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.
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