Why in News?
The Government highlighted the growing impact of eSARAS, the official digital marketplace for products made by Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) under DAY-NRLM, as a key initiative promoting rural livelihoods, women entrepreneurship and Digital India.
What is eSARAS?
- eSARAS (SARAS Aajeevika) is the official e-commerce platform of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
- Developed by the Ministry of Rural Development.
- Provides women SHGs direct access to national online markets by eliminating intermediaries.
- Supports marketing, branding, packaging and logistics.
Key Features
- Exclusive marketplace for SHG products.
- Promotes One District One Product (ODOP) and traditional handicrafts.
- Product categories include: Home & Living, Apparel & Accessories, Food Products, Personal Care, and Toys & Gifts
- Integrated with ONDC (11+ buyer apps; 20+ crore potential buyers) and UMANG
- Supported by eSARAS Mobile App, Fulfilment Centre, SARAS Aajeevika Gallery (New Delhi), and SARAS Shakti premium gift collection
Key Statistics
- 8.62 crore women SHG members have access to a digital storefront.
- 85% linked directly to the Ministry of Rural Development network.
- DAY-NRLM covers 7,627 blocks across India.
- Supported by 1.51 crore community cadre members.
- Over 800 handcrafted products listed on ONDC.
Significance
- Promotes women-led entrepreneurship.
- Provides market access without intermediaries.
- Preserves traditional crafts and cultural heritage.
- Enhances rural incomes through digital commerce.
- Supports Digital India, Atmanirbhar Bharat and inclusive rural development.
- Encourages formalization of rural enterprises.
About DAY-NRLM
- Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Rural Development.
- Aims to reduce rural poverty through: Women’s Self Help Groups, Financial inclusion, Skill development, and Sustainable livelihoods, and Enterprise promotion
[2023] Consider the following statements:
1. The Self-Help Group (SHG) programme was originally initiated by the State Bank of India by providing microcredit to the financially deprived.
2. In an SHG, all members of a group take responsibility for a loan that an individual member takes.
3. The Regional Rural Banks and Scheduled Commercial Banks support SHGs.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None