eSARAS, developed under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY‑NRLM) by the Ministry of Rural Development, connects women‑led SHGs to national markets; as of 1 July 2026 it is integrated with ONDC expanding buyer reach to over 20 crore.
Key features
- Implementing body: Ministry of Rural Development under DAY‑NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana).
- Model: Digital storefronts for women‑led SHGs enabling direct sales without intermediaries.
- Coverage: 8.62 crore women SHG members have storefront access (data to Feb 2024); ~85% linked via the Ministry network across 7,627 blocks.
Integration & market access
- ONDC integration: eSARAS listed on 11+ buyer applications; market access estimated at 20+ crore potential buyers (1 July 2026).
- UMANG linkage: eSARAS available on UMANG; UMANG hosts 2,572 government services and recorded 796.69 crore transactions (June 2026).
- Logistics & tech: Dedicated eSARAS mobile application and fulfilment centre for processing, packaging and shipping (operational by 1 July 2026).
Products & presence
- Catalogue size: 800+ handcrafted products via eSARAS‑ONDC, including Chanderi sarees, Rajasthan marble handicrafts and J&K Pashmina.
- Product categories: Home & living; apparel & accessories; personal care; food; children’s toys.
- Retail showcase: SARAS Shakti Collection for institutional procurement and SARAS Aajeevika Gallery at Baba Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- DAY‑NRLM: A Centrally Sponsored Scheme focused on SHG formation, livelihood promotion and financial inclusion under the Ministry of Rural Development.
- ONDC: Open Network for Digital Commerce is an open‑protocol layer enabling interoperability across buyer and seller applications.
- Digital public infrastructure: eSARAS exemplifies integration of a sectoral marketplace with national digital commerce architecture.