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Naidu Sets Target to Create Five Lakh Women Entrepreneurs
Andhra Pradesh wants to help more women start businesses.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu set a goal of helping five lakh women become entrepreneurs.
Many of these women are part of Self-Help Groups.
Officials plan to help them with training, loans, mentors and ways to sell their products.
The Swayam AP brand is meant to bring many women’s products together.
Officials say online sales and special stores are planned.
A large fair in Vijayawada will showcase products made by women.
It is scheduled to run from October 15 to 31, 2026.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu set a target of creating five lakh women entrepreneurs.
He asked SERP and MEPMA to support Self-Help Group members and seek help from corporate organisations.
Naidu called for DWCRA products to be sold under the Swayam AP brand, with standardised quality, modern packaging and expanded online and retail sales.
Officials said loans worth Rs. 68,585 crore are part of the wider entrepreneurship plan; Stree Nidhi has provided Rs. 4,800 crore to 4.73 lakh women.
The National Saras Mela 2026 is scheduled for October 15–31 in Vijayawada, with 600 stalls expected and President Droupadi Murmu set to inaugurate it.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, officials, and women entrepreneurs, including Self-Help Group members.
- What
- A plan to create five lakh women entrepreneurs and expand support and markets for their businesses.
- Where
- Andhra Pradesh; the National Saras Mela will be held in Vijayawada.
- When
- The review took place today, as described in the article; the National Saras Mela is scheduled for October 15–31, 2026.
- Why
- To economically empower Self-Help Group members and help women-owned businesses grow and reach wider markets.
Key facts
- Entrepreneurship target
- Five lakh women entrepreneurs
- Swayam AP product range
- More than 23,000 products are currently made by SHG women across sectors including food, handicrafts and textiles.
- Planned loan support
- Rs. 68,585 crore in loans is included in the comprehensive plan.
- Stree Nidhi lending
- Rs. 4,800 crore provided to 4.73 lakh women, according to officials.
- National Saras Mela
- Scheduled for October 15–31, 2026, in Vijayawada.
- Mela participation
- Officials expect 600 stalls and around one lakh visitors per day.
- Swayam AP sales
- Sales through signature stores and Flipkart are scheduled to begin October 15.
Sources
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