Minister Biswajit calls for empowering rural womenfolk
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, September 09 2021:
Rural Development & Panchayati Raj minister Thongam Biswajit Singh has said that empowering womenfolk will improve socio-economic status of families in rural areas.
The minister was speaking during the observance of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav at Ucheckon Nongpok Community Hall, Kongba Khunou Awang Leikai in Imphal East district on Thursday.
The event was organised by Block Resource Centre - Start Up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP), Keirao Bitra Block, Imphal East, under Manipur State Rural Livelihood Mission.
As part of the observance, 44 Self Help Groups were provided loans and a cash award of Rs 1 lakh for the best performing SHG Award was also given to a group from Sawombung Block.
Speaking as the chief guest, Biswajit explained that establishing Self Help Groups in rural areas aims to strengthen women empowerment.
This will eliminate unemployment and enhance socio-economic status of the people in rural areas, he added.
Biswajit also said that in addition to all the support and help from the government and others, sustenance and strengthening of the SHGs depend entirely on the determination and hard work of the members alone.
Further showing support to the young entrepreneurs of the state, Biswajit expressed that an entrepreneur can help in generating employment in our society.
Speaking on the issue of training under capacity building for SHGs under different departments, he said that these trainings will enhance the value of their products in the market, while highlighting the need to look into the issue of lack of a platform for selling their products which has demoralized the members of SHG.
Minister Biswajit also talked about the Mission for Economic Empowerment of Traditional Artisans & Craftsmen (MEETAC) and its importance for the SHGs.
He asked the SHG members to contact MEETAC and to look for ways to enhance the value of their products.
He explained the need for bringing uniform development in the state.
The minister further said that the department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj has taken up various developmental activities including tree plantation drives as part of the observance of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
He said that the Mahotsav is a country-wide campaign and "we need to convert it into a Jan Andolan or mass movement," adding that such small changes in the local level can contribute in bringing a significant national gain.
Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of Independence of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements.
It may be mentioned that Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav has been inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi by flagging off 'Dandi March' from Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad, Gujarat on March 12, 2021 .
The Mahotsav will continue till August 15, 2023 .
The day's event was also attended by Ucheckon Nongpok GP pradhan Nongmai-them Jadumani Singh and Block Resource Centre president Lourembam Suni Devi among others.