Budget 2026: Sitharaman Unveils 'SHE Marts', Girls' Hostels to Empower Women

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced new initiatives for women in the Union Budget 2026, aiming to further empower them.
• The government plans to establish 'Self Help Entrepreneur - SHE Marts' as community-owned retail outlets for women entrepreneurs from self-help groups (SHGs).
• This initiative builds on the success of the Lakhpati Didi scheme, moving women from credit-linked livelihoods to enterprise ownership.
• Over two crore women have already become 'Lakhpati Didis', achieving an annual household income of at least ₹1 lakh.
• Additionally, the budget proposes setting up one girls' hostel in every district across the country.

Why It Matters: Budget 2026 introduces 'SHE Marts' and girls' hostels to boost women's entrepreneurship and empowerment nationwide.