(a) whether the Government is planning to hold melas in major
cities of the country to provide platform to Self-Help Groups, rural
artisans and craft persons to sell their products;
(b) if so, details of the programmes; and
(c) the details of the special schemes for the self-help groups?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)
(a) to (c): Under Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY), central assistance is
provided to the Swarozgaries through State Governments/District Rural Development
Agencies by creating opportunities to showcase and market their products. Ministry of
Rural Development releases funds for organisation of one regional SARAS fair in each
State during a financial year. The Central assistance upto Rs 25 lakh and Rs 20 lakh is
provided for organizing SARAS fairs in metro cities and in other cities respectively.
As regards special schemes for the self-help groups, funds for setting up haats
which facilitate sale of SHG products, are released by this Ministry as follows. Funds up
to Rs 15 lakhs can be released for creation of a Village Haat, up to Rs 1.5 crores for a
district level Haat and up to Rs 3.00 crores for a Haat at the State Capital. These funds
are shared between Centre and the States in the ratio of 75:25 while in case of Centre
and North Eastern States, the funds are shared in the ratio of 90:10.