Our Correspondent
Kohima, March 31 (EMN): Secretary of Rural Development, Hokhuli K Chishi, on Wednesday stated empowerment of women should first start at grassroots from villages to town and further through self-help groups (SHG).
She stated this while addressing the valedictory programme of Regional SARAS Fair 2021 in Kohima which was organised by the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM). Chishi asserted that there is no exception to what a women cannot do as they excelling on all fronts and added that the Prime Minister's 'Atmanirbharat' (self reliant India) is in tune with Naga women's immemorial self-reliance. However, the official pointed out that the right platform was not given then.
With the opportunity now being given to the women, she advised them to make use of the privilege in the society. She told the participants not to belittle of themselves- their self help group (SHG) but give more efforts saying that self respect would follow suit.
The official maintained that a day would come for the women to get respect when they learn to come out of home from doing their household chores by proving themselves that they are capable of bringing changes. She expressed her appreciation and happiness with the 22 participating SHGs from all districts of the state saying the week-long fair was not a waste but rather an enriching experience.
Meanwhile, the officer urged the department and NSRLM to empower the women and encourage them through SHG-Federations and also take SHGs members for exposure outside the state.
Further, she told the participants to share their experience and encourage their friends, families and villages when they go back home. She also commended the officials of NSRLM for the tasks of convergence of SHGs making marketing links for them and further exuded confidence that it would bring rich dividends in future.
A brief report of the fair was presented by the programme manager (PM) of livelihoods (Non-farm), Tiasenba. He informed that 22 SHGs with two members each accompanied by one district staff took part in the week-long fair. He also stated that a total of INR 11.51 lakh sales were made during the fair in which Kohima district recorded the highest sale with INR 2.36 lakh.
Time for experience sharing was also given to Peilungdi of Heuchu SHG from Jalukie block in Peren district, Kughali of Sapheni BLF from Satakha block in Zunheboto district and Boholi of Alovi SHG from Sitimi block in Kiphire district.
On the occasion, awards were also handed over to the winners of different categories. Krouvi Krotho SHG from Chiephobozou block was awarded for the best display; while Phon Roka SHG from Wokha block was awarded for best customer service; Heuchu SHG from Jalukie block was awarded for the highest sales and Teroto Naro VLO from Chuchuyimlang was awarded for the most hygienic stall. Winners of each category were awarded with a cash prize of INR 10,000 and a certificate.