National SARAS Mela 2026 Showcases Lakhpati Didis’ Enterprises

Why in the News?

The **National SARAS Mela 2026** at Punnami Ghat in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, is showcasing women entrepreneurs from self-help groups (SHGs) and 'Lakhpati Didis' running enterprises with annual turnovers ranging from ₹60 lakh to over ₹1 crore. This marks the first National SARAS Mela organized outside the Delhi-NCR region.

Key Features / Major Points:

- Organizers & Partners: Organized by the **Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD)** in collaboration with the Government of Andhra Pradesh, supported by NABARD, NIRDPR, and Kudumbashree.

- Inauguration by the President: President of India, **Smt. Droupadi Murmu**, addressed the event, encouraging women to scale their ventures beyond the Lakhpati benchmark and gain economic control over assets.

- Key Installation: Features a 16-foot installation titled **“SHAKTI – The Spirit of Lakhpati Didi”** at the venue.

- Highlighted Lakhpati Didi Stories:

- **Chandrakala (Tirupati, AP):** Runs a woodcarving enterprise (Lotus SHG) reporting an annual turnover of **over ₹1 crore** and employing 100+ members.

- **Siddhi (North Goa):** Operates an ethnic wear brand via Instagram and India Post with a turnover of ₹60 lakh.

- **Kunwari Barwa (Gumla, Jharkhand):** Leads a 1,501-member FPO processing and selling ragi products across India.

- **Singampalli Parwathi (Anakapalli, AP):** Established a cashew processing unit under PMEGP achieving a turnover of ₹50 lakh.

- Lakhpati Didi Target: Under DAY-NRLM, the government aims to create **6 crore Lakhpati Didis by 2029** (defined as an SHG household with a minimum annual income of ₹1 lakh).

Static GK Facts:

- DAY-NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission): Launched in **June 2011** by the Ministry of Rural Development.

- NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development):

- Established: **July 12, 1982** (B. Sivaraman Committee recommendation).

- Headquarters: Mumbai.

- NIRDPR (National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj): Headquarters - **Hyderabad, Telangana**.

- Kudumbashree: Premier poverty eradication and women empowerment mission of the Government of Kerala (Established - 1998).

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: Where is the first National SARAS Mela outside the Delhi-NCR region being hosted in 2026?

A: Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh

Q: What is the target set by the Union Government for creating Lakhpati Didis under DAY-NRLM by 2029?

A: 6 Crore Lakhpati Didis

Q: What is the name of the 16-foot centerpiece installation unveiled at the National SARAS Mela 2026?

A: “SHAKTI – The Spirit of Lakhpati Didi”

Q: In which year was NABARD established to finance rural development and agriculture?

A: 1982 (July 12)

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