Image Source: Business Standard
Key Highlights
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's recent trip to Sohra (Cherrapunji) became a celebration of the achievement of Meghalaya's Self-Help Group (SHG) movement and its role in economic transformation at the grassroots. Accompanied by state officials and local leaders, Sitharaman interacted with women SHGs, farmer producer organizations, and villagers, congratulating them on their achievement at economic empowerment and social transformation.
Empowering Women, Building Economies
Sitharaman praised the effective rollout of SHG schemes by Meghalaya, stating that they were the focal point of the state's vision to become a $30 billion economy by 2032. Sitharaman lauded the government for its inclusive vision, taking development dividends to the entire citizen—urban and rural, youth and elderly.
The minister highlighted the role of the SHGs in reducing the state's maternal mortality rate, with the numbers going down from 240 to below 104 after targeted interventions and financial support to women. She complimented the emergence of "Lakhpati Didis" or women earning over ₹1 lakh annually, with an eye on the national target of five such success stories per village.
With the firm support of the state and central governments, Meghalaya SHGs boast of a corpus of more than ₹1,000 crores, thanks to the Community Investment Fund, bank linkages, and savings of the members.
Leading during Social and Economic Change
SHGs are not just enhancing livelihoods; they are spearheading a social movement towards health, education, and organic farming. Scores of villages are already well on their way to being labeled as "bio-villages" due to the initiative shown by women in sustainable agriculture.
Sitharaman's visit included a trek to the renowned Umkar living root bridge, a symbol of the state's optimal blend of tradition and innovation, and a meeting with local changemakers.
A Model for the Nation The minister pledged regular central support to Meghalaya's grassroots programmes, and urged all villages to join hands with the economic aspirations of the state. She emphasized that the SHG model, being empowering and inclusive, provides a road map for rural development in the country as a whole.
Sources: Economic Times, Moneycontrol, Times of India
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