New Delhi: The Ministry of Rural Development said support for women-led enterprises must expand through public procurement, as DAY-NRLM and PCI India convened a national workshop in New Delhi on February 17, 2026.
Secretary Shailesh Kumar Singh stated that women’s economic empowerment was not welfare but a strategic investment in India’s growth, resilience and social stability. He stressed that government purchasing systems could drive inclusion while ensuring transparency and accountability.
The National Learning Dissemination Workshop on “Scaling Women Enterprises through Public Procurement” brought together State Rural Livelihood Missions, Union Ministries, CSR leaders and development partners. The meeting focused on building institutional pathways for Self-Help Group enterprises to enter government supply chains at scale.
Additional Secretary T.K. Anil Kumar said integrating SHG products and services into procurement systems had become a strategic priority. Therefore, Ministries and States would coordinate to streamline processes and strengthen market access.
Microsite and sectoral tools to support women-led enterprises
During the event, the Secretary launched a dedicated microsite to guide entrepreneurs in establishing and operationalising ventures across India. Officials also unveiled three sectoral playbooks covering housekeeping and laundry, food processing, and apparel units. In addition, they released a coffee table book documenting enterprise journeys and institutional learning.
Senior officials, including Joint Secretary Swati Sharma and Director Rajeshwari S.M., attended the workshop. Representatives from the World Bank and the Gates Foundation also participated. Moreover, SHG entrepreneurs from Rajasthan, Karnataka and Bihar shared practical insights on quality control and sustainability.
Launched in 2011, DAY-NRLM has mobilised over 10.05 crore rural women into more than 90.90 lakh SHGs. Banks have extended cumulative credit exceeding Rs. 11,10,945 crore to these groups. Officials noted that public procurement accounts for 13–20% of GDP globally. In India, 25% of annual procurement is reserved for Micro and Small Enterprises, including 3% for enterprises led by women.
