Tura, Jan 16: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, engaged with members of Self Help Groups (SHGs), entrepreneurs, and farmers from various parts of Meghalaya, mostly from Garo Hills, in a gathering at Baljek in Jengjal, West Garo Hills, on Tuesday.

The event witnessed the presence of Governor Phagu Chauhan, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Power Minister A.T. Mondal, and Education Minister Rakkam Sangma.

Addressing the audience, President Murmu praised the State Government’s efforts in promoting women-led SHGs, acknowledging the significant shift where women are now actively participating in India’s growth story.

Emphasising the empowerment of women across social, economic, political, and spiritual realms, she highlighted their pivotal role in realising India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

President Murmu stressed that women-led development thrives when women have the freedom to make choices. Economic independence, she noted, fosters self-confidence among women. She recognised the Government of India’s commitment to ensuring active female participation in the socio-economic development of the country.

While acknowledging the strides made in improving women’s participation in the workforce, President Murmu remarked that there is still a long way to go in achieving women empowerment. She urged people to recognise and support the value and qualities of women around them.

Encouraging SHG members to lead and uplift others, President Murmu stressed that their journey is not solitary but intertwined with countless women in the country. Following her address, she interacted with the assembled women, visited various stalls showcasing products by SHGs, and spent close to 30 minutes engaging with participants.

Meghalaya Governor Phagu Chauhan termed the President’s visit as historic, recognising her as an inspiration to women and the tribal community nationwide. He lauded the active participation of women in the state’s growth story and commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attention to promoting development in the North Eastern region.

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma highlighted Meghalaya’s matrilineal society, where women have played a pivotal role in economic growth and social progress. He noted the outstanding contributions of nearly 10,000 women in the state’s Self-Help Group movement and outlined policies and schemes aimed at women’s welfare and progress.

The Chief Minister also conveyed that, in addition to prioritizing health and well-being, the State government has placed a strong focus on empowering women. “We have allocated 50% of seats and the position of Secretary for women in Village Employment Councils (VECs) statewide, ensuring their equal participation in decision-making,” he stated.

Highlighting the government’s efforts over the past five years to boost Self-Help Groups (SHGs), he remarked, “Through the National Rural Livelihoods Mission, a substantial fund of 348 crores has supported over 44,000 SHGs, positively impacting 4.37 lakh households, covering 90% of rural households.”

During the programme, President Murmu also participated in the disbursement of the Community Investment Fund amounting to Rs 25 crores and loans worth Rs 32 crores, benefiting 1,422 village organisations, reaffirming the government’s commitment to empowering local communities. Additionally, she awarded certificates to three exemplary SHGs and three Village Organizations, recognizing their outstanding contributions to community development.

The President also virtually laid the foundation for the new Integrated Administrative Complex in Tura.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister detailed the state government’s initiative to facilitate credit access for women entrepreneurs aiming to expand their businesses. He shared that 200 women’s cluster-level organisations have been officially recognised as credit cooperative societies, serving to provide banking services in remote areas and fostering financial literacy among women.

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