Mandya: A new initiative to promote women’s economic empowerment and self-reliance will soon take shape in Gandhi Nagar here with the establishment of Stree Mart. On Monday, Mandya MLA P Ravikumar Ganiga inspected the proposed site along with senior officials and reviewed the arrangements for implementing the project.Stree Mart is planned as a dedicated marketplace where women entrepreneurs and self-help groups can market and sell products made by them. The facility is expected to provide a common platform for a wide range of products, including food items, handicrafts, household articles and other locally-made goods, enabling women producers to directly reach consumers.The MLA said that the initiative should go beyond merely providing a sales outlet and instead emerge as a centre for entrepreneurship, skill development and sustainable livelihoods. He encouraged women to participate in marketing and sales as it would help create new employment opportunities and make them financially independent.He directed officials to prepare a comprehensive plan covering the availability of land, infrastructure and other essential facilities, with special emphasis on the convenience and requirements of women. Financially independent women, he said, contribute significantly to the economic stability of families and the overall development of society.Zilla panchayat CEO KR Nandini, Mandya City Municipal Council commissioner Pampashree and other officials were also present.Infra project proposed for MIMSA Rs 50-crore infrastructure development project has been proposed to strengthen the Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) and its teaching hospital, with a focus on modern classrooms, academic facilities and upgraded student hostels. MLA Ganiga inspected the proposed sites along with DC Kumara and senior officials.During the inspection, the MLA held discussions with engineers and officials about the proposed construction. He stressed the need to design facilities keeping in view the growing number of medical students and the institute’s future requirements.
