Mandya RSETI, women’s SHG bag Kaushalya Karnataka awards

The Bank of Baroda Rural Self Employment Training Institute in Mandya. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Mandya district has earned two honours at the State-level Kaushalya Karnataka-2026 Awards, with the Bank of Baroda Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI) recognised as the best-performing institute in the Mysuru division and the Arasamma Women’s Self-Help Group (SHG) selected for its successful women-led enterprise.

The RSETI was recognised by the Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood for its performance in skill development and promotion of self-employment during 2025-26. Against the annual target of training 1,000 candidates, the institute trained 1,037, achieving 104% of the target.

Of these, 920 candidates were helped to take up self-employment or secure wage employment. As many as 919 candidates started their own businesses, of whom 653 were facilitated with bank loans, while 266 established enterprises using their own funds. One candidate secured wage employment, according to a press release.

The institute’s major achievements included helping the highest number of candidates take up self-employment and facilitating bank credit for the largest number of beneficiaries during the year. It also introduced new business activities as part of its training programmes.

Mandya Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Nandini K.R. congratulated the institute’s director, officials, staff and trainers for equipping rural youth with skills and enabling them to become economically self-reliant.

Recognition for women’s enterprise

The Arasamma Women’s SHG of Keragodu Sanjeevini Federation in Mandya taluk has been selected for the award in the non-farm livelihood category under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM).

The group was recognised for successfully operating ‘Matsya Vahini – Akkana Mane Meenoota’, a mobile fish food canteen near the Mandya Zilla Panchayat office for the past one year.

Mandya Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Nandini K.R. at ‘Matsya Vahini – Akkana Mane Meenoota’, a mobile fish food canteen. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The Mandya Zilla Panchayat, in association with the Fisheries Department and the Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation, had distributed mobile canteens to 11 women’s SHGs in the district. The selected members underwent professional training before launching the ventures.

The district administration also facilitated opportunities for the groups to participate in public events, including agricultural fairs and flower shows, enabling them to expand their business.

The State Department has selected eight SHGs across Karnataka for the award in the non-farm livelihood category.

The awards will be presented at a ceremony at the Ashoka Hotel in Bengaluru on Thursday (November 5). Nandini K.R., Assistant Project Officer Sriharsha, officials of the RSETI and members of the award-winning Arasamma SHG have been invited to the function.

Published - November 03, 2026 07:54 pm IST