Biswajit promises NRLM coverage of entire state by 2019-2020

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 18

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj minister Thongam Biswajit Singh today asked the officials of the MSRLM to provide a platform for grievances to be redressed by opening a toll free number in the office.

The minister was speaking on the occasion of valedictory function of the 10-day regional SARAS fair, 2017 at Iboyaima Sumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound.

He said this toll free number will solve much of the problems faced by self-help groups (SHG) of the state. This will be also a platform to redress grievances and to know more about schemes and beneficiaries and so on. It will improve the livelihood earning activities of the SHGs, he reiterated.

The minister noted that the central National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) is already implemented in Sawombung and Keirao Bitra blocks in Imphal East, Tengnoupal, and Machi blocks in Chandel district. He said that there are plans to implement this mission in another 12 blocks this year and subsequently spread to all blocks by 2019-20.

NRLM is poverty alleviation project which poor women form themselves into SHGs tomake themselves capable for self-employment. It was implemented in the country in the year 2009.

Biswajit said that the department requires at least 276 more staff for the implementation of the mission and is preparing to seek approval of the State Cabinet for recruitment of the necessary man-power at the earliest.

He also acknowledged the importance of women in State’s society and spoke at length on women empowerment citing instances from his recent European tour.

The fair was organised by Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM), a registered society under the department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj and Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana- NRLM.

The fair which started from October 9, showcased different products of handloom and handicrafts, decorative items, plant nurseries, food items, vegetables, carpets, jewellery and so on produced by different self-help groups from all districts of the state.

Five participants from Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu also took part in the fair. Altogether 149 SHGs participated in the regional SARAS fair.

The closing function was also attended by principal secretary (RD&PR), M.H. Khan and chairman of Manipur Rural Bank, Prasanna Kumar Bal.