Mumbai: Mahalaxmi Saras 2026, which commenced on May 2, 2026, has been receiving an overwhelming response from citizens. Within just seven days, the exhibition has generated business worth nearly ₹15 crore. This information was shared by Nilesh Sagar, CEO, and Nikhilkumar Oswal, COO of the Maharashtra State Rural Livelihood Mission (UMED), during an interaction with the media.
Participation of Over 7.1 Million Women:
Speaking on the occasion, CEO Nilesh Sagar stated that the initiative, launched by the Government of India in 2011, aims to economically and socially empower women in rural areas. Since 2018, the programme has expanded extensively across Maharashtra, with women self-help groups being formed in villages by bringing together at least ten women per group.
So far, more than 607,000 women self-help groups have been established across Maharashtra, with participation from over 7.1 million women. He added that the initiative has contributed significantly towards nearly 55 percent economic empowerment in rural regions. Special focus has also been given to single women, transgender persons, persons with disabilities, and socially marginalised communities.
Financial Assistance of Up to ₹1.5 Lakh for Women:
COO Nikhilkumar Oswal informed that women entrepreneurs are provided financial support through the Community Investment Fund. Earlier, assistance of ₹60,000 was provided, which has now been increased to ₹1.5 lakh. Decisions regarding financial assistance are taken at the group level based on the specific business requirements of women, without requiring land or gold as collateral.
He further stated that not only self-help groups but also individual women are being provided loans based on their needs. Financial assistance is extended after assessing household conditions, business requirements, and economic circumstances. This has helped curb exploitative money-lending systems and unauthorised high-interest financial practices in rural areas.
“UMED Mart” Connecting Women Entrepreneurs to Global Markets:
Under the UMED initiative, the “UMED Mart” online platform is helping products created by women self-help groups reach global markets. Over the past two years, more than 4,200 products have been registered on the platform, with an additional 1,000 products added this year. Women are also being provided specialised training in digital marketing and online sales.
The mission aims to create one lakh “Lakhpati Didis,” with efforts underway to increase this number by another 50 percent. Large-scale opportunities are being created for women in entrepreneurship, marketing, and financial self-reliance.
535 Product Stalls and 80 Food Stalls Draw Visitors:
This year’s Mahalaxmi Saras 2026 features 535 product stalls and 80 food stalls. Participants have been selected based on product quality, packaging, and innovation, while emerging women entrepreneurs have also been given significant opportunities.
Special facilities including free bus services, home delivery services, and accessibility arrangements for persons with disabilities have also been introduced for visitors.
Business Expected to Reach ₹40 Crore:
Previous exhibitions recorded business worth ₹16 crore in Nagpur and ₹22 crore in Vashi. With Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Saras 2026 already generating ₹15 crore within seven days, organisers estimate that total business this year could reach nearly ₹40 crore.
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