Phek, May 7 (DIPR): Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM) BMMU, Phek observed ‘Aajeevika Evam Kaushal Vikas Diwas’ on May 5 at DRDA conference hall, Phek.
Deputy Commissioner of Phek, Shanavas C (IAS) highlighted the various government schemes and poverty alleviation programmes and stressed on the importance of agriculture and its allied activities, which is the main occupation of the rural sector of Nagaland. He further emphasized on the need for modern village, food processing units and how to link with markets and other institutions. Poor connectivity of road is the main challenge for the rural poor, the DC noted.
Project Director, DRDA and DMM, NSRLM Phek, Azenuo Pienyu spoke on the aims and objectives of the Mission and stated it witnessed appreciable achievements with dedicated Mission Management Unit of 29 blocks and 9 districts.
The Mission aims to reduce poverty through building grassroots community institutions by targeting to reach out to the poorest of the poor rural women and to enable them to come out of poverty through meaningful engagement in livelihood, Azenuo informed. She dwelt on the importance of forming Self Help Groups (SHGs) and encouraged them to put more effort and work with team spirit.
Director of DoNER, GoI, Mercy Epao highlighted various government schemes and programmes and individual rights as a citizen of India. She asked the community to avail all the rights and entitlements. Speaking on the bank linkage, Mercy told the participants to pay the loan on time for a better economy.
Field Officer, NSCB Ltd Phek, S Kahoto Zhimomi spoke on the various schemes and credit linkage, where SHGs as well as individuals can avail loan from the bank provided they are following all the Panchasutras.
Assistant Manager of Entrepreneurs Associates Thrift & Credit Cooperatives Federation Ltd (EATACOL), Phek, Welhikhro Mero dwelt on the micro finance bank, saving schemes, loan schemes and home based activities.
Senior Call Responder, State Resource Centre for Women, Chothalu Phesao spoke on gender equality, violence and abuses faced by the women. She encouraged the women to come forward to fight for their rights. She also mentioned the importance of toll free number 181, a government programme to help women in distress and to empower them.
The programme, attended by 150 people comprising government officials, bankers, NGOs, SHGs and NSRLM staff, also saw sharing of success story by Lurhukro SHG from Kustapo village, which won the best SHG Award.
