SHILP SAMAGAM MELA 2026 Exhibition Details
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment organized the nine-day SHILP SAMAGAM MELA 2026 at Mysuru Dasara Exhibition Grounds in Karnataka from October 11 to October 19, 2026. The event was jointly organized by three national corporations under the Ministry: National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC), and National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC).
Participation and Stall Allocation
The mela featured 83 stalls in total, with 80 stalls allotted specifically to artisans. Among these, 37 stalls were operated by women artisans. Participants came from 12 states and union territories: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Puducherry, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. The exhibition showcased diverse products including handicrafts, handloom sarees, spices, pickles, incense sticks, honey products, block-printed items, leather goods, wooden toys, bags, purses, terracotta products, artificial jewellery, rosewood wall hangings, and bed and cushion covers, along with food stalls serving traditional delicacies.
Financial Assistance and Government Support
Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, highlighted the government's allocation of ₹1.98 lakh crore for social welfare schemes out of a total Union Budget of ₹57 lakh crore. The national corporations provide concessional financial assistance ranging from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹35 lakh under various schemes to eligible beneficiaries from Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, sanitation workers, transgender persons, and persons with disabilities. The Ministry facilitates artisans' participation by providing free stalls and support for travel expenses, daily allowance, transportation of goods, and meals.
Educational and Welfare Initiatives
The Minister referenced several flagship programs including Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, which has benefited approximately four crore beneficiaries nationwide including about 10 lakh in Karnataka. Under Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana, 2,22,23,000 bank accounts have been opened in Karnataka. In Mysuru district specifically, approximately 13,000 students studying in Classes I to VIII and 31,000 post-matric students have received educational support, with nearly 75% of 7,000 students in 84 government hostels belonging to Scheduled Castes. Eligible beneficiaries receive monthly stipends of ₹1,850 for college students and ₹1,750 for high school students.
Future Initiatives and Program Expansion
The Ministry is promoting the BHARAT TULIP (Traditional Artisans' Upliftment Livelihood Programme) initiative to expand market access through digital platforms in India and abroad. Since 2022, the Ministry has organized 13 SHILP SAMAGAM MELAs benefiting 975 artisans. The Mysuru edition is the first of financial year 2026-27, with additional fairs planned in Guwahati, Dilli Haat in New Delhi, Jodhpur, and Lucknow during the current financial year. The Ministry will also participate in major exhibitions including the India International Trade Fair 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi from November 14 to 27, 2026, and the Surajkund Mela in February 2027.