DIMAPUR — The ANMA Integrated Development Association (AIDA), in collaboration with the State Bank of India Foundation (SBI Foundation), Mumbai, has successfully implemented the SBI Gram Seva programme and is currently rolling out the SBI Gram Saksham programme in the Chümoukedima district.
As part of the endeavour, an event was held on June 25 at the Urra village market shed. The event included allotment of market sheds to four adopted villages of the SBI Gram Seva programme namely Bade, Diezephe, Khriezephe and Tsithrongse and a community leaders’ orientation programme for 10 selected villages under SBI Gram Saksham including Bade, Diezephe, Khriezephe, Murise, Razhaphe Bawe, Seluophe, Tsithrongse, Urra, Vidima and Virazouma.
The event was attended by Hubert AS Wungshim, AGM RBO, SBI Dimapur, as the special guest; Rev. Fr. Roy George SDB, AIDA executive director, and Rev. Fr. Nebu Mathew SDB, rector of Don Bosco, Dimapur, as the guests of honour.
An update from AIDA stated that one among the several infrastructure development activities carried by AIDA under the SBI Gram Seva programme was the construction and renovation of a six lane-market sheds and market office in Urra village. Besides, common market toilet and rainwater harvest facility and concrete dustbins of two champers were also constructed.
The allotment of market sheds to the four adopted villages was set for a term of 10 years for each village from 2023 to 2033. The handover was facilitated by Kelengulie Yaotsu, chairman of Urra village council, which was presented to the four adopted village leaders by the special guest and guests of honour.
It stated that the initiative of AIDA and SBIF highlighted a significant step towards promoting efficient trading and collaboration among villages, leading to community empowerment.
Speaking on the occasion, Wungshim emphasised that economic development starts at the grassroots. He noted that many villages across India still face development challenges and expressed gratitude to AIDA for partnering with SBIF to implement those projects.
“Today, initiatives like these projects are promoting collaboration and engagement between different villages towards sustainable rural development,” he said.
It mentioned that the SBI Gram Saksham project, which started on October 1, 2023, was set for 12 months and aims to create supplementary livelihood opportunities through sustainable pig-rearing practices in 10 villages in Chümoukedima district.
The project focused on benefiting 150 unemployed women and housewives by supporting them with a total of 150 pig sheds and 330 piglets.
Also speaking at the event, Rev. Fr. George emphasised the importance of local leadership in driving sustainable development. He stated that the SBI foundation and AIDA are handing over the projects to the villages believing that the local leaders would continue and sustain the implemented activities. He urged the community leaders to take responsibility and ensure the long-term continuity of the activities.
"Empowering village leaders and community representatives is crucial for the long-term success of the programme and project initiatives. Through this training, we aim to create a network of capable and motivated individuals who can lead their communities towards a brighter future,” he said.
Rev. Fr. Nebu Mathew, in his message, congratulated the villages and urged them to use the facilities provided to improve themselves.
The event was attended by over 110 village leaders and beneficiaries and the orientation session was facilitated by Rev. Fr. Roy George SDB.