Manipur Launches Initiative to Empower Rural Women through Direct Market Access

By: WE staff | Tuesday, 5 August 2025

• First 'Rural Roots Market' inaugurated in Manipur at Leimapokpam Makha Leikai Community Hall, Nambol, Bishnupur
• Initiated by Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM) under Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj
• Seeks to drive grassroots economic empowerment among rural women and aims empowerment of rural women

In order to reinforce grassroots level economic empowerment and enhance direct market linkages for rural women, the Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM), Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Government of Manipur, inaugurated the inaugural 'Rural Roots Market' at Leimapokpam Makha Leikai Community Hall in Nambol, Bishnupur.

Organized by Senmitlon Sinnai Village Level Federation (VLF), the market saw active public response. It showcased a variety of products ranging from handloom, handicrafts, garments, jute products, fresh vegetables, and local foods offered directly by Self-Help Group (SHG) members. Middlemen were avoided, thus ensuring fair returns to producers and consumers alike.

N. Bandana Devi, Secretary of Skill, Labour, Employment & Entrepreneurship and State Mission Director of MSRLM, was the Chief Guest and called the event a dream come true, much awaited. She pointed out that the market provides SHG members with a platform to deal directly with customers, know what the market wants, and suitably upgrade their products—both increasing their income and popularity.

She suggested conducting similar markets on a regular basis, particularly in busy places like along highways, to enable SHG members to minimize unsold inventory and reach larger markets.

Terms MSRLM a "silent revolution," Bandana Devi praised its role in empowering women—particularly women belonging to weaker sections of society—by granting them financial independence and filling them with confidence in themselves. "Empowering women at the grassroots level helps strengthen families and communities," she stated.

Pooja Elangbam, Deputy Commissioner of Bishnupur and District Mission Director, MSRLM reasserted the government's dedication towards rural transformation through interdepartmental collective work. Such markets play a pivotal role in bringing to the fore women entrepreneurial skills, she asserted. With better product quality and packaging, she added, there can be scope for national and even international exports.

She called on women to stand with each other and noted how economic empowerment enables them to control their homes more. "MSRLM is a major driving force in enabling women to gain independence," she claimed.

Various members of the SHGs shared touching personal anecdotes, noting how being part of an SHG enhanced their self-confidence, increased family income, and brought about a newfound sense of purpose.

The function also had Waikhom Romabai, Divisional Forest Officer, present as Guest of Honour, and was chaired by Mutum Bebina Devi, Senmitlon Sinnai VLF President.