In a significant collaboration for socio-economic upliftment, the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with JioMart, the retail arm of Reliance Industries. The strategic alliance aims to empower artisans in rural India by extending the reach of Self Help Groups (SHGs) associated with the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission.
Empowering Rural Artisans through E-Commerce
The core objective of this partnership is to facilitate the integration of SHGs into JioMart’s e-commerce platform, allowing them to become sellers and expand their market presence. Charanjit Singh, the Additional Secretary for Rural Livelihoods at MoRD, announced the MoU, highlighting its potential to enhance the income and living standards of rural artisans.
Boosting Income and Product Diversity
By onboarding rural artisans onto JioMart, these skilled craftspeople gain access to a vast customer base across India. The partnership not only elevates the income levels of SHGs but also enriches JioMart’s product selection with unique handicrafts. The collaboration is a step toward preserving and promoting traditional Indian crafts while providing artisans with a direct channel to consumers.
Training and Support Initiatives
JioMart, as part of its commitment to supporting rural artisans, will assist them in setting up and managing seller accounts on the e-commerce platform. MoRD will play a crucial role in this initiative by organizing training sessions and workshops to familiarize artisans with online retail practices. The collaboration aims to equip rural entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to independently operate their online shops successfully.
Expanding Product Categories on JioMart
As a result of this MoU, a diverse range of products, including cosmetics, handloom textiles, ready-made goods, home décor, and handicraft items, will be made available on the JioMart platform. This expansion aligns with MoRD’s broader goal of increasing income opportunities for SHGs and fostering sustainable economic growth in rural areas.
