Budget 2026 Introduces SHE Marts to Boost Women Entrepreneurs

The Union Budget 2026-27 has announced the establishment of Self-Help Entrepreneur (SHE) Marts as community-owned retail outlets to strengthen women-led enterprises and deepen the self-help group ecosystem across states. The initiative is expected to provide a structured market platform for products made by women entrepreneurs, with Jharkhand emerging as a key beneficiary due to its strong SHG base.

From Credit-Led Livelihoods to Enterprise Ownership

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the SHE Marts initiative builds on the success of the Lakhpati Didi Programme and aims to help women transition from credit-based livelihoods to ownership of enterprises. The proposed marts will be set up within cluster-level federations of self-help groups and supported through enhanced and innovative financing instruments. The focus is on enabling women to move up the value chain by accessing organised retail and stable demand.

Community-Owned Retail Model

SHE Marts are envisaged as community-owned retail outlets, allowing women-led SHGs to collectively market and sell their products. By aggregating production and linking it to assured retail spaces, the model seeks to reduce dependence on intermediaries and improve income realisation. The approach also aligns with broader efforts to formalise micro-enterprises and strengthen grassroots entrepreneurship.

Jharkhand’s Strong SHG Ecosystem

Jharkhand has already recorded significant progress in women’s economic empowerment, mobilising around 39 lakh rural SHG members through the Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society. State officials said the SHE Marts proposal complements ongoing initiatives to transform rural women from borrowers into business owners. The state government expects the new retail model to strengthen existing market linkages and scale up women-led enterprises.

Important Facts for Exams

• SHE Marts are community-owned retail outlets for women-led SHG products.
• They build on the Lakhpati Didi Programme.
• Marts will be set up through cluster-level federations.
• Aim is to shift women from credit-led livelihoods to enterprise ownership.

Role in Inclusive Growth Strategy

The SHE Marts initiative fits into the Budget’s broader emphasis on inclusive growth and women-led development. By focusing on ownership, market access and scale, the programme seeks to create sustainable income opportunities rather than short-term support. If effectively implemented, SHE Marts could become an important instrument for strengthening rural supply chains, promoting local products and accelerating women’s participation in India’s formal economy.