KOHIMA, AUGUST 10 (MExN): The National Rural Livelihoods Mission’s (NRLM) goal of building, nurturing and strengthening institutions of the poor took a leap forward today as the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM) launched its first Block Level Federation (BLF) at Jakhama Block in Kohima district.
The Japfüphi Thenuko Block Level Federation (Japfü Range Women BLF) was launched at SAPO Hall, Jakhama by Athel O. Lotha, Joint Secretary, Rural Development and Mission Director, NSRLM.
A press release informed that the Mission Director exhorted the federation to work with dedication and sincerity and to identity deserving beneficiaries from amongst its federating units as the JTBLF will serve as an example to other districts in the days to come. In order to establish credibility and legitimacy, she encouraged members to foster good relationships with other community institutions and the banks so they can achieve their targets smoothly. She further emphasized the need for the women members to take up issues so as to minimize social evils like alcoholism, drug abuse and violence. She also advised the SRLM Jakhama Block staff to draw up proper plans for areas of intervention to better facilitate and strengthen the BLF.
A presentation on the NRLM-BLF concept was given by M. Rollan Lotha, Chief Operating Officer (Programs), NSRLM, wherein he highlighted the goals and objectives of the Mission and stressed on the need for the Mission and the community to work as partners for achieving targets. He stated the BLF will now be taking care of the federating Village Level Organizations (VLOs) which comprise of SHGs from all the 12 villages under Jakhama Block. He said the task ahead is a shared responsibility between the Mission and the Federation and eventually, the BLF will take full responsibility of the federating units once the Mission phases out. Therefore, the Federation will have to start working towards self-sustainability, he added. He further underscored the various kinds of support that the Mission would render in order to strengthen the institution, which includes capacity building support, community support funds, bank linkages, livelihood initiatives, market linkages and convergence initiatives. Bendang Aier, AGM, NABARD also briefed the gathering on facilities that can be availed through banks and the importance of thorough understanding of bank norms, terms and conditions. He encouraged taking up Income Generating Activities and mentioned facilities introduced by the Government of India through banks such as the Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme and National Livestock Mission. He further highlighted the increasing importance of banks as the government works towards maintaining transparency at all levels.
Khovi Thaprü, BDO, Jakhama RD Block underlined the need to repay loans on time in order to avail more opportunities. He encouraged the federating VLOs to come up with initiatives and innovations identified in their respective villages and assured all possible support from the department in fulfilling the initiatives.
Status report of the Block Mission Management Unit, Jakhama was presented by Kenivole Richa, Block Program Manager, BMMU Jakhama. She highlighted that the Block Level Federation comprises of 17 VLOs from the 12 villages under Jakhama Block. She said the SHGs under the Mission have received various capacity building trainings and taken up livelihood activities. Richa also informed that since inception, the SHGs and institutions under NSRLM of Jakhama Block have received a total amount of Rs. 1.32 crores in terms of start-up costs, revolving fund, community investment fund and credit linkages through banks.
The program was also attended by John Wesley Magh, BDO Tseminyu, bank managers from various banks, village functionaries, NSRLM state mission management unit staff and district and block staff.
