Shillong: On the Day-Three of her visit to Meghalaya, Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister of Finance, accompanied by Dr Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Meghalaya, drove through the stunning landscapes of Sohra (Cherrapunji) and interacted with local communities, farmers and SHG Members from Laitkynsew, Seij and Sohbar. The visit highlighted the transformative impact of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Village Organizations (VOs) in fulfilment of Meghalaya’s vision of becoming USD 30 Billion economy, by 2032.

In the remote village of Laitkynsew, Sohra, while addressing the gathering, Sitharaman commended the efforts of the Government of Meghalaya, in effectively implementing schemes of both the state and central governments, reaching every resident.

Sitharaman also lauded the efforts of SHGs in reducing Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and empowering other women. She emphasized the goal of making SHG members earn Rs 1 lakh annually, thereby becoming ‘Lakhpati Didis’. She said that PM Narendra Modi has a goal of having at least 5 lakhpati didis from every village.

“We need every village to contribute to this ambition of the CM” she said, assuring continued cooperation between the central and state governments to achieve Meghalaya’s vision.

With significant support from the Government of India, Rs 500 crores have been made available to SHGs through the Community Investment Fund, while banks have added another Rs 400 crores through linkages. Combined with members’ savings, Meghalaya’s SHGs now boast a corpus of not less than Rs 1,000 crores. Sitharaman congratulated the Government of Meghalaya for having announced an Externally Aided Project of Rs 20.93 crore to build a tourism hub in Sohbar. Other dignitaries in attendance included Balajiedkupar Synrem, MLA of Shella Bholaganj constituency; Donald P Wahlang, Chief Secretary, Dr. Vijay Kumar D, Commissioner & Secretary; senior officials from different Departments of Meghalaya, and others.