PANAJI: Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant recognized the significant contributions of self-help groups (SHGs) to various initiatives, including the planting of 12,000 trees as part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.
He also announced the establishment of a supermarket dedicated to the sale of SHG products, facilitated through the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).
Dr Sawant made these remarks while presiding over a meeting of the Goa State Rural Livelihood Mission (GSRLM), attended by RDA Minister Govind Gaude, the Chief Secretary, officials, representatives from NABARD, and other stakeholders.
He highlighted that Goa is home to 3,250 SHGs, which have benefited from a revolving fund amounting to Rs 8.28 Crore. He explained that the funding for these schemes is sourced from a combination of 60% from the Union Government and 40% from the state.
Furthermore, he noted that banks have provided loans totaling Rs 312 Crore to SHGs across the state, and that 480 brands have been developed and are managed by SHGs under the GSRLM framework.
During the meeting, discussions were held on various topics, including the goal of increasing the number of SHGs by approximately 300-400, as well as the digitization of SHG records through e-Bookkeepers.
Dr Sawant announced that the government has raised the target for the Lakhpati Didi initiative to encompass 17,000 women, with 17,331 women SHG members already identified.
He proposed that SHG members should be provided with accident death insurance, and noted that 141 members have been registered as Bima Sakhi to promote the vision of insurance for all.
Additionally, he reported that 141 SHGs are currently engaged in the Mukhya Mantri Annapurna Yojana, operating nine canteens, and that the Start-up Village Enterprise Program has been expanded to benefit 2,039 individuals across five talukas, along with the ‘One Station, One Product’ initiative at two railway stations.