Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 15:
Following the publication of a report on the first ever Self Help Group for visually challenged persons in this newspaper some days back, Institute of Cooperative Management (ICM), Lamphelpat has taken the plunge and announced today that the institute would make necessary arrangements for this group to promote them to the next level i.e.to a full fledged SHG of global standard.
Speaking to some media persons at the office of Students' Welfare Association for Blind (SWAB), Takyelpat, ICM chairman Khaidem Borkeshore said that registration and other formalities of this group will be completed by the institute.
The group is now christened as Punshi Sinnai Self Help Group according to the guidelines of SHG registration.
The chairman also announced that ICM would submit a project report to Noth Eastern Financial Institute (NEFI) amounting to Rs 50 lakhs exclusively for this group.
Once this project is cleared by the funding agency, there would not be any constraint in terms of money flow, the chairman added.
Maintaining that the group is the first SHG of its kind in India, Borkeshore said that ICM would impart training to the members of the SHG with a Skill Development Programme after the current training session being given by Kasturva Gandhi Kendra, Kwakeithel is completed.
The group has already got a three-day training programme on SHG management earlier from the institute, Borkeshore said.
The chairman also said that the members would also be given Computer Training and Marketing Management skills to lift them to global standard by using computer software specially designed for visually impaired persons.
Different projects would also be submitted for funds to the Union Government and North Eastern Council (NEC), he added.
Taking part in the meet, KGK managing director Oinam Sarita expressed hope that the SHG would prove to be a success as ICM has now taken the responsibility of nurturing the group to prosperity.
She also said that her voluntary organisation would also extend full cooperation in all spheres to make the endeavour successful.
Students Welfare Association for Blind joint secretary Kangujam Ibomcha thanked the two organisations for taking keen interest in instituting the SHG.
SHG general secretary Kh Premjit urged the State Government and NGOs to extend cooperation in making their dream a success.