Economic empowerment of women vital for overall development: Shyam

Our Bureau

IMPHAL | Oct 9

Policies and programmes undertaken for the welfare of the weaker sections of the society must be implemented with a sincere approach by the government officials and empowering the rural population is vital to achieve the dream of a developed Manipur.

This was stated by consumer affairs, food and public distribution and revenue minister, Karam Shyam at the inaugural function of the 10th Regional Saras Fair. The 10-day SARAS fair is organised by Manipur State Rural Livelihood Mission (MSRLM) to promote marketing of rural products and improve the livelihood of the rural poor.

He said in Manipur women shoulder the major responsibilities in a family structure, which is why the economic empowerment of women is a necessity to achieve overall economic development.

Shyam urged the people of the State to avail the benefits of the various programmes and directed the officials and representatives to assist and guide them.

Lamenting over the lack of information regarding the various policies and programmes undertaken by the government, the minister said each and every individual must take the responsibility to spread awareness of more than 110 schemes undertaken by the government under the leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

Urging the bureaucrats and officials to be cooperative and empathetic in helping the beneficiaries, the minister said support from each and every quarter of the society will help in accelerating growth and development in the State. Let us work together to become one of the most advanced state in the country, he added.

Also speaking on the occasion, M.H. Khan, principal secretary (RD&PR) said rural development is the backbone of development and Self Help Group (SHGs) is one of the most important constituent in the development process.

Pradip Chandren, State mission director, Manipur State Rural Livelihood Mission (MSRLM) said that 189 stalls have been opened for the fair including stalls from Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. He appealed to the public to visit the stalls and purchase the products to encourage the artisans.

Minister Shyam along with officials of MSRLM and RD&PR visited the stalls. During the interaction, many stall owners expressed their grievances to the minister and the officials.

MSRLM is currently implemented in Machi and Tengnoupal blocks of Tengnoupal district and in the Imphal East-I and II Blocks since 2015. The mission is planning to expand to another 12 blocks in the current financial Year.

There are 906 Self Help Groups (SHGs) covering 10,000 households. Rs 57.45 lakhs have been disbursed in revolving fund and Rs 95 lakh in Community Investment fund for 383 SHGs in May 2017.

The fair is held at the Shumangleela Shanglen, Palace Compound, Imphal and is organised by Manipur State Rural Livelihood Mission (MSRLM) department of RD&PR, government of Manipur under the sponsorship of ministry of rural development, government of India.