Sat Oct 04 14:11:23 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The article reports on the inauguration of an “Akka Cafe” in Dharwad, India, on October 4, 2025. This cafe is part of a state government initiative under the National Livelihood Mission, aimed at empowering women economically by providing them with opportunities to run their own businesses. The Akka Cafe is operated entirely by women from self-help groups. Labour Minister Santosh Lad emphasized the cafe’s potential as a boon for women’s economic empowerment. The state government has approved the establishment of 50 such cafes across the state.

**News Article:**

**Dharwad Opens “Akka Cafe” to Empower Women Entrepreneurs**

**HUBBALLI, INDIA – October 4, 2025 -** A new “Akka Cafe,” operated entirely by women from self-help groups, was inaugurated in Dharwad today, marking a significant step towards women’s economic empowerment in the region. The initiative is part of the state government’s Akka Cafe scheme, announced in the 2024-25 budget and implemented under the National Livelihood Mission.

Labour Minister and district in-charge Santosh Lad, who inaugurated the cafe near Dharwad Zilla Panchayat, stated that the Akka Cafe, run by the Kamadhenu women self-help group of Kabbenur village, would be a boon for women seeking financial independence.

“The government has approved the setting up of 50 Cafe Sanjivini (Akka Cafe) across the State which will be run entirely by women,” Lad said during the opening ceremony. “In Dharwad district, such cafes are being set up after identifying suitable land and releasing the necessary grants.”

The Akka Cafe scheme aims to reduce poverty in both urban and rural areas by encouraging women to take up livelihood activities.

Navalgund MLA N.H. Konaraddi and other local dignitaries were also present at the inauguration. Following the ceremony, Minister Lad and other attendees inspected the food preparation facilities and sampled the cafe’s offerings.

A seven-member committee, led by the Joint Director of Food and Civil Supplies, has been formed to oversee the implementation of the Akka Cafe scheme in Dharwad district. Two such cafes have already been approved for the district, signifying the government’s commitment to empowering women through entrepreneurship.

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