The Ministry of Rural Development concluded the two-day Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Sammelan 2026 on 29 June 2026, organized to accelerate the vision of Viksit Gram and Viksit Bharat through strengthened Centre-State collaboration, community-led development, and technology-driven governance. The conference brought together Rural Development Ministers from States and Union Territories, senior officials, experts, and representatives of State Rural Livelihood Missions to review flagship rural development programs and deliberate on the next phase of rural transformation.
A primary focus was the implementation of the VB-GRAMG Act, 2025, with comprehensive reviews of major initiatives including Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), Rural Skill Development Programmes, and the National Social Assistance Programme. Deliberations centered on strengthening rural development planning, empowering Gram Panchayats, expanding women-led livelihoods, enhancing rural housing and connectivity, and promoting climate-resilient livelihoods.
The mission currently supports over 10 crore women organized into Self-Help Groups (SHGs), with discussions focusing on enterprise financing, digital innovation, branding, and market access under DAY-NRLM. The conference highlighted the goal of creating 6 crore Lakhpati Didis by 2029 through digital interventions and innovative models from various States.
The Saras Aajeevika initiative, the national marketing initiative of DAY-NRLM, has evolved from the first Saras Mela in 1999 into a nationwide marketing ecosystem encompassing more than 25 State brands and generating over ₹200 crore in annual mela business. As part of the event, the Ministry launched the SARAS Shakti Collection featuring premium products created by women SHGs nationwide and unveiled the SARAS Shakti Coffee Table Book documenting the diversity, quality, and market presence of these enterprises to strengthen brand identity and expand market access.
State delegates from Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Bihar, Kerala, Telangana, and other States visited the Saras Aajeevika Gallery showcasing regional products including Phulkari from Punjab, Pashmina from Jammu & Kashmir, Ikat and Telia textiles from Telangana, Paunchei from Mizoram, along with Meenakari, Dokra, brasswork, and woodcraft. The gallery featured Lakhpati Didis representing successful rural enterprises demonstrating how systematic branding and market linkages enable sustainable businesses.