New Delhi, Feb. 1 -- Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed setting up 'SHE-Marts' for rural women-led enterprises as she presented the Union Budget 2026-27 worth Rs.53.4 lakh crore. She delivered her ninth budget speech on Sunday, February 1.

The She MARTS initiative aims to provide women entrepreneurs with better market access, branding opportunities, and sustainable income avenues, while strengthening grassroots institutions such as self-help groups.

During the 80-minute-long speech, Sitharaman said, "Self-help entrepreneur 'SHE-Mart' will be set up as community-owned retail outlets within the cluster-level federations through enhanced and innovative financing instruments."

Sitharaman said the SHE-Marts project builds on...