**Executive Summary**
The Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, inaugurated the Shilp Samagam Mela-2026 in Ahmedabad on February 26, 2026, scheduled to run until March 4, 2026. The event aims to economically empower marginalized sections of society and integrate them into the mainstream. The fair features 75 stalls allocated to artisans from 14 States.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Event Overview:**
* Shilp Samagam Mela-2026 was inaugurated in Ahmedabad.
* The event runs from February 26 to March 4.
* 75 stalls showcase products from artisans from 14 states.
* **Ministry's Initiatives:**
* The Ministry has organized nearly 100 Shilp Samagam Melas since 2014.
* Five melas were organized in 2025-26, with plans for more in 2026-27.
* The 'Bharat Tulip' online platform and showroom facilitate sales for artisans unable to participate directly.
* **Government Schemes and Support:**
* Various schemes are in place for the upliftment of Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Safai Karamcharis, Divyangjans, De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Senior Citizens, and the Transgender community.
* The SEED Scheme supports Women Self-Help Groups.
* The PM-SURAJ Portal, PM-DAKSH Portal, and SFMP Portal enhance transparency and efficiency in the implementation of concessional loan schemes, skill training, and scholarships, respectively.
* The ‘VISVAS’ yojana provides 5 percent interest subvention on bank loans.
* The NAMASTE scheme ensures safety and dignity for workers engaged in septic tank and sewer-related work.
* Apex Corporations under the Ministry have extended loan assistance to nearly 60 lakh individuals and their families and provided skill training to more than 6 lakh youth.
* **Products on Display:**
* The mela features a wide range of handicraft products, including Lucknowi Chikankari, Banarasi sarees, Chanderi and Maheshwari textiles, Bhagalpuri Tussar silk, Jaipuri and Kolhapuri footwear, Agate stone work, bamboo products, Kota Doria, and Carpets etc.
**Impact Analysis**
**Artisans:**
* **Impact:** Provides a direct marketing platform to boost sales and connect with new opportunities for self-reliance and dignity.
* **Action Required:** Participate in the mela to showcase and sell products or utilize the ‘Bharat Tulip’ online platform to facilitate the sale of their products
**Marginalized Communities:**
* **Impact:** Aims to economically empower and integrate these sections into the mainstream.
* **Action Required:** Utilize the schemes and initiatives launched by the Ministry for social and economic upliftment.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment: Union Ministry responsible for the 'Shilp Samagam' event and related schemes.
Shilp Samagam: A fair and initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment to provide a direct marketing platform for artisans and beneficiaries from marginalized communities.
Ahmedabad: The location of the Shilp Samagam Mela in Gujarat, noted for its association with Mahatma Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
PM-SURAJ Portal: A portal dedicated to ensuring transparent and accessible delivery of concessional loan schemes of the Ministry to targeted beneficiaries.
Bharat Tulip: The Ministry's online platform for artisans unable to participate directly in the Shilp Samagam to facilitate the sale of their products.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
“Shilp Samagam is not merely a fair, but a bridge
to self-reliance and dignity” – Dr. Virendra Kumar
inaugurates ‘Shilp Samagam–2026’
Posted On: 26 FEB 2026 6:40PM by PIB Delhi
“This is not merely an exhibition of products, but a celebration of self-reliance, dignity and social
empowerment.” With these words, the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra
Kumar, today inaugurated the Shilp Samagam Mela–2026 at ‘Vallabh Sadan’, Sabarmati Riverfront,
Ahmedabad.Extending greetings to all present on the occasion of the upcoming festival of Holi, the Minister stated that
the fair symbolizes the Ministry’s sustained commitment towards economically empowering the targeted
sections of society and integrating them into the mainstream.
The Minister informed that since 2014, nearly 100 Shilp Samagam Melas have been organized or
participated in by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment. During 2025–26, five (05) such
melas have been organized, and more are planned for 2026–27. He noted that Ahmedabad, known for its
association with the freedom movement, Mahatma Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram, and as the karmabhoomi
of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, is an appropriate venue for such an inclusive event.
The Ministry is implementing various schemes for the social and economic upliftment of Scheduled
Castes, Other Backward Classes, Safai Karamcharis, Divyangjans, De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-
Nomadic Tribes (DNT/NT/SNT), Senior Citizens and the Transgender community. The Minister statedthat fairs like Shilp Samagam provide a direct marketing platform to artisans and beneficiaries belonging
to these sections.
The mela, being held from February 26 to March 4, features 75 stalls allocated to artisans from 14 States.
A wide range of handicraft products are on display, including Lucknowi Chikankari, Banarasi sarees,
Chanderi and Maheshwari textiles, Bhagalpuri Tussar silk, Jaipuri and Kolhapuri footwear, Agate stone
work, bamboo products, Kota Doria, and Carpets etc.
The Minister further informed that for artisans who are unable to participate directly, the Ministry has
developed the ‘Bharat Tulip’ online platform to facilitate the sale of their products, which has been
integrated with various e-commerce platforms. A ‘Bharat Tulip Showroom’ has also been launched at the
mela to connect more beneficiaries with market opportunities.Under the SEED Scheme for the empowerment of De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, 5,581
Women Self-Help Groups have been formed across eight States. These groups are being provided
Revolving Funds, Entry Point Funds, and skill training. Under the health component, approximately
75,000 Ayushman Cards have been distributed.
The Minister stated that on March 13, 2024, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated the
‘PM-SURAJ Portal’ to the nation, enabling transparent and accessible delivery of concessional loan
schemes of the Ministry to targeted beneficiaries. The ‘PM-DAKSH Portal’ has been developed for skill
training, and the ‘SFMP Portal’ for scholarships. These digital initiatives have significantly enhanced
transparency and efficiency in implementation.
He further informed that under the Ministry’s ‘VISVAS' yojana, eligible beneficiaries are provided a 5
percent interest subvention on bank loans. The ‘NAMASTE' scheme ensures safety and dignity for
workers engaged in septic tank and sewer-related work. The Apex Corporations under the Ministry have
so far extended loan assistance to nearly 60 lakh individuals and their families, and provided skill training
to more than 6 lakh youth.
Expressing confidence, the Minister said that Shilp Samagam Mela at Ahmedabad will not only boost the
sales of artisans’ products but also connect them with self-reliance, dignity and new opportunities.
Concluding his address, he conveyed his best wishes to all participants and reaffirmed the Ministry’s
continued commitment to bringing marginalized communities into the mainstream.
******
S.M/D.G
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