Cluster system, CFCs to strengthen women’s enterprises: Minister

Minister for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Kondapalli Srinivas on Monday stated that the State government is dedicated to promoting economic prosperity for women. He announced the implementation of a cluster system in every district with an investment of Rs 5 crore, along with the creation of Common Facility Centres costing Rs 10 crore each.

The Minister spoke after inaugurating the All-India Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas (DWCRA) Bazaar–2025 at the AU Engineering College Grounds, organized by the District Rural Development Agency and the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty. He mentioned that exhibitions like SARAS are being promoted to provide effective marketing platforms for products created by women’s Self-Help Group members.

Referring to the recent SARAS exhibition in Vizianagaram, which recorded business transactions worth Rs 12 crore, the Minister expressed confidence that the Visakhapatnam event would achieve higher sales due to better arrangements and market access.

Later, the Minister, along with Visakhapatnam East MLA Velagapudi Ramakrishna Babu and District Collector M N Harendhira Prasad, visited the stalls and interacted with women entrepreneurs. He said the exhibition was organised in response to requests from SHG members and announced that the next SARAS exhibition would be held in Guntur.

District Collector M N Harendhira Prasad said 250 stalls, including food stalls, have been set up and cultural programmes will be organised for visitors. He assured that all necessary facilities have been provided for women participants and reiterated the government’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment.