Holding national platforms in different regions is said to deepen cooperative federalism and inclusive growth. Examine with recent examples.

Cooperative federalism means the Centre and the States working as partners on shared goals. National platforms have started moving beyond Delhi. G20 meetings were held in many regions, and the National SARAS Mela 2026 in Vijayawada is the first National SARAS Mela held outside Delhi-NCR [1]. Such moves can deepen this partnership and spread growth, but only if the shift lasts.

Deepening cooperative federalism

• Joint ownership: The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) is co-hosting the Vijayawada Mela with Andhra Pradesh's SERP [1]. This makes the State a co-organiser rather than just a venue.
• Regional showcasing: PIB compares the move to holding G20 and BRICS meetings at regional levels [1]. Such events let States show their capacity and culture.
• Layered platforms: SARAS runs at national, state and district levels. Each State/UT holds at least two State-level Melas a year [1].

Advancing inclusive growth

• Access for distant producers: About 1,500 women SHG entrepreneurs from 34 States/UTs are selling through 650+ stalls [1]. The platform is now closer to southern producers and buyers.
• Livelihood to enterprise: SARAS Melas produce annual sales above ₹200 crore and create buyer links. This supports the 6-crore Lakhpati Didi target [1].
• Cultural inclusion: Regional textiles, crafts and food courts help keep traditional skills alive [1].

Limits

• Still Delhi-centred: The FY 2026–27 calendar keeps major events in Gurugram (22 Oct–6 Nov 2026) and New Delhi (February 2027) [2]. The Gurugram event overlaps with Vijayawada for about ten days, so the two compete for the same buyers and staff.
• Thin reach: ₹200 crore spread over 10.05 crore SHG households [3] works out to about ₹20 per household a year.
• Event, not market: A 19-day fair ends. The Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (40th Report) found that SHG credit linkage is too small to build lasting businesses [4].

Regional hosting turns national platforms into shared Centre–State projects and brings markets closer to marginal producers. To make the gains last, regional editions should rotate every year under State leadership. They should also be backed by larger SHG credit, common branding and product standardisation, as the Standing Committee recommends [4]. Done this way, regional hosting would advance cooperative federalism along with SDG 5 (gender equality) and SDG 8 (decent work).