awarded to the daughters of two farming households to support their educational journeys.