In an effort to further financially empower Self Help Groups (SHGs) through sustainable livelihoods under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), identified Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) under Saipung and Lumshnong Blocks today received cheques and sanction orders under the Lakhpati Didi Initiative and Livelihood Promotion at a programme held at Sutnga Community Hall, Sutnga, East Jaintia Hills District.
Cumulatively, cheques amounting to Rs. 46,49,527 (Rupees Forty-Six Lakhs Forty-Nine Thousand Five Hundred and Twenty-seven) under Community Funds were disbursed to beneficiary SHGs and CLFs with Rs.16,00,000 being financial assistance extended by the District Mineral Foundation (DMF), East Jaintia Hills District, Rs. 29,62,027 being Viability Gap Fund (VGF) under LakhpatiDidi Initiative, Rs. 12,500 being Startup Funds and Rs. 75,000 being Revolving Fund (RF) under LakhpatiDidi Initiative. On the occasion, bankloans amounting to Rs. 70, 50, 000 were also sanctioned to 28 Self Help Groups (SHGs) under both Wapung and Saipung Blocks.
Organized by the District Mission Management Unit (DDMU), East Jaintia Hills District, the programme was graced by Sutnga-Saipung MLA, Smti. Santa Mary Shylla in the presence of Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri ShivanshAwasthi, IAS, District Mission Manager (DMM), Meghalaya State Rural Livelihood Society (MSRLS), East Jaintia Hills District, Shri Kevin Slong, WahehShnong, Sutnga Village, Shri K. Pala, Bank representatives, SHG, VO&CLF members and people of the area.
Delivering her address during the programme, Sutnga-Saipung MLA, Smti. Santa Mary Shylla, while speaking about the impact of the SHG Movement in uplifting the socio-economic status of women in particular, stated that the movement has expanded across East Jaintia Hills District with 2929 Self Help Groups (SHGs) and 17 Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) present in the district while calling on SHG and CLF members present to continue their hard work and dedication through sustainable livelihood avenues facilitated through the NRLM.
Smti. Shylla also took the occasion to congratulate the SHGs and CLFs who received the funds during the programme even as she informed that an SHG Sale Outlet is being constructed in the premises of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Khliehriat which will be a platform to showcase the products made by SHGs of the district including jams, juices and other products.
Additionally, she called upon women who are yet to be part of any Self Help Group to join the SHG movement in order to further boost their incomes and resultantly the economic progress of the district.
Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri ShivanshAwasthi, IAS in his speech stated that recognizing the work put in by SHGs and CLFs of the District towards poverty alleviation in rural areas, the District Administration, East Jaintia Hills District, through the DMF has extended financial assistance of Rs. 2 lakhs each to 8 CLFs of mining affected areas for the purpose of construction of offices.
Shri Awasthi also applauded the assistance rendered by SHG members in implementing government programmes and activities; not just those within the ambit of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) but in different other sectors, namely, health related programmes including reduction of Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), access to social security programmes including Aadhaar Enrolment, etc.
Others who spoke during the programme include District Mission Manager (DMM), MSRLS, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri Kevin Slong, Waheh Shnong, Sutnga Village, Shri K. Pala and President Hynniew Shnong CLF (Saipung Block), Smti. T. Bamon.
Following the programme, Sutnga-Saipung MLA, Smti. Santa Mary Shylla accompanied by Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri Shivansh Awasthi, IAS, BDO, Saipung Block, Dr. R. Pyrtuh, District Mission Manager (DMM), Meghalaya State Rural Livelihood Society (MSRLS), East Jaintia Hills District, Shri Kevin Slong, traditional heads and others inaugurated a Pig Hostel located at Lamyrsiang Village whose construction was funded through the DMF, East Jaintia Hills District in collaboration with DDMU, MSRLS, East Jaintia Hills District and office of the Block Development Officer, Saipung Block at and is operated by VO Lamyrsiang.
