Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh: PCI India, in partnership with the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India, is promoting public procurement opportunities for Self-Help Group (SHG) women through a National Resource Cell. At a special session held during the National SARAS Mela–2026 in Vijayawada, representatives highlighted successful models and emerging opportunities for SHG-led enterprises to access government markets by leveraging the Government of India’s public procurement policy.
Mr. Vishal Sinha, Team Lead, National Resource Cell, and Ms. Jaya presented examples of SHG enterprises successfully delivering products and services to government institutions. These included Didi Ki Rasoi, SHG-managed canteens and laundry services in government hospitals, school uniform stitching by SHG women in West Bengal, waste management services, and water services at Kochi Metro.
Mr. Rajiv Singhal, National Mission Manager, National Mission Management Unit (NMMU), MoRD, emphasised that public procurement can significantly expand market access and strengthen livelihood opportunities for rural women. By enabling government departments to procure products and services from SHG enterprises, while ensuring quality standards, public procurement can help women-led businesses grow sustainably.
Uttar Pradesh’s Take Home Ration Initiative: A Successful Model
Sharing Uttar Pradesh’s experience, Mr. Adeel Abbas, Associate Director – Women Economic Empowerment, PCI India, highlighted the Take Home Ration (THR) initiative, jointly implemented by the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM) and the Department of Child Development.
Through this initiative, SHG women have established 204 THR manufacturing units, providing regular employment to approximately 4,000 women. According to the information shared during the session, these enterprises have produced 43.2 lakh metric tonnes of THR and generated revenue exceeding ₹1,830 crore through supplies to the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme.
The initiative has enabled participating women to become Lakhpati Didis, contributing to the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India for women’s economic empowerment.
Mr. Abbas explained that several key measures contributed to the initiative’s success. These included a long-term seven-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), advance payments equivalent to two months’ requirements to SHGs, and settlement of the advance in ten instalments. These arrangements helped ensure regular payments through the ICDS system. SHG members also received comprehensive training in THR production, quality control, and timely delivery to Anganwadi Centres (AWCs).
Fisheries as an Alternative Livelihood through Interdepartmental Convergence
Mr. Abbas also highlighted the collaboration between UPSRLM and the Department of Fisheries to promote tank-based fisheries as an alternative livelihood opportunity for SHG women.
Under this model, women make an initial investment of ₹60,000 and receive a ₹30,000 subsidy through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The initiative has created livelihood opportunities for more than 1,000 SHG households.
The model demonstrates how coordination between government departments can facilitate access to resources, create additional income opportunities for rural women, reduce poverty, and promote the productive utilisation of government schemes.
Public Procurement: A Catalyst for Women’s Economic Empowerment
The session underscored the potential of public procurement as a powerful instrument for rural economic transformation. By identifying procurement opportunities, facilitating market linkages, providing appropriate preference and support to SHG enterprises, and ensuring quality standards, state governments can help women-led businesses access stable markets and expand their operations.
The approach is aligned with the Government of India’s Viksit Bharat @2047 vision and can contribute to inclusive economic development, sustainable livelihoods, and the long-term economic empowerment of rural women.
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