Chandigarh: In a significant step to boost rural entrepreneurship and empower women, the Punjab State Rural Livelihood Mission (PSRLM) inaugurated “PEHEL Mart,” a dedicated marketplace for handmade and organic products crafted by Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across rural Punjab.
The mart was launched at the Punjab Civil Secretariat, Sector 1, Chandigarh, by Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, in the presence of Chief Secretary KAP Sinha and Ajit Balaji Joshi, Administrative Secretary, Rural Development & Panchayats.
“PEHEL Mart” aims to provide SHG members with direct market access while showcasing Punjab’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore a wide range of sustainable products including Phulkari, suits, juttis, honey, pickles, squash, vinegar, oils, masalas, wheat flour, papad, soaps, and candles, all crafted by rural artisans.
Speaking at the event, Minister Sond praised the initiative as a major step toward self-reliance, economic upliftment, and women’s empowerment. “This platform reflects the resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of Punjab’s rural women. It will enable SHGs to access wider markets and contribute to sustainable growth,” he said, adding that it could inspire more women to pursue self-employment.
The event was attended by senior officials from the Rural Development & Panchayats Department, including Joint Development Commissioner Shena Aggarwal, CEO PSRLM Varjeet Walia, ACEO PSRLM Rupali Tandon, and Secretary General Administration Gauri Parasher Joshi, along with enthusiastic SHG members, who collectively celebrated the determination and creativity of rural women entrepreneurs.
With the launch of PEHEL Mart, PSRLM underscores its commitment to nurturing rural talent, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and advancing women’s empowerment across Punjab.
