MoRD and JioMart sign MoU to support artisans

The Ministry of Rural Development has signed a memorandum of understanding with Reliance Retail business JioMart. The strategic partnership is designed to empower artisans across rural India by expanding the reach of Self Help Groups in the country. 

The partnership will focus on Self Help Groups associated with the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission, Indian Retailer Bureau reported. MoRD’s additional secretary for rural livelihoods Charanjit Singh announced the MoU and noted that the partnership will enable Self Help Groups to join JioMart’s e-commerce platform as sellers to boost their income and standard of living. 
 
By onboarding rural artisans onto JioMart, these craftspeople will be able to retail their goods to a large customer base across India. The move also bolsters JioMart’s product selection and will introduce unique handicrafts onto the platform. 

Support for artisans will be provided by JioMart in the form of helping them to set up and manage seller accounts. Numerous training sessions and workshops facilitated by MoRD will familiarise rural artisans with online retail and give them the tools to run their own shops. JioMart plans to offer long-term guidance to ensure that new sellers can enjoy continued growth. 
 
Products which will be available on JioMart resulting from the MoU include cosmetics, handloom textiles and ready-made goods, home décor, and handicraft items among others. The move is part of MoRD’s wider goal of increasing income for Self Help Groups.