State SHG members honoured at R-Day parade
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, January 29 2024:
Two Self-Help Group (SHG) members from the state namely Waikhom Nandini and Thesong Withme Monsang, having fulfilled all criteria set by the ministry of rural development, were invited as special guests' to witness the 75th Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26, as a mark of recognition of their commendable efforts in the area of rural development.
Nandini, a member of Yaralpat Self-Help Group in Kshetrigao CD Block, was honoured and felicitated by union minister of rural development & Panchayati raj Giriraj Singh for her valuable contributions to grass-roots governance.
As a member of the high-performing SHG and without any NPA, she has been invited along with her spouse to attend as special guests' at the 75th Republic Day Parade.
Nandini (38) of Top Mayai Leikai, Imphal East, has overcome many challenges in her life.
Before joining the SHG under the Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM), she faced financial difficulties, earning only Rs 2500 a month as a weaver while her husband worked as an auto-rickshaw driver.
Through the support of the SHG, Nandini took loans and invested in livelihood activities such as livestock farming.
Today, she owns her own weaving loom, and her husband owns an e-rickshaw.
Their income has improved significantly, allowing them to provide a better education for their two children.
Nandini's journey is a testimony to the transformative power of SHGs, not just as a financial institution but also as a pillar of social support within the community.
In her individual capacity, she has also taken up roles as community facilitator, and resource person, providing assistance and capacity building to numerous SHGs in her own district as well as others.
Additionally, the Yaralpat SHG has achieved remarkable milestones, such as organising vaccination programmes for animals, livestock rearing training, and COVID-19 vaccination drives in the village.
Under the PRICBO convergence project, several SHG members have benefited from various government schemes related to housing, employment, and health.
On the other hand, Thesong Withme Monsang is a resident of Laiching Kangshang village in Chandel district.
Previously a confined housewife, her life took a positive turn when she was introduced to SHG under MSRLM.
With the support of her husband, Thesong Withme started availing loans from the group to meet various needs, including her children's tuition fees and household expenses.
Over time, Thesong received training in livelihood activities and focused on establishing small-scale poultry and duck farms.
However, her true passion lies in running her fruit farm, which has over 100 mango trees, 300 lemon trees, and various banana plants.
With her first fruit harvest in 2023, she earned Rs 12,000, which she considers a promising start.
Excitingly, Thesong Withme envisions producing pickles and fruit juices for the market through SHG s food processing training opportunity.
Within the SHG, Thesong has served in various roles, including Leader-I, Executive Committee member, and currently, she holds the position of president of the Kawar Napuinu Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited.
She dreams big and finds fulfilment in her endeavours within the SHG.