Budget 2026: SHE-Marts to Empower Rural Women Entrepreneurs, Boost Economy

Sitharaman said the government would now support women in taking the “next step from credit-linked livelihood to owners of enterprises.”

India

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Moneycontrol•01-02-2026, 17:42

Budget 2026: SHE-Marts to Empower Rural Women Entrepreneurs, Boost Economy

•Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced SHE (Self-help Entrepreneur) Marts in Budget 2026 to strengthen women-led enterprises in rural areas.
•SHE Marts will be community-owned retail outlets within cluster-level federations, providing market access and innovative financing for women entrepreneurs.
•The initiative aims to transition women from credit-linked livelihoods to enterprise ownership, building on the success of the Lakhpati Didi program.
•The budget also includes a nationwide plan for one girls' hostel in every district, supported by VGF and capital, to aid women in higher education and STEM fields.
•Additionally, five university townships near industrial and logistics corridors are planned to foster academic clusters, skill development, and research.

Why It Matters: Budget 2026 introduces SHE-Marts and girls' hostels to empower women entrepreneurs and students nationwide.

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