Coastal Talk News | Karwar
‘Akka Cafe’ initiative, introduced in Karnataka under the Sanjeevini National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), is creating new opportunities for rural women to earn an income and build sustainable livelihoods through self-help groups.
The initiative enables women from rural self-help groups to run cafes and gain hands-on experience in food preparation, sales, customer service and book-keeping. It is also helping them develop the confidence and skills needed to run their own businesses. The scheme has received a good response in Uttara Kannada district. Akka Cafes have been already opened in Karwar and Murdeshwar. Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Women’s Self-Help Group of Kadwad started an Akka Café on the premises of the Karwar Tahsildar’s office in July 2025. The café has recorded business of around Rs. 26 lakh since its opening.
Another Akka Café run by Sri Maha Murudeshwar Self-Help Group was opened in Murdeshwar in October 2025. It has recorded business of around Rs. 18 lakh so far. The district administration has planned to establish Akka Cafes in all taluks of Uttara Kannada. Construction of cafes has been completed in Honnavar, Kumta, Yellapur and Sirsi, and they are ready for inauguration. The cafés are emerging as more than just food outlets. They are giving rural women a platform to develop their skills, earn their own income and contribute to their families as well as the local economy. The success of the cafés in Karwar and Murdeshwar shows the potential of rural women to become successful entrepreneurs when they are given the right opportunities. Kala, a member of Sri Maha Murudeshwar Self-Help Group, said the opportunity to run an Akka Cafe had brought a significant change to their lives. “Our five-member team has learnt not only food preparation and sales but also how to deal confidently with customers, maintain accounts and manage a business systematically. We have also participated in ‘Saras Melas’ held in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, which gave us valuable business experience” she said. The café has enabled the group to earn more than Rs. 1 lakh a month, she said, adding that the income has helped improve their family’s financial position. “Today, we have greater confidence and the courage to make our own decisions. We are able to meet family needs and also save for the future. The appreciation from customers motivates us further. We hope to run the cafe successfully, increase our income and secure a better future for our children and families. We also want the Akka Cafe initiative to inspire more rural women to start their own businesses and become financially independent,” Kala added.
