Our Correspondent
Imphal, Oct. 14 (EMN): Chief Minister N Biren Singh said that Manipuri women play a major role in the economic development of the state.
The chief minister was addressing the inaugural function of the 16th Regional SARAS Mela, 2022, held at Iboyaima Shumangleela Shanglen, Palace Compound on Friday.
The Regional SARAS Mela organised by Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM), Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Government of Manipur, will continue till October 23.
Singh said the contribution of both men and women of a family are needed to lead a quality life and added that women are playing a bigger role in the development of a society.
He recalled the contribution of Manipur women during the Nupi Lal and the freedom struggle and said tribal communities are also now taking a greater part in nation building.
Informing that more than 41,000 tribal entrepreneurs of the state have been benefited under the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana, the chief minister appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his far-sighted vision and initiatives to improve the livelihood of the people.
He continued that the Prime Minister had taken up various schemes for the welfare of the people with the new slogan ‘Sabka Sath-Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas-Sabka Prayas.’
Singh maintained that the aim of the present government is to ensure access to quality and secured life of its citizens.
He also said the law and order of the state has considerably improved and added the state government has been putting in every possible effort to maintain peace in the state.
The chief minister expressed happiness on learning that various SHGs have obtained FSSAI approval for their products and also accessing the market platforms like Amazon for selling their products.
He further stressed the need for improved value-addition of farm produce, proper and hygienic packaging so that the products could be exported outside the State.
He informed that the state government was considering setting up marketing platforms for various products produced by certain SHGs. He also assured to extend every possible help from the government.
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj minister Y Khemchand said people are now rightly accessing the benefit of bank loans for improving their earning and source of livelihood. Members of various SHGs are gaining knowledge on income, expenditure and savings, he added.
Among other, state mission director, MSRLM, N Bandana Devi, DC Imphal East Kh. Diana Devi, officials of MSRLM and members of SHGs attended the programme.