Proposal Underway for Permanent Malda SHG Shopping Mall to Promote Women-Led Enterprises
In a move aimed at strengthening women-led entrepreneurship and ensuring sustainable rural livelihoods, the Malda district administration has announced plans to establish a permanent shopping mall exclusively for women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The proposal was unveiled during the inauguration of the third edition of the regional Srishtishree Fair in English Bazar, reflecting a broader effort to provide long-term market access to grassroots producers.
District officials said the proposed facility would function as a year-round retail platform, allowing SHG members to sell their products beyond seasonal fairs and exhibitions. If implemented as planned, the initiative is expected to significantly enhance income stability for thousands of women across the district who depend on small-scale production and local markets.
A District with a Strong SHG Base
Malda has one of the largest concentrations of women’s Self-Help Groups in the region. According to official data, the district is home to nearly 7,500 SHGs, collectively involving around 7.4 lakh women. These groups operate across rural and semi-urban areas and are engaged in activities ranging from handicrafts and tailoring to food processing and household goods manufacturing.
Despite the scale of participation, many SHG members face challenges in accessing regular markets. Sales are often limited to temporary fairs or local weekly haats, making earnings irregular and dependent on footfall. District administrators said the proposed mall is intended to address this gap by creating a permanent commercial space in a high-visibility location.
“The idea is to ensure that women do not have to wait for fairs to sell their products,” said Sanjay Howladar, Project Director of the District Rural Development Cell. “A permanent Malda SHG Shopping Mall will allow SHG members to reach customers throughout the year and help them build sustainable businesses.”
Location and Planning Underway
Officials confirmed that several land parcels have already been identified for the project, with one shortlisted site located in the heart of English Bazar town. The central location is expected to attract regular visitors, including local residents and tourists, thereby improving sales prospects for SHG products.
While detailed design and funding plans are yet to be finalised, the administration indicated that the Malda SHG Shopping Mall would include dedicated stalls or outlets for SHG products, common storage facilities, and basic infrastructure to support retail operations. Authorities also hinted at exploring branding and marketing support to improve product visibility.
The project aligns with state-level efforts to strengthen women’s economic participation through institutional support and infrastructure development.
Srishtishree Fair Showcases Grassroots Entrepreneurship
The announcement coincided with the launch of the third regional Srishtishree Fair, currently being held at the Youth Welfare Department ground in English Bazar. The fair has emerged as an important platform for SHG women to directly interact with customers and test market demand for their products.
This year’s fair features 102 stalls showcasing a wide range of items, including handmade garments, boutique products, wooden furniture, decorative pieces, and traditional handicrafts. The diversity of offerings reflects the varied skills and enterprises developed by SHG members across Malda and neighbouring areas.
Officials described the fair as part of a government-supported initiative to promote economic self-reliance among women from low-income households. “Srishtishree is not just an exhibition; it is a livelihood platform,” an official associated with the programme said. “It helps women gain confidence, understand customer preferences, and earn directly from their work.”
Link with State Livelihood Programmes
The Srishtishree initiative operates under the state government’s broader Anandadhara programme, which focuses on poverty alleviation through women’s collectives. Under Anandadhara, SHGs receive training, credit linkage, and institutional support to develop income-generating activities.
Over the past five years, Srishtishree fairs have been organised across almost all districts of West Bengal. Officials say these fairs have played a crucial role in highlighting the economic potential of SHG-led enterprises and bringing rural products into mainstream markets.
In Malda, the fair remains open daily from 12 noon to 8 pm, with cultural programmes scheduled in the evenings to attract visitors. From 4 pm to 8 pm, local artists and performers present cultural events, adding to the footfall and creating a festive atmosphere that benefits stall owners.
Long-Term Impact on Women’s Empowerment
Administrators believe that a permanent Malda SHG Shopping Mall could build on the momentum generated by such fairs and transform how women entrepreneurs engage with markets. Regular exposure to customers is expected to improve product quality, packaging, and pricing, while also encouraging innovation.
Experts note that permanent retail spaces can also reduce dependence on middlemen, ensuring better margins for producers. For many SHG members, this could translate into higher household incomes and greater financial independence.
However, observers also point out that the success of the proposed Malda SHG Shopping Mall will depend on effective management, transparent allotment of stalls, and continued institutional support. Training in digital payments, inventory management, and customer service may be required to ensure long-term viability.
Looking Ahead
With planning still at an early stage, the Malda administration has not announced a timeline for the completion of the SHG mall. Officials said further consultations and feasibility assessments would be conducted before final approvals.
If realised, the project could serve as a model for other districts seeking to create permanent market infrastructure for women-led enterprises. For the thousands of SHG members in Malda, the proposed mall represents more than just a retail space—it signals a shift toward sustained recognition of women as key drivers of local economic growth.
