Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Saturday inaugurated the 19th Regional Saras Fair here at Agartala Hapania International fair Ground and said that the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Tripura are playing a crucial role in enhancing the rural economy.
Addressing the event, the Chief Minister said that Saras fair is a platform not only to display the products of the SHGs, but also to assist the SHGs in building their confidence and ease their business. Apart from paving the way for economic development, this fair also brought about a change in social attitudes towards women, he said.
The 13-day long fair will continue till December 26. The theme of this year's Saras Mela is 'Progress of Lakhpati Didi in Tripura'.
Saras Mela plays an important role in attracting market for the products of the SHGs and empower them financially, Dr Saha said, adding that the present government has taken various steps to improve the socio-economic status of women. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also working on a multi-pronged plan for the socio-economic upliftment of women, he said.
The chief minister also said on the occasion that 3 cluster level federations of Mahila Swasahayak Dal with the help of Tripura Gramin Jivika Mission have got GI tag for their 3 products of traditional Risa, Pachhra and Matabari Peda respectively, which is a matter of great pride.
He said that currently there are more than 52000 self-help groups in the state. More than 4,73,000 women have joined these self-help groups. About Rs 70 crore revolving fund has been given to self-help groups, he said, adding that a total community investment fund of Rs 626.97 crore has also been given to enhance their livelihood.
The Chief Minister said that 3,74,184 self-help group members have been brought under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana and 3,04,374 self-help group members have been brought under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana under the initiative of Tripura Grameen Jivika Mission. Moreover, 21,801 members have been brought under Atal Pension Yojana, he added.
India sends 60 tonnes of medical aid to disaster-hit Jamaica
A fresh consignment of around 60 tonnes of emergency medical equipment, generators, and other utilities have been sent by India to Jamaica to support the country's healthcare needs and enhance their disaster preparedness.
After Hyderabad, Bengaluru, roadshow in Mumbai on Dec 16 to attract investments in NE states
After Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Kolkata, the Northeast Trade and Investment Roadshow will be held in Mumbai on Monday to attract investment in the northeastern states, officials said here on Saturday.
Amid Bangladeshi parties’ ‘long march’ security tightened along Tripura borders
Amid Bangladeshi parties’ reported march towards Indian borders along Agartala, security along the frontiers with Tripura has been further tightened, officials said.
New criminal laws will strengthen human rights of citizens: Tripura CM
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Tuesday said the three new criminal laws implemented in the country recently will strengthen the human rights of the citizens.
Amit Shah, Jyotiraditya Scindia to attend NEC meet in Agartala next week: Tripura CM
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Governors and Chief Ministers of all eight northeastern states will attend the 72nd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Agartala next week.
Bangladesh's Rs 161 crore-unpaid electricity bill to Tripura
Bangladesh owes Rs 161 crore to Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) in unpaid electricity bills and the matter has been raised with the Centre, state Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath said on Tuesday.
Nigerian, Bangladeshi nationals held in Tripura for illegal cross-border movement
In separate operations, Border Security Force (BSF) troopers apprehended a Nigerian national, three Bangladeshi nationals and an Indian tout in Tripura on Monday, officials said.
MP Kriti Devi Debbarman demands Centre to pass 125th amendment bill to empower TTAADC
Tripura Lok Sabha MP Kriti Devi Debbarman on Monday met the Union Home Minister Amiot Shah at Delhi and discussed series of issues related to the empowerment of Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).