The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has created history by conducting the country’s first e-auction of food court units exclusively for women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs). This pioneering initiative is being hailed as a strong step towards promoting women’s economic empowerment and providing new livelihood opportunities to marginalized groups.
The e-auction took place on September 30, 2025, at the newly developed Akurdi Food Court. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from 97 SHGs, reflecting the growing interest among women entrepreneurs to step into business ownership.
Under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Shekhar Singh and Additional Commissioner Pradip Jambhale Patil, a total of 49 food court units were made available. The process was conducted with technical support from Reliance Auction, ensuring transparency and fairness.
To ensure equal opportunities for all communities, PCMC provided reservations across multiple categories:
2 units for SHGs of women with disabilities
1 unit for a transgender group
1 unit for COVID warrior SHGs
2 units for tribal women SHGs
3 units under DAY-NULM
40 units for SHGs registered under PCMC’s Sakshama initiative
This reservation model reflects PCMC’s commitment to inclusivity and social equity.
Bids ranged between ₹15,100 and ₹32,000.
Each unit will be allotted on a three-year lease, extendable by two years based on satisfactory performance.
Rent and maintenance charges will be borne by the SHGs themselves.
Units are strictly allotted to SHGs and cannot be transferred.
Penalties will apply in case of delays or non-compliance.
Mamta Shinde, Deputy Commissioner of PCMC’s Social Development Department, emphasized the broader vision of the initiative:
“Through the Akurdi food court, we have created a new livelihood opportunity for women’s groups. Our aim is to empower them financially, give them a chance to run their own enterprises, and bring marginalized communities into the mainstream. The transparent e-auction process ensured equal opportunity for all groups, and this initiative will not only boost self-reliance but also nurture a new generation of women entrepreneurs in Pimpri Chinchwad.”