What is SHE Marts announced by Nirmala Sitharaman in Union Budget 2026?
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman shows the digital tablet, enclosed in a traditional red ‘bahi-khata’ style pouch, at the Parliament premises before presenting of the ‘Union Budget 2026-27’, in New Delhi, on February 1, 2026
| Photo Credit: PTI
Presenting the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha, the Minister called it the “next step” for these self-help group (SHG) members, towards being “owners of enterprises”.
Also read | Union Budget 2026 LIVE
“Building on the success of the Lakhpati Didi programme, I propose to help women take the next step from credit-linked livelihood to being owners of enterprises,” Ms. Sitharaman said.Â
“‘Self Help Entrepreneur – SHE Marts’ will be set up as community-owned retail outlets within cluster-level federations through enhanced and innovative finance instruments,” she said.
A Lakhpati Didi is a woman member of an SHG whose annual household income reaches at least ₹1 lakh.
According to the Rural Development Ministry, over two crore women have become Lakhpati Didis so far, and the target is to have three crore women SHG members achieve ₹1 lakh annual income by 2027.
Published – February 01, 2026 06:09 pm IST
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