President Droupadi Murmu, who virtually laid the foundation for the new Integrated Administrative Complex in Tura, interacted with entrepreneurs, farmers and members of Self Help Groups or SHGs from across the State at Baljek in Jengjal, West Garo Hills and underscored participation of women in every sphere to realise Bharat’s dream of becoming developed nation in the Amrit Kaal.
Highlights of President Murmu’s Speech
Appreciated the efforts of the State Government for encouraging women-led SHGs
In the past women were hardly parts of meetings whereas today they are key part of Bharat’s growth story in current time.
Women empowerment in social, economic, political and spiritual spheres is important to achieve the country’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Bharat women have been leaving a mark and paving way for other women in every field ranging from agriculture, defence, education, entrepreneurship, science and technology, sports or any other arena. However, they just need actions of encouragement and word of appreciation.
Women’s freedom to choose will lead to the actual implementation of the women-led-development. As “economic self-reliance brings a greater self-confidence” to some length this has become a reality with all possible efforts of the Central Government.
However, to go in the direction of women empowerment there is still a long way.
Recognizing the value and qualities of the women and supporting them is the urgent need of the hour.
Consistency of SHG members is necessary as they are examples and inspiration for a large number of women, who desire to explore the growth opportunities.
After the conclusion of her power-packed address, she interacted with women for close to 30 minutes and visited various stalls put up by SHG members.
Meghalaya Governor Phagu Chauhan, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Power Minister AT Mondal and Education Minister Rakkam Sangma accompanied the President in the event.
Terming President Murmu’s visit as historic, Governor Chauhan praised her for being an inspiration to all women.
He explained about special privileges enjoyed by the women of Meghalaya, their active participation in all walks of life and their contribution to the growth story.
The Governor commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his special focus to boost development and growth in the North Eastern region.
Echoing similar sentiments, CM Sangma brought to light about Meghalaya’s women working shoulder-to-shoulder with their male counterparts since time immemorial for their society being uniquely matrilineal.
He accentuated women entrepreneurs, nearly 10,000 of them present on the occasion, have remarkably contributed to Meghalaya’s Self-Help Group movement.
Women’s empowerment, health, progress, welfare and wellbeing are the top agendas of the State Government and a host of initiatives and policies are there, including reservation of 50 per cent seats and the post of secretary in Village Employment Councils to provide them with equal share in decision making across Meghalaya, informed the CM.
Elucidating that the regime has been supportive and active into promoting SHGs in the last five years, he said Rs 348 crore have been utilised in 44,000 plus SHGs impacting 4.37 lakh households, covering 90 per cent of the rural areas, through National Rural Livelihoods Mission.
This apart, the State Government has formalized 200 women’s cluster-level organizations as credit cooperative societies to provide banking services in the remote areas and foster financial literacy among women, mentioned CM Sangma.
President Murmu handed over Rs 25 crore as the community investment fund benefitting 1,422 village organisations.
Comments