Saras Mela in Patna ends, generates Rs 28.52 crore
Patna's Saras Mela concluded after 24 days, drawing 18 lakh visitors and generating over Rs 28.52 crore for rural artisans. The event was extended due to massive public demand.
Patna's Saras Mela concluded after 24 days, drawing 18 lakh visitors and generating over Rs 28.52 crore for rural artisans. The event was extended due to massive public demand.
Maharashtra govt approves 13 Umed Malls statewide, with 4 in Vidarbha, to provide permanent market access for women self-help groups. A Rs 20 crore initiative set to benefit 60 lakh families.
The new VB-G RAM G Act replaces MGNREGA, shifting from a legal right to work to a budget-driven scheme. For Andhra Pradesh, this could mean a wage burden of ₹3,470 crore and risks for vulnerable workers. Experts call for a state review.
Bihar Finance Minister Bijendra Yadav approves two new BSRB branches in Parsarma and Laukaha to boost rural banking and financial inclusion. Details inside.
Delhi government announces Rajya Shilpkar Puraskar across 16 craft categories to honour artisans, boost livelihoods, and revive endangered crafts. Read more.
After a year's absence, Assam's Asharikandi terracotta craft will be featured in the 2026 Republic Day parade, showcasing artisan self-reliance and cultural heritage. Read more.
Beed district in Maharashtra has become the state's top performer in rural housing schemes, with over 50,000 families moving into new homes. Discover how mission-mode execution overcame key challenges.
Delhi's Dilli Haat hosts the 40th Dastkari Haat Crafts Bazaar from Jan 1-15, 2026. Explore 130+ stalls, live demos, quilt workshops & folk performances. Discover India's heritage.
Artisans from Khambhat, Gujarat, are reviving a 5,000-year-old Harappan bead-making link at the Rakhigarhi Festival in Haryana, showcasing ancient trade and craftsmanship. Discover this living history!
In the 129th episode of Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi highlighted Margaret Ramtharsiem from Manipur, who transformed traditional bamboo craft into a sustainable livelihood for over 50 artisans, showcasing grassroots empowerment.
Artisans from Khambhat have successfully revived the 5000-year-old Harappan bead-making craft at Rakhigarhi, creating a direct link to our ancient heritage. Discover this incredible story of cultural revival.
PM Modi highlights Narasapuram's crochet lace, a GI-tagged craft empowering lakhs of women. Union Minister Sitharaman inaugurates an AI skill hub in Andhra Pradesh to boost rural employment.
Women in Chamba are breaking tradition by mastering the iconic Thal carving, aiming for financial independence and helping the district shed its 'aspirational' status. Read their inspiring journey.
India's new VB-GRAM G Act replaces the landmark MGNREGA, shifting from a rights-based job guarantee to a centrally allocated scheme. Experts warn this could depress rural wages and slow economic revival. Read the full analysis.
Government data shows MGNREGA provided an average of just 48 days of work per household over five years, far short of the promised 125 days. Explore the reasons and implications for rural employment.
Kanpur's Saras Mela, from Jan 4-6 at Moti Jheel Lawn, will showcase self-help groups' products. The fair aims to boost rural marketing and women's economic empowerment. Read details.
Uttar Pradesh government allocates Rs 3,500 crore for health infrastructure, hospital expansion, and modern equipment. Focus on rural healthcare and Ayushman Bharat implementation.
Discover how Sunet village in Ludhiana became a global embroidery powerhouse, home to 8,000 migrant artisans exporting intricate handwork worldwide. Read its inspiring story.
President Murmu assents to VB-G RAM G Bill, replacing MGNREGA. While work days rise to 125, funding burden on states & a 60-day pause in peak farm season spark debate. Analysis inside.
As India's rural job scheme is relaunched, experts warn that a proposed 60-day calendar gap and shared state funding could undermine its universal promise. Read why its core principles need protection.
President Droupadi Murmu has approved the VB-G RAM G Bill, enhancing the rural job guarantee to 125 days annually. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi hails the scheme as transparent and progressive for rural development.
Union govt reveals 9 roads & 12 bridges constructed in Gujarat under PMGSY-III in ongoing FY. Details on districts, lengths, and status of PMGSY-IV inside. Read more.
Surat's diamond artisans face a 50-75% wage crash as they pivot to lab-grown gems. With 800,000 jobs at stake, the industry's foundation is cracking. Read the full story.
The Central Government has disbursed Rs 94 crore to Uttarakhand's rural local bodies for development works. This fund release is part of the 15th Finance Commission grant.
The Central Government has disbursed over ₹127 crore to Tamil Nadu's rural local bodies under the 15th Finance Commission grants. This funding aims to boost essential services and infrastructure development in villages. Read more about the allocation and
XLRI Jamshedpur, with NABARD support, launches XCITE, a rural business incubation centre to foster sustainable entrepreneurship and empower rural innovators. Discover the future of rural India.
Handicrafts & Heritage Week 2024 spotlighted master artisans like Choti Tekam & Naveen Bhaskar, proving handmade heritage is a living cultural force. Discover how platforms empower craftspeople.
The Lok Sabha passes a bill to replace MGNREGA with a new scheme, increasing employment days but shifting wage costs to states. Critics warn of financial strain.
Congress committees in Nagaland staged a protest in Kohima against the bill to repeal MGNREGA, calling it a lifeline for rural poor. Read about the potential impact on farmers and daily wage earners.
India's 43 Regional Rural Banks launch a common logo to strengthen their unified identity and enhance trust in rural banking. Discover the strategy behind this rebranding move.