Shillong, Dec 1: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, today, inaugurated the 6th Meghalaya Saras Aajeevika Fair 2025, at U Soso Tham Auditorium in the presence of C&RD Minister Sosthenes Sohtun and others.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Chief Minister said that the day is also a celebration for the quiet revolution powered by the rural women folk. “The self help group movement is one of the most transformative community-driven programs of the state whereby the women are combining their hard work with different aspects of our culture creating opportunities for themselves and others,” he said.
Reflecting on the success of the women self help groups in the state, the Chief Minister said that it has been possible because the government has taken a different approach on governance that is not driven only by schemes but in making a difference in the lives of women, entrepreneurs, farmers and youth.
He spoke on the growth of the SHGs, reduction of MMR and economic growth of the state. “This economic growth has been because of government expenditure, capital investments to trade but also because it has been driven by the growth at the grass roots and the self help groups have added to the growth story,” he said.
He also called on creating an institutional network with motivated and hardworking SHG members and stressed that the institutional framework needs to be strengthened by increasing entrepreneurship programs.
Community cadres were felicitated and awards were presented to village organisations supporting ICDS programs where there are no Aganwadi centres and VOs that have set up Transit Homes for pregnant women.
Certificates were also given to 15 volunteers who have shown dedication in the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign.
The programme also saw the distribution of 15 Micro ATMS in collaboration with Meghalaya Rural Bank to Business correspondents, handing of loan cheques to SHGS in partnership with MRB, distribution of Cold Chain Boxes to Pashu Sakhis, the community cadres, state launch of Nayi Chetna, the national gender equality and women empowerment and launches of 50 Integrated Farming Clusters of Rs 20 Crs, Lumlang Marketing Federation and the fair.
More than 60 SHGs and rural entrepreneurs from Meghalaya and other states participated in the fair.
