The Gujarat government has announced plans to establish permanent retail spaces dedicated to indigenous products in four of the state’s major cities, aiming to expand market access for local artisans, self-help groups, and small traders. The initiative, titled ‘Namo Swadeshi Urban Malls’, will be set up in Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot under the Gujarat Urban Livelihood Mission (GULM).

The malls will provide modern, organized marketplaces where locally produced goods can be sold directly to consumers. The project is being implemented by the Urban Development and Urban Housing Department as part of broader efforts to strengthen the urban sale of indigenous products and support livelihoods in Gujarat’s growing cities. According to officials, the spaces will benefit artisans, women associated with self-help groups, street vendors, and small-scale industries by providing them with year-round retail access.

This initiative builds on the success of previous Swadeshi Melas organized across urban centers in Gujarat. During the 2025-26 Urban Development Year, such fairs were held in 16 municipal corporations as part of a plastic-free Swadeshi Festival. These temporary events offered artisans and small traders platforms to reach urban consumers, and the government now aims to convert this model into permanent marketplaces.

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The project aligns with national campaigns promoting domestic manufacturing and indigenous products, such as Make in India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and Har Ghar Swadeshi, championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Officials noted that the new malls will allow consumers to access a variety of locally made goods in one location while fostering direct connections between buyers and producers.

In addition to regular retail operations, the facilities are expected to host fairs and exhibitions showcasing products by local artisans and small enterprises. The state government has allocated Rs 45 crore in the current budget for establishing the Namo Swadeshi Urban Malls and organizing future Swadeshi Melas.

Officials emphasized that the initiative aims 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 centers. By creating permanent, organized retail spaces, the government hopes to support local livelihoods and encourage citizens to prioritize indigenous products.

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