11 Years of Digital India: eSaras Online Market & Melas Strengthening Rural Livelihoods through Digital Commerce

Why in news

The eSaras digital commerce platform is highlighted as a significant example of transformation as the Digital India programme completes eleven years, leveraging Digital Public Infrastructure to create inclusive opportunities for citizens.

Exam relevance

GS1, GS2, GS3 · Governance, Economy, Society, Science & Technology · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. eSaras is a government-backed digital commerce platform connecting rural producers with customers nationwide.
2. It is developed by the Digital India Corporation (DIC) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD).
3. eSaras is implemented under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
4. The platform enables Self-Help Groups (SHGs), women entrepreneurs, producer collectives, and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) to market their products.
5. Over 8.99 crore SHG members sell more than 1,400 products on the eSaras portal.
6. The initiative aims to empower women entrepreneurs and FPOs, creating new income opportunities.
7. It advances the vision of creating 6 crore Lakhpati Didis by 2029.
8. eSaras is part of the broader Digital India programme, which has completed eleven years.

Prelims pointers

• eSaras is a digital commerce platform.
• It is developed by Digital India Corporation (MeitY) in collaboration with MoRD.
• eSaras is implemented under DAY-NRLM.
• Key beneficiaries include SHGs, women entrepreneurs, and FPOs.
• It is an initiative under the Digital India programme.
• The platform supports the vision of 6 crore Lakhpati Didis by 2029.

Mains practice question

Discuss the role of digital platforms like eSaras in fostering rural economic empowerment and women's livelihoods in India. How do such initiatives align with the broader objectives of Digital India and rural development schemes?

Static linkage

The news links to the Digital India programme, which aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. It also connects to the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme focused on poverty reduction through promoting sustainable livelihoods for the rural poor. The concept of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) as vehicles for rural economic empowerment is also relevant.

Significance

eSaras significantly contributes to rural economic empowerment by providing a national market platform for products from SHGs, women entrepreneurs, and FPOs, thereby increasing their income and market reach. It promotes digital inclusion by leveraging Digital Public Infrastructure to integrate rural producers into the digital economy. The platform plays a crucial role in women's empowerment by specifically supporting women entrepreneurs and SHG members, aligning with the vision of 'Lakhpati Didis'. By creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, eSaras aids in holistic rural development and poverty alleviation.