Participants of the inauguration programme for the Saksham Centre at Zukhumi Federation, Chukitongblock on February 23.
Morung Express News
Wokha | February 23
The Saksham Centre at Zukhumki Federation under Chukitong Block was formally inaugurated on February 23. The Centre has been established under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) and organised by Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM), BMMU RD, Chukitong Block.
The inaugural programme was attended by Federation Executive Committee members, Self-Help Group (SHG) members, representatives from FICC, officials from BMMU and DMMU, along with invited dignitaries. Altogether, around 60 participants attended the event.
The programme was chaired by Lucy Kikon, President of Zukhumki Federation. The invocation prayer was led by Zubeni Yimkha, EC Member, while the welcome address was delivered by Ajanbeni Kikon, Block Level Sub-Committee Convenor.
An introductory note was presented by Chonbemo Kikon, ACFI, who highlighted the vision and objectives behind the establishment of the Saksham Centre. He informed that banks have financed a total of Rs 7.81 crore to NRLM SHGs in Wokha district. Emphasising the importance of Cluster Level Federations (CLFs), he stated that CLF is the largest organisation at the block level and urged women members not to miss the opportunity, noting that it is a vital institution where women can actively participate in decision-making.
The Block Programme Manager (BPM), Janthungbemo N. Ezung, presented the journey of the block under the mission, sharing how persistent efforts were made to build and strengthen institutions from SHGs to CLFs. He acknowledged both former and present leaders for achieving milestones in strengthening community institutions and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
The experience of working under FICC was shared by S. Pideno Lotha, Bima Sakhi. Saksham Manager K. Ajano Lotha spoke on the importance of the Saksham Centre and sought cooperation from all stakeholders for the smooth functioning of the office.
Imlikala, Branch Manager of Nagaland Rural Bank (NRB), Wokha, also addressed the gathering. In her speech, she highlighted the strong interconnection between banks and CLFs, both of which emphasise financial services to communities and individual members. Expressing trust in the NRLM mission, she conveyed her confidence in extending loans to NRLM SHGs, citing rigorous monitoring mechanisms and healthy bookkeeping practices under the mission.
The District Coordinator for Financial Inclusion (DCFI) further informed that the Saksham Centre inaugurated at Chukitong marks the seventh such centre to be established under Wokha district.
