SHGs rise to the need for face masks
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 26 2020:
Even as the economy has been put on hold by the lockdown due to coronavirus outbreak, Self Help Groups (SHGs) under Manipur State Rural Livelihood Mission (MSRLM) are making face masks to earn income and also encourage people to wear them.
One such SHGs is Anouba Ashagi Mangal at Tellou Chana under Lamlai Assembly Constituency in Imphal East.
The SHG has distributed the masks they make from locally sourced clothes and materials to many including journalists to help contain the spread of COVID-19.Highlighting the activities of the SHGs, MSRLM Director, Yumnam Robita said that SHGs and Village Level Federation (VLFs) are successfully producing face masks helping themselves and the State in fighting coronavirus.
The MSRLM is trying to procure required raw materials from the Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation, Robita said adding that the masks will also be distributed to the MGNREGS workers soon.
Commenting on other activities MSRLM is undertaking, she said that the Mission is also availing Micro ATM facility in rural areas through business correspondents known as Bank Sakhis.
Through the service, the rural masses are enabled to withdraw small amount of money from their bank accounts without having to go to ATM.
By confirming their Aadhaar card and finger print at the comfort of their homes, people can withdraw small amount from the money they received under the many schemes of the Government including MGNREGS, she said adding the service (Micro ATM) has benefited people in areas under and Sarouthel Gram Panchayat and many other villages.
In Manipur, there are around 2,070 SHGs (Self Help Groups) and 135 VLFs (Village Level Federations).
One SHG covers approximately 2,260 households and a VLF is made up of more than 10 to 20 SHGs, she said adding one SHG is given one-time Community Investment Fund of Rs 1,10,000 to take up livelihood activities, she said.
Meanwhile, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister, Th Biswajit has lauded the SHGs for supporting the State's efforts in fighting COVID-19 by making face masks.