Andhra Pradesh Urban Poverty Alleviation Agency (MEPMA)
Visakhapatnam: The S.H.G. Mela, a five-day event promoting the economic empowerment of women, was inaugurated on Monday in Visakhapatnam by Rajya Sabha member Golla Babu Rao. Jointly organised by the central and state governments with the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) and Andhra Pradesh Urban Poverty Alleviation Agency (MEPMA), the mela features 100 stalls showcasing goods, clothing, and food products crafted by self-help group (SHG) members from Visakhapatnam.
In his address, Golla Babu Rao underscored the mela's role in uplifting women economically and socially, urging community participation. He pledged ₹10 crore from MP funds for women-centric initiatives and reaffirmed his advocacy for women's rights in Parliament.
Visakhapatnam East MLA Velagapudi Ramakrishna Babu, Deputy Mayor Jiyyani Sridhar, and GVMC Commissioner P. Sampath Kumar also attended, visiting the stalls and interacting with SHG members. Golla Babu Rao joined a prayer song led by SHG women, highlighting the event’s community spirit.
GVMC Commissioner P. Sampath Kumar explained that the mela aims to boost SHG women's businesses, promote their products, and raise awareness about supportive government schemes. Running from December 25 to 29, the event provides a marketplace for artisans and businesswomen to connect with buyers.
A notable addition is the Open Network Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform, introduced to facilitate transactions between SHG members and consumers, ensuring competitive pricing for buyers and enhanced market access for sellers.
The inauguration concluded with mementos crafted by SHG women being presented to key organisers, recognising their efforts in empowering local women.
Visakhapatnam East MLA Velagapudi Ramakrishna Babu, Deputy Mayor Jiyyani Sridhar, and GVMC Commissioner P. Sampath Kumar also attended, visiting the stalls and interacting with SHG members. Golla Babu Rao joined a prayer song led by SHG women, highlighting the event’s community spirit.
GVMC Commissioner P. Sampath Kumar explained that the mela aims to boost SHG women's businesses, promote their products, and raise awareness about supportive government schemes. Running from December 25 to 29, the event provides a marketplace for artisans and businesswomen to connect with buyers.
A notable addition is the Open Network Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform, introduced to facilitate transactions between SHG members and consumers, ensuring competitive pricing for buyers and enhanced market access for sellers.
The inauguration concluded with mementos crafted by SHG women being presented to key organisers, recognising their efforts in empowering local women.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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