The Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Sammelan (RGVS) 2026, organised by the Ministry of Rural Development, concluded with a renewed commitment to accelerate the vision of Viksit Gram, Viksit Bharat through stronger Centre-State collaboration, community-led development and technology-driven governance.
Held over two days, the national conclave brought together Rural Development Ministers from States and Union Territories, senior government officials, experts, representatives of State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs) and development partners to review the implementation of flagship rural development programmes and chart the next phase of India’s rural transformation.
The Sammelan was inaugurated by Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the presence of Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani and Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan.
A major focus of the conference was the implementation of the VB-GRAMG Act, 2025, along with a comprehensive review of key flagship schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), rural skill development programmes and the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP).
Discussions centred on strengthening rural development planning, empowering Gram Panchayats, expanding women-led livelihoods, improving rural housing and connectivity, and promoting climate-resilient livelihoods. Delegates also explored the use of digital technologies to achieve the government’s target of creating 6 crore Lakhpati Didis by 2029, while successful models from various states were showcased for wider replication.
Highlighting the growing impact of women’s collectives, the Ministry noted that DAY-NRLM now supports over 10 crore women organised into Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The deliberations focused on strengthening women-led enterprises through improved access to finance, digital innovation, branding and market linkages.
To further promote rural entrepreneurship, the Ministry launched the ‘SARAS Shakti’ Collection and unveiled the ‘SARAS Shakti’ Coffee Table Book during the event.
The SARAS Shakti Collection showcases a curated range of premium products created by women Self-Help Groups from across the country, while the coffee table book highlights the diversity, quality and market potential of SHG products, reinforcing efforts to position rural enterprises in premium institutional and consumer markets.
The Sammelan also highlighted the expansion of Saras Aajeevika, the national marketing initiative under DAY-NRLM. Since the launch of the first Saras Mela in 1999, the initiative has evolved into a nationwide marketing platform encompassing more than 25 state brands and generating over ₹200 crore in annual business through rural fairs.
Delegates from states including Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Bihar, Kerala and Telangana, along with representatives from other States and Union Territories, visited the Saras Aajeevika Gallery, which showcased a wide range of handlooms, textiles, handicrafts, home décor, wellness products and traditional foods produced by women entrepreneurs.
The exhibition featured regional crafts such as Phulkari from Punjab, Pashmina from Jammu & Kashmir, Ikat and Telia textiles from Telangana, and Paunchei from Mizoram, alongside traditional handicrafts including Meenakari, Dokra art, brasswork and woodcraft. It also highlighted the achievements of Lakhpati Didis, demonstrating how branding, product development and market linkages are enabling rural women to build sustainable enterprises.
The Ministry said the Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Sammelan reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening community institutions, expanding sustainable livelihoods and creating wider market opportunities for rural entrepreneurs, while emphasising that close collaboration between the Centre and States will be critical to achieving inclusive and self-reliant rural economic growth.
