Sond inaugurates PEHEL Mart to support women, rural talent

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The North News
Chandigarh, October 1

Punjab has opened an exclusive marketplace to showcase handmade and organic products created by women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from across the state. The “PEHEL Mart”, launched by the Punjab State Rural Livelihood Mission (PSRLM), was inaugurated on Wednesday at the Punjab Civil Secretariat in Chandigarh by Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, along with Chief Secretary KAP Sinha and senior officials.

The store will offer visitors a range of products reflecting Punjab’s cultural heritage, including phulkari, juttis, suits, honey, pickles, squash, oils, masalas, papad, soaps and candles. Officials said the initiative is aimed at giving rural women direct access to markets while promoting sustainable livelihoods and self-reliance. Sond said the Mart represented a step forward in rural development and women’s empowerment. “PEHEL Mart stands as a testament to the resilience, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Punjab’s rural women. It will enable SHGs to reach new markets and become drivers of sustainable growth,” he said.

The event was attended by senior officials including Administrative Secretary Ajit Balaji Joshi, Joint Development Commissioner Shena Aggarwal, PSRLM CEO Varjeet Walia, ACEO Rupali Tandon and Secretary General Administration Gauri Parasher Joshi. Members of SHGs also showcased their products.

PSRLM said the launch reaffirmed its commitment to supporting rural talent, sustainable livelihoods and women’s empowerment across Punjab.