Ludhiana: The district administration will set up a dedicated retail kiosk at the District Administrative Complex to provide free market access for rural women entrepreneurs. Developed under the Punjab State Rural Livelihood Mission (PSRLM), the permanent platform will allow local self-help groups (SHGs) to showcase and sell their goods directly to the public without incurring rent expenses.The 20-foot by 12-foot facility is being constructed by the District Industries Centre (DIC) at an estimated cost of ₹15 lakh. It is scheduled to become fully operational within the next two months, capitalising on the high daily footfall of visitors who frequent the administrative complex for govt services.Ludhiana district currently houses roughly 2,200 self-help groups comprising nearly 22,000 members focused on self-sustaining employment. Highlighting the promotional value of the site, PSRLM district programme manager Gagandeep Shahi said, “The kiosk will enable SHG members to directly showcase and sell their products. It will be a great opportunity for these groups to expand their customer base and strengthen their livelihoods.”The inventory at the kiosk will span a diverse range of items manufactured by rural members, including processed foods, kitchen products, pickles, jams, honey, and household items.The structural setup and funding are being managed entirely as a strategic economic development project. Emphasising the long-term impact on the community, Surinder Singh Rekhi, general manager of the DIC, said, “The kiosk is expected to be completed and ready for use in about two months. It will serve as an important platform for promoting products made by self-help groups and supporting their economic empowerment.”
