Arunachal SHGs Collaborate to Manage Inspiring Rs 300 Cr Fund: CM Khandu
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Synopsis
Arunachal Pradesh's CM Pema Khandu announced that Self Help Groups manage a corpus of Rs 300 crore, showcasing the power of collective efforts in challenging terrains. The SARAS Fair highlights these achievements and promotes local artisans.
Key Takeaways
- Rs 300 crore corpus managed by SHGs.
- Over 1600 'Lakhpati Didis' certified.
- Focus on women empowerment and entrepreneurship.
- Annual SARAS Fair connects artisans to markets.
- New initiatives to support rural artisans launched.
Itanagar, Jan 14 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, announced on Monday that state Self Help Groups (SHGs) and federations now manage a remarkable corpus pool of approximately Rs 300 crore. This achievement highlights the significant impact of collaborative efforts in the challenging terrains of the state.
While speaking at the SARAS fair, he expressed his delight at the progress towards transforming SHG members into Lakhpati households, with over 1600 'Lakhpati Didis' certified in the first phase.
“This accomplishment stems from their diligence, resilience, and diverse livelihood ventures, including agriculture, horticulture, livestock rearing, and small businesses,” Khandu stated, praising the commitment of officials from the Arunachal State Rural Livelihood Mission (ArSRLM) who support the SHGs.
The Chief Minister mentioned that they have identified 29,000 potential SHG members and initiated capacity-building programs to help them become ‘Lakhpati Didi’. These personal and communal successes demonstrate the strength of unity and the entrepreneurial spirit among women, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of “Vocal for Local” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.
“The development of India is tied to the progress of the North East, which in turn depends on Arunachal's growth. The advancement of Arunachal is linked to the development of its villages, which will flourish when the women in these villages thrive,” the Chief Minister noted.
The SARAS Fair, held annually by the state government, serves as a vital link between skilled rural artisans and broader national and international markets. It provides a platform to exhibit the rich cultural heritage, handicrafts, handlooms, and organic products of local villages while supporting sustainable livelihoods. SHGs from across the state showcase their creations at the fair.
Khandu reaffirmed the government's dedication to empowering SHGs by facilitating access to training, credit, and market opportunities. “Their involvement in the SARAS Fair symbolizes their hopes and successes, and I commend their unwavering spirit,” he stated.
During the event, the Chief Minister introduced the Handloom, Handicraft, Crochet, Knitting and Embroidery Cluster Initiative under ArSRLM, aimed at assisting rural artisans involved in these crafts. This initiative will develop Master Trainers statewide through specialized Design Development Training programs.
To bolster these clusters, each will receive seed capital support of Rs 2 lakh. This initiative seeks to enhance the skills of rural artisans through advanced training and design expertise, promote sustainable livelihoods, create income-generating avenues for women and marginalized groups, and conserve and promote Arunachal Pradesh's traditional arts and crafts while aligning them with modern market needs.
Khandu revealed that to connect farmers with markets, the state government has partnered with the Indian Army and ITBP in Arunachal Pradesh to supply fresh vegetables, fruits, and other food products.
He indicated that as the system becomes streamlined, it will evolve into a significant marketplace for locally produced goods. SHGs from Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Assam, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, and Jharkhand are also participating in the SARAS Fair.
