The Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) in Maharashtra has launched a flagship program, “Faral Sakhi,” aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs engaged in traditional snack production. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) of NITI Aayog, seeks to create sustainable businesses and employment opportunities for women in the region.
Faral Sakhi provides comprehensive training and resources, including a professionally managed central kitchen where women from self-help groups (SHGs) can produce high-quality festive snacks. MBMC further supports these entrepreneurs by providing sales spaces and promoting their products. During the recent Diwali season, over three tons of snacks were sold, showcasing the project’s success.
The initiative includes technical training for 25 women in business operations, facilitated by the Centre for Education, Governance, and Public Policy (CEGP Foundation). This training is designed to equip participants with the skills necessary to establish sustainable ventures and contribute to the local economy.
WEP, established by NITI Aayog in 2018 and transitioned into a public-private partnership in 2022, provides a robust ecosystem for women entrepreneurs. Its comprehensive support spans finance, market linkages, mentoring, legal assistance, and business development. Through its “Award to Reward” initiative, WEP collaborates with stakeholders to address the specific needs of women entrepreneurs and scale their businesses domestically and internationally. The program has engaged over 30,000 women entrepreneurs and aims to expand its impact through partnerships like Faral Sakhi.
Anna Roy, Principal Economic Adviser at NITI Aayog and Mission Director of WEP, emphasized the transformative potential of empowering women entrepreneurs. She highlighted the initiative’s role in fostering women-led home industries and inspiring societal change. Sanjay Katkar, Municipal Commissioner of MBMC, underlined the holistic development goals of Faral Sakhi, aiming to prepare women to lead sustainable industries and inspire future generations.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in promoting women-led development, providing a scalable model for similar initiatives nationwide.
