Jaipur is set to host the National Saras Fair in December 2026, providing a national platform for women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from across India to showcase and sell their products. Organised under the Rajasthan Rural Livelihood Development Council (Rajeevika), the fair aims to promote women's entrepreneurship, traditional handicrafts, local products and rural livelihoods.
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has directed officials to ensure maximum participation of women associated with Rajeevika from across Rajasthan. He also emphasised the inclusion of products representing the state's rich artistic and cultural heritage.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to organise meetings to encourage women entrepreneurs to participate in the upcoming fair and explore new business opportunities.
Focus on Women's Empowerment and Rural Employment
During a review meeting of the Rajeevika and Dairy departments at the Chief Minister's Office on Friday, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma highlighted the importance of both sectors in generating employment and strengthening the financial independence of rural women.
He stated that women's empowerment should extend beyond product manufacturing to include marketing, branding and sales opportunities.
The Chief Minister stressed the need to create an effective support system that enables women entrepreneurs to reach larger markets, improve product visibility and increase their income.
Rajasthan Government Developing E-Commerce Platform for Rajeevika Products
To expand market access for women entrepreneurs, the Rajasthan government is developing a dedicated e-commerce platform for Rajeevika products.
The proposed digital marketplace will help women associated with Self-Help Groups promote and sell their products to a wider customer base, creating additional income opportunities.
The Chief Minister also reviewed progress under the Lakhpati Didi initiative. According to the state government, Rajasthan has set a target of creating 25 lakh Lakhpati Didis, of whom 20 lakh women have already achieved this milestone.
He emphasised that providing sustainable livelihood opportunities must be accompanied by effective marketing channels to help women expand their businesses and achieve long-term financial independence.
Saras Sakhis to Receive Divisional-Level Training
The Chief Minister described the Saras Sakhi scheme as an important initiative aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and economic self-reliance among rural women.
He directed the Rajeevika and Dairy departments to implement a coordinated action plan and establish an integrated marketing network for products developed by women entrepreneurs.
Additionally, officials were instructed to organise training programmes for Saras Sakhis at the divisional level to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills and improve their ability to market and sell products.
These initiatives are expected to help women develop business capabilities and access broader commercial opportunities.
National Saras Fair to Promote Local Products and Traditional Crafts
The upcoming National Saras Fair in Jaipur will provide an opportunity for women from different states to showcase their products, traditional crafts and entrepreneurial initiatives.
The event is also expected to support Rajasthan's local artisans and women-led businesses by connecting them with customers from different regions.
By bringing together women entrepreneurs from across the country, the fair aims to encourage market linkages, promote locally manufactured products and strengthen rural livelihoods.
Chief Secretary V. Srinivas, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Akhil Arora, and senior officials from the concerned departments attended the review meeting.
The exact dates, venue and timings of the National Saras Fair in Jaipur are yet to be announced.
