eSaras (Governance, Public Administration & Ethics)
eSaras (Governance, Public Administration & Ethics)
Why In News:
eSaras, a government e-commerce platform that connects rural producers, particularly members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), to buyers across India was recently highlighted.
Source: PIB Release, 11 July 2026 - 'eSaras: Digital India Empowering Rural Women'
What is eSaras?
Developed by: Digital India Corporation (an entity under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, MeitY), in partnership with the Ministry of Rural Development.
Nodal scheme: Functions under DAY-NRLM(Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission).
Purpose: Provides rural women entrepreneurs and SHGs a direct digital marketplace to sell traditional and locally made products nationwide, without dependence on intermediaries.
eSARAS has grown from an e-commerce portal into a wider ecosystem with a mobile app, fulfilment centre, ONDC integration, UMANG listing, SARAS Shakti Collection and SARAS Aajeevika Gallery in New Delhi.
DAY-NRLM
DAY-NRLM is a flagship poverty alleviation programme of the Ministry of Rural Development.
It is aimed at reducing rural poverty by enabling poor households to access self-employment and skilled wage employment, thereby creating sustainable and diversified livelihood opportunities.
The mission focuses on mobilising rural poor households into Self Help Groups (SHGs) and providing them with continuous handholding, capacity building, and financial support to undertake income-generating activities, leading to a steady rise in income and helping them graduate out of poverty.