Amit Shah, the Union Home and Cooperation Minister, officially launched a series of initiatives aimed at bolstering the cooperative sector and promoting women’s empowerment in Kollam, Keralam, on September 26. The initiatives were undertaken by the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation (NCCF). During the event, Shah highlighted the long-standing demand for a dedicated Ministry of Cooperation at the national level, which had been articulated since India’s independence but remained unaddressed until recently.

Shah pointed out that the establishment of a Ministry of Cooperation marks a significant advancement for the development of rural areas, agriculture, and women’s empowerment in India. He also underscored the deep-rooted history of cooperative movements in Keralam, mentioning its well-organised structure that dates back to before independence.

The minister acknowledged that Keralam boasts a robust cooperative infrastructure, with over 23,000 cooperatives functioning efficiently across the state. He expressed his willingness to collaborate with Keralam’s Cooperation Minister, encouraging the state to utilise the schemes offered by the Government of India and promising special assistance in sectors such as dairy, seeds, and organic agriculture.

SHE Mart Initiative Promotes Women Entrepreneurs

One of the key initiatives launched by Shah is the “SHE Mart,” a project designed to transform the lives of rural women from being mere credit seekers to becoming empowered entrepreneurs. This initiative was first announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the 2026-27 Union Budget. By adopting this model, the government aims to connect women self-help groups (SHGs) and rural industry entrepreneurs directly with consumers.

“The ‘SHE Mart’ initiative within the cooperative sector is now being implemented in Keralam,” Shah stated. Furthermore, he announced that the distribution of essential goods such as onions, ‘Bharat Atta’, and ‘Bharat Rice’ would begin in Keralam via NCCF and NAFED mobile vans, making these products accessible at reasonable prices to local citizens.

As part of the scheme, scholarships were also presented to the daughters of two farming families under the NAFED Welfare Scholarship Scheme, highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for the families involved in agriculture.

Cooperative Market Access Expands

Elaborating on the SHE Mart initiative, Shah characterised it as a self-help entrepreneurial mart designed to facilitate direct market access for women entrepreneurs. The aim is to ensure that both Indian brand products and local items are readily available in over 2,500 retail outlets operated by NCCF and more than 300 SHE Mart stores spread across Keralam, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

This strategic move is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable economic growth within rural communities while empowering women through cooperative enterprises. Shah’s launch event signifies not just the initiation of new schemes but represents a concerted effort to elevate the role of women in India’s economic landscape.

As the government pushes forward with these initiatives, the focus remains on building a cooperative framework that supports sustainable development and enhances the quality of life for countless individuals in rural Keralam and beyond.

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