Nagpur, Wardha, Akola and Yavatmal to host district-level malls offering assured market access to rural women producers.
In a major step towards empowering rural women and promoting local products, the Maharashtra government has announced the establishment of 13 ‘Umed Malls’ across the state in the first phase. Out of these, four centres will come up in the Vidarbha region, marking a significant push for economic development and self-reliance among women in rural Maharashtra.
According to a Government Resolution (GR) issued by the Rural Development Department on Saturday, these Umed Malls will serve as dedicated district-level sales centres for products crafted by women self-help groups (SHGs) under Maharashtra’s Umed-Maharashtra State Rural Livelihood Mission (MSRLM). The aim is to provide a permanent and assured market for the high-quality handmade and locally produced goods prepared by thousands of women working under the mission.
Vidarbha Among Major Beneficiaries
The state government’s plan gives special emphasis to the Vidarbha region in the first phase. Of the 13 approved Umed Malls, four will be set up in Nagpur, Wardha, Akola, and Yavatmal. These districts belong to the Nagpur and Amravati divisions, which have been selected for their active network of self-help groups and potential to become hubs for rural enterprises.
This allocation makes Vidarbha one of the biggest beneficiaries of the project’s initial rollout. The region has long been seeking opportunities to strengthen the rural economy and create sustainable livelihood options for women. The proposed Umed Malls are expected to play a vital role in achieving this goal.
A Marketplace for Women’s Empowerment
Each Umed Mall will act as a one-stop retail centre that showcases and sells products made by various SHGs in the district. These products include handloom and handicraft items, food products, organic produce, textiles, traditional arts, and eco-friendly goods.
Officials said these malls will not only give women in rural areas exposure to larger markets but also introduce urban consumers to authentic, homegrown products made in Maharashtra’s villages. They will serve as connecting bridges between rural producers and urban buyers.
Additionally, the Umed Malls will support branding, packaging, and marketing activities— areas where SHGs often lack resources or expertise. The Rural Development Department’s GR notes that the state government will provide necessary funding for land, infrastructure, and operational support to ensure that these centres function smoothly.
Boost to Rural Economy
This initiative is part of the state’s larger vision to promote self-help group-based rural enterprises and create sustainable income sources. The Umed-MSRLM mission has already mobilized more than 70 lakh women across Maharashtra through SHGs. However, limited market access has often been a major challenge for these groups, restricting their economic growth.
With the launch of Umed Malls, women entrepreneurs are expected to gain direct access to consumers, eliminating middlemen and ensuring fair prices for their products. The model is designed to strengthen the rural supply chain and increase the visibility of local brands at both district and state levels.
Officials also mentioned that beyond direct sales, these centres could become training and incubation hubs for small businesses, offering capacity-building programmes, packaging training, financial literacy sessions, and product certification support.
Inclusive Growth Through Local Development
The state government plans to replicate this model in all districts of Maharashtra in a phased manner after the successful implementation of the first 13 centres. The first phase will act as a pilot for assessing local demand, business potential, and consumer response.
District administrations have been directed to identify suitable land and coordinate with Zilla Parishads and local rural development departments to begin construction work at the earliest.
The Rural Development Department is confident that this initiative will not only empower women economically but also create local employment opportunities in areas such as retail operations, logistics, accounting, and marketing.
Voices From the Ground
Many self-help group members in Vidarbha have welcomed this move, calling it a long-awaited opportunity to showcase their talent and reach more customers. Women artisans from Wardha and Yavatmal said the Umed Mall will finally give them a stable marketplace to sell their goods without depending on temporary fairs or exhibitions.
Experts in rural development see this effort as an example of inclusive governance, where local communities play a central role in economic transformation. The emphasis on women’s participation is aligned with Maharashtra’s long-standing commitment to gender equality and inclusive rural growth.
Next Phase and Statewide Expansion
After the successful rollout of these 13 Umed Malls, the government plans to expand the project statewide, ensuring that every district in Maharashtra has a dedicated sales centre for SHG products. The next phase will likely include additional facilities in Western Maharashtra, Konkan, and Marathwada regions.
The Rural Development Department will continue monitoring progress closely, evaluating sales performance, and gathering feedback from participating groups. The insights from these first centres will help design improved policies for the next phase.
Conclusion
The launch of Umed Malls represents a forward-looking initiative by the Maharashtra government to link rural women entrepreneurs directly with markets and consumers. Vidarbha’s inclusion of four centres shows the state’s focus on balanced regional development.
