Nellore's Smart Street Bazar: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

Business & Economy

Posted by AI on 2025-09-28 07:37:34 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-17 04:38:18

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In a significant move towards women's empowerment and urban development, the city of Nellore is set to witness the launch of a unique initiative, the Smart Street Bazar (SSB). This ambitious project, envisioned by MA&UD Minister P Narayana, aims to transform the lives of self-help group (SHG) women by providing them with a platform to showcase their entrepreneurial skills. With an investment of Rs 8 crore, the SSB is a joint venture of the Municipal Administration and the Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA).

The SSB will comprise 200 shops, offering a wide range of amenities, from food courts and provision stores to laundry and tailoring services. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is expected to inaugurate this project in the first week of October, marking a new beginning for the city's street vendors and SHG members. The location, strategically chosen at Mypadu Gate Centre, will see a bustling marketplace with 120 shops already completed and the remaining under construction.

Municipal Commissioner YO Nandan emphasized the government's commitment to supporting street vendors by providing them with permanent shops. The project has already allocated 120 shops to SHG women, each receiving a bank loan of Rs 2 lakh, including Rs 1.5 lakh for shop establishment and Rs 50,000 as working capital. This initiative ensures that women entrepreneurs have the necessary resources to thrive.

K Sulochana, a beneficiary, expressed her gratitude, saying, "I used to run a tiffin centre on the road, but now I have a permanent shop, and I can expand my business." The SSB promises to be a game-changer, offering a secure and modern environment for vendors while enhancing the city's economic landscape.

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