Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday visited Laitkynsew and interacted with women from Self Help Groups (SHGs), Lakhpati Didis, and members of local Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
The Minister visited various stalls set up by the SHGs, showcasing locally produced items like organic teas, fruit juices, millets, handwoven clothing, and other handmade products. She took time to interact with the women behind these enterprises, praising their hard work and creativity.
In her speech, Sitharaman spoke about the progress the region has made, especially in improving roads, schools, and tourism. She appreciated the drop in maternal mortality rates and emphasized the need to keep moving forward.
She encouraged the women to be independent earners in their households and highlighted how, since 2014, the government has worked to strengthen SHGs by identifying their potential and supporting them in meaningful ways.
She said motivation grows when one sees someone from their own community succeed and called for at least five Lakhpati Didis in every village. Referring to the state’s goal of building a $10 billion economy by 2030, she stressed that every village has a role to play.
She also spoke about Prime Minister Modi’s special focus on the Northeast, noting how at least one Union Minister visits the region every month to ensure direct engagement and support.
Lahun Mary Blah, a member of the Iengrasong SHG under VO Lawei Baphyrnai shared how she began with a small clothes shop and with support from MSRLS grew it into a successful business. Today, she is a proud ‘Lakhpati kong’, earning independently and inspiring other women in her community.
