Khliehriat, Oct 27: 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 in Sutnga, East Jaintia Hills District.
Cheques amounting to Rs. 46, 49,527 under Community Funds were disbursed to beneficiary SHGs and CLFs with Rs 16 lakh being financial assistance extended by the District Mineral Foundation (DMF), Rs. 29, 62,027 as Viability Gap Fund (VGF) under Lakhpati Didi initiative, Rs 12,500 as startup funds and Rs. 75,000 Revolving Fund (RF).
On the occasion, bank loans amounting to Rs. 70. 50 lakh were also sanctioned to 28 SHGs under both Wapung and Saipung Blocks.
Sutnga-Saipung MLA Santa Mary Shylla, Deputy Commissioner Shivansh Awasthi, District Mission Manager of the State Rural Livelihood Society (MSRLS) Kevin Slong, Waheh Shnong of Sutnga K. Pala, bank representatives, SHG, VO & CLF members and residents of the area were present at the function.
In her speech, Shylla stated that the SHG movement has expanded across East Jaintia Hills district. She said there are 2,929 SHGs and 17 Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) present in the district and urged them to continue their hard work and dedication through sustainable livelihood avenues facilitated through the NRLM.
Shylla 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.
She called upon women who are yet to be part of the SHG movement to join in order to further boost their incomes and resultantly the economic progress of the district.
The Deputy Commissioner in his speech said that recognising the work put in by SHGs and CLFs of the district towards poverty alleviation in rural areas, the district administration, through the DMF has extended financial assistance of Rs. 2 lakhs each to eight CLFs of mining affected areas for the purpose of construction of offices.
He 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.
A pig hostel located at Lamyrsiang village constructed through the DMF was also inaugurated on the occasion.
