Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Andhra Expands SHG Enrollment, Launches SARAS-2026
The government in Andhra is doing a lot to help women.
They are making it possible for more women, even those as young as 15, to join self-help groups (SHGs).
They are also creating special groups for teenage girls, older people, and those with disabilities.
Additionally, they are setting up food centers called Indira Mahila Shakti canteens near temples.
There is also a big 13-day exhibition called SARAS-2026 where women from all over India can show their skills and products.
This exhibition will have food, crafts, and performances, and it aims to help women understand better ways to sell their products and improve their livelihoods.
SHG enrollment expanded to include women aged 15 and above, with special groups for adolescent girls, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.
Indira Mahila Shakti canteens to be set up near temples across the state to provide food services.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to inaugurate SARAS-2026, a 13-day national-level exhibition aimed at women’s economic empowerment.
SARAS-2026 will feature around 300 women artisans and entrepreneurs from 21 states and union territories, showcasing a wide range of handmade products.
The exhibition will include cultural and entertainment programs, capacity-building sessions, and a special Lakhpati Didi Pavilion highlighting success stories of women entrepreneurs.
- Who
- Women and Child Welfare Minister D. Seethakka and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu
- What
- Expansion of SHG enrollment and launch of SARAS-2026 exhibition
- When
- Announced on Monday, exhibition from January 8 to January 18
- Where
- Hyderabad and Guntur, India
- Why
- To ensure every woman becomes a member of a SHG, provide food services near temples, and showcase women's skills and products
Government Initiatives
Women Empowerment
SHG Expansion
Government Initiatives
Government is expanding SHG enrollment to include women aged 15 and above, and creating special groups for adolescent girls, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.
Women Empowerment
This expansion aims to empower more women by providing them with economic opportunities and support through self-help groups.
Indira Mahila Shakti Canteens
Government Initiatives
The government is setting up Indira Mahila Shakti canteens near temples to provide food services.
Women Empowerment
These canteens will support women's economic empowerment by offering a platform for women to showcase their culinary skills and products.
SARAS-2026 Exhibition
Government Initiatives
The government is organizing a 13-day national-level exhibition, SARAS-2026, to showcase women's skills, products, and entrepreneurial abilities.
Women Empowerment
This exhibition provides women with a national platform to understand quality standards, explore new product lines, and adopt modern marketing strategies.
- Minister
- D. Seethakka
- Age Range
- 15 and above
- Special Groups
- Adolescent girls, senior citizens, persons with disabilities
- Initiative
- Indira Mahila Shakti canteens
- Location
- Near temples across the state
- Exhibition
- SARAS-2026
- Duration
- 13 days
- Organizer
- Ministry of Rural Development
- Participants
- 300 women artisans and entrepreneurs from 21 states and union territories
- Venue
- Guntur, opposite Reddy College in Adarsh Nagar on the Narasaraopet Road
