Shillong, July 12: When Lahun Mary Blah of Ieng Rasong Self-Help Group (SHG) took a modest loan of ₹4,000 to begin selling clothes in her village, she could not have imagined that she would one day be interacting face-to-face with the country’s Finance Minister.

On Friday, Mary stood before Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the latter’s visit to Laitkynsew village in East Khasi Hills, to share how small, determined steps transformed her life.

“I started with ₹4,000, then expanded with a ₹10,000 cash credit loan to open a clothing shop. Later, I received a ₹1 lakh Community Investment Fund loan, which helped me start a tea stall and a flower boutique,” she said. Today, her annual income has grown from ₹20,000 to ₹3.4 lakh.

Mary noted that her ventures not only boosted her income but also created local employment opportunities. Her annual income has grown from Rs 20000 to Rs 3.4 lakh, with personal savings of over Rs 4,080 in her SHG. More than financial gain, she said the journey had built her confidence, helping her grow from homemaker to businesswoman and changemaker.

She expressed gratitude to the MSRLS and others who supported her journey and hoped her story would inspire more women to believe in themselves and take the first step toward success.

Mary spoke during an interaction with Women SHGs, Lakhpati Didis, and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), which Sitharaman and others attended.

During her visit, Sitharamam expressed her deep appreciation for the Government of Meghalaya’s dedicated efforts in implementing Central and State schemes across the state. She emphasised the importance of inclusive development and grassroots empowerment to achieve the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”

Meghalaya Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Smt. Ampareen Lyngdoh was also present during the visit.

“I am leaving Meghalaya with strong memories of the remarkable efforts underway to take the schemes of both the Government of India and the Government of Meghalaya to every corner of this beautiful state,” the Minister said.

Accompanied by Meghalaya’s Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Smt. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Sitharaman lauded the state government’s commitment to inclusive governance. Her visit spanned engagements in Shillong, the aspirational district of Ri-Bhoi, and interactions in East Khasi Hills.

Highlighting the spirit of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047, she said: “If we truly believe in Sabka Vikas, development must reach everyone—man and woman, village and city, young and elderly, rich and poor alike.”

The Minister commended Meghalaya’s progress in the health sector, particularly the drop in maternal mortality rate, calling it a “strong indicator of on-ground transformation.”

SHGs, she stressed, have been key drivers of this change. Since 2014, they have received support in the form of credit, training, branding, and market linkages. The Lakhpati Didi initiative—aiming for at least five women in every village to earn ₹1 lakh annually—has been a cornerstone of this effort.

“Motivation grows when one of your own achieves success,” Sitharaman said. “The Prime Minister’s Lakhpati Didi initiative has inspired women across the country to dream bigger.”

Pledging continued support, she reiterated the Centre’s commitment to help Meghalaya become a $30 billion economy by 2030, noting that every village’s participation is essential.

“The success of Meghalaya will be a model for the nation. If we aim for a developed India by 2047, states like Meghalaya must lead the way,” she said.

She also pointed to the Union Government’s consistent focus on the Northeast, with Union Ministers making monthly visits to ensure policy support reaches the grassroots.

Sitharaman reaffirmed the Centre’s partnership with the state. “With the strong support of Prime Minister Modi, we are determined to work closely with the Government of Meghalaya to fulfil these aspirations”, she said​.

Also Read: Finance Minister visits Laitkynsew, interacts with SHG members and farmers

Also Watch

Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.

Also, Follow us on-

Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub

Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020

Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub

Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub