Union Budget 2026-27: Sitharaman Unveils SHE-Marts Initiative for Rural Women Entrepreneurs
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, with a total outlay of ₹53.4 lakh crore, on Sunday, February 1. During her ninth budget speech, which lasted approximately 80 minutes, she introduced several key proposals aimed at empowering women, particularly in rural areas.
SHE-Marts: A New Frontier for Women-Led Enterprises
One of the standout announcements was the proposal to establish SHE-Marts, which stands for Self-Help Entrepreneur Marts. These are envisioned as community-owned retail outlets that will be set up within cluster-level federations. The initiative is designed to provide rural women entrepreneurs with enhanced market access, improved branding opportunities, and sustainable income avenues.
Sitharaman emphasized that the SHE-Marts project builds on the success of the existing Lakhpati Didi programme. She stated, "Building on the success of the Lakhpati Didi programme, I propose to help women take the next step from credit-linked livelihoods to being owners of enterprise." The initiative will utilize innovative financing instruments to strengthen grassroots institutions, such as self-help groups, thereby fostering economic independence among women.
Enhancing Higher Education and Women's Empowerment
In addition to the SHE-Marts, Sitharaman announced a series of measures to strengthen the higher education ecosystem and promote women-led entrepreneurship. A significant proposal is the construction of a girls' hostel in every district across the country. This move aims to address the challenges faced by women students, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Sitharaman highlighted that prolonged hours of study and laboratory work often pose difficulties for female students. She explained, "In higher education, STEM institutions, prolonged hours of study and laboratory work pose some challenges for girl students. Through our scheme, one girls' hostel will be established in every district to promote astrophysics and astronomy via immersive experiences." The proposed hostels are expected to ensure safe and accessible accommodation, thereby improving enrolment and retention rates in advanced scientific fields.
Budget Allocations and Broader Initiatives
The budget also included specific financial allocations to support women's empowerment. The government has allotted ₹3605 crore for Mission Shakti, which is a mission focused on the protection and empowerment of women. This funding underscores the government's commitment to creating a supportive environment for women across various sectors.
Other proposals in the higher education sector involve setting up new institutes, developing university townships, and enhancing telescope infrastructure facilities. These steps are part of a broader investment strategy to boost educational infrastructure and research capabilities in India.
Overall, the Union Budget 2026-27 reflects a concerted effort to integrate women's economic and educational advancement into the national development agenda. Through initiatives like SHE-Marts and district-level girls' hostels, the government aims to create more opportunities for women to thrive as entrepreneurs and scholars, contributing to a more inclusive and progressive society.
