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Gujarat to Launch Namo Swadeshi Urban Malls in Four Cities for Local Artisans

The Gujarat government has announced the establishment of 'Namo Swadeshi Urban Malls' in four major cities—Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot—under the Gujarat Urban Livelihood Mission. With a budget allocation of Rs 45 crore, these permanent marketplaces aim to provide organized retail spaces for local artisans, women's self-help groups, and small-scale industries to sell their products year-round. The initiative builds on the success of temporary Swadeshi Melas and aligns with national campaigns like 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. Officials state the malls will foster a direct producer-consumer link and host exhibitions to further promote indigenous goods.

Key Points: Gujarat's Namo Swadeshi Malls to Boost Local Products in 4 Cities

  • Permanent retail spaces for indigenous products
  • To be set up in Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot
  • Rs 45 crore allocated in state budget
  • Part of Gujarat Urban Livelihood Mission
  • Aims to support artisans, SHGs, small traders
2 min read

Namo Swadeshi Urban Malls planned in four Gujarat cities to expand market for indigenous products

Gujarat govt allocates Rs 45 crore for permanent urban malls in Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara & Rajkot to market indigenous goods from artisans & SHGs.

"The malls will allow consumers to access a variety of indigenous goods in a single location while helping create a direct connection between buyers and producers - Officials"

Gandhinagar, March 12

Permanent retail spaces dedicated to indigenous products will be set up in four major Gujarat cities under a state initiative aimed at expanding markets for local artisans, self-help groups and small traders.

On Thursday, the state government announced that 'Namo Swadeshi Urban Malls' will be established in Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot under the Gujarat Urban Livelihood Mission (GULM), creating permanent urban marketplaces where locally-produced goods can be sold directly to consumers.

The initiative is being implemented by the Urban Development and Urban Housing Department as part of efforts to strengthen the sale of indigenous products and support livelihoods in urban areas.

According to the government, the malls will provide organised and modern spaces where artisans, women associated with self-help groups, street vendors and small-scale industries can display and sell their products.

The programme builds on earlier 'Swadeshi Melas' organised across Gujarat's urban centres.

During the state's Urban Development Year 2025-26, such fairs were held in 16 municipal corporations as part of a plastic-free Swadeshi (indigenous) Festival.

The events offered temporary platforms for artisans, vendors and small traders to showcase locally-made products and reach urban buyers.

Officials said the proposed malls are intended to convert that temporary model into a permanent marketplace, enabling producers to access a stable retail outlet throughout the year.

Nationwide, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promoted campaigns encouraging domestic manufacturing and the use of indigenous goods, including 'Make in India', 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Har Ghar Swadeshi'.

The state government said the new urban malls are aligned with those initiatives and are aimed at encouraging citizens to purchase locally-made products.

"The malls will allow consumers to access a variety of indigenous goods in a single location while helping create a direct connection between buyers and producers," officials said.

Apart from regular retail activity, the facilities may also host fairs and exhibitions showcasing products made by local artisans and small enterprises.

The state government has allocated Rs 45 crore in this year's budget for the establishment of the 'Namo Swadeshi Urban Malls' and for organising future Swadeshi Melas.

Officials said the project is intended to expand marketing opportunities for artisans, women's self-help groups and street vendors while promoting the sale of domestically-produced goods in Gujarat's major urban centres.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Good step, but I hope the focus is on quality and fair pricing. Sometimes at these melas, prices are inflated just because it's "swadeshi." Need to ensure value for money for consumers too.
A
Arun Y
As someone from Surat, I welcome this. Our city has amazing artisans and small-scale industries, especially in textiles. A dedicated mall will help them compete with big brands and get the recognition they deserve. 🙏
S
Sarah B
I'm an expat living in Ahmedabad, and I love buying local crafts. This will make it so much easier to find authentic Gujarati products in one place. Looking forward to visiting!
K
Karthik V
45 crore is a significant investment. Hope there is transparency in how the spaces are allocated to vendors and that the real grassroots artisans benefit, not just those with connections. The intent is noble.
M
Meera T
Building on the success of the Swadeshi Melas is smart. The temporary fairs in Rajkot were always crowded. A permanent setup will help build customer loyalty and brand identity for our local products. Well done Gujarat!

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