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India Gazette
12-07-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
FM Sitharaman applauds Meghalaya's efforts in inclusive development, women's empowerment
Shillong (Meghalaya) [India], July 12 (ANI): Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday visited Laitkynsew Village, East Khasi Hills district and interacted with Women SHGs and Lakhpati Didis, and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). During her visit, she expressed her deep appreciation for the Government of Meghalaya's dedicated efforts in implementing Central and State schemes across the state. She emphasised the importance of inclusive development and grassroots empowerment to achieve the vision of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.' Meghalaya Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Ampareen Lyngdoh, was also present during the visit. Thanking the State Government for its warm hospitality, the Minister said she was leaving with 'strong memories of the remarkable efforts underway to take the schemes of both the Government of India and the Government of Meghalaya to every corner of this beautiful state.' Reflecting on her visit to the aspirational district of Ri-Bhoi and her engagements in Shillong, she highlighted how Meghalaya's development journey reflects the spirit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. 'If we truly believe in Sabka Vikas, development must reach everyone - man and woman, village and city, young and elderly, rich and poor alike,' the Minister said, adding that inclusive growth must empower every citizen to pursue their aspirations and secure a dignified livelihood. Union Finance Minister Sitharaman praised the remarkable progress made in the health sector, particularly noting the decline in the Maternal Mortality Rate in Meghalaya as a strong indicator of on-ground transformation. She emphasised the role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in bringing about this change. Since 2014, a concerted push has been made to support women's collectives by improving access to credit, training, branding support, and market linkages. The Finance Minister underscored the significance of the Lakhpati Didi initiative, which aims to ensure that at least five women in every village earn a sustainable income of Rs 1 lakh annually. 'Motivation grows when one of your own achieves success. The Prime Minister's Lakhpati Didi initiative has inspired women across the country to dream bigger,' she said. The Finance Minister reiterated the Centre's commitment to support Meghalaya in its ambition to build a $30 billion economy by 2030, a goal that aligns with India's broader developmental roadmap. 'To reach this target, every village must contribute. If Meghalaya achieves this vision, it will serve as a model and catalyst for the national goal of becoming a developed country by 2047,' the Finance Minister noted. She also highlighted the Centre's consistent focus on the Northeast, pointing out that Union Ministers have been visiting the region at least once a month, ensuring that policy support and monitoring continue at the highest level. The Finance Minister concluded with a strong reaffirmation of partnership between the Centre and the State, with Sitharaman stating, 'With the strong support of Prime Minister Modi, we are determined to work closely with the Government of Meghalaya to fulfil these aspirations.' During the interaction with the Union Minister, a powerful example of grassroots empowerment came from Lahun Mary Blah of Ieng Rasong SHG, who shared how she began with a Rs 4,000 loan to sell clothes and gradually expanded her business. Over time, she availed further credit, including a Rs 10000 Cash Credit loan to start a clothing shop and a Rs 1 lakh Community Investment Fund (CIF) loan from the CLF in 2025, which enabled her to open a tea stall and a flower boutique. Mary noted that her ventures not only boosted her income but also created local employment opportunities. Her annual income has grown from Rs 20000 to Rs 3.4 lakh, with personal savings of over Rs 4,080 in her SHG. More than financial gain, she said the journey had built her confidence, helping her grow from homemaker to businesswoman and changemaker. She expressed gratitude to the MSRLS and others who supported her journey and hoped her story would inspire more women to believe in themselves and take the first step toward success. (ANI)
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Nirmala Sitharaman in Sohra: Lauds Meghalaya's Self-Help Groups model, grassroots growth
On the Day-Three of her visit to Meghalaya, Nirmala Sitharaman Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, accompanied by Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, drove through the stunning landscapes of Sohra (Cherrapunji) and interacted with local communities, farmers and SHG Members from Laitkynsew, Seij and Sohbar. The visit highlighted the transformative impact of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Village Organizations (VOs) in fulfilment of Meghalaya's vision of becoming USD 30 Billion economy, by 2032. In the remote village of Laitkynsew, Sohra, while addressing the gathering, Sitharaman commended the efforts of the Government of Meghalaya, in effectively implementing schemes of both the state and central governments, reaching every resident. 'If we believe in Sabka Vikas, government programmes and schemes will have to benefit all men and women, city or village, elder or young, rich or poor- everyone has to get one or the other benefit,' she emphasized. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Fäst detta på din trimmer och slipp byta trimmerlina för alltid UltraCut Ta reda på mer Undo Sitharaman also lauded the efforts of SHGs in reducing the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and empowering other women. She emphasized the goal of making SHG members earn ?1 lakh annually, thereby becoming 'Lakhpati Didis'. She said that the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has a goal of having at least 5 lakhpati didis from every village in India. 'We need every village to contribute to this ambition of the Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma,' she said, assuring continued cooperation between the central and state governments to achieve Meghalaya's vision. Live Events With significant support from the Government of India, Rs 500 crores have been made available to SHGs through the Community Investment Fund , while banks have added another Rs 400 crores through linkages. Combined with members' savings, Meghalaya's SHGs now boast a corpus of not less than Rs 1,000 crores. The SHG movement is also central to realizing the Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma's vision of building a $10 billion economy by 2028, with $1 billion expected to come from SHG-driven activities. Women SHGs are also leading efforts to promote natural farming across the state. With active involvement from women SHGs, many villages are now on their way to being declared 'bio-villages'. Ampareen stated that beyond livelihoods and market linkages, women SHGs are also leading a social reform movement in health. Prior to 2020, Meghalaya recorded an MMR of around 240. This has now declined to below 104, following interventions by the health department and cash support to women through SHGs, resulting in a 50% reduction. In Siej village, Laitkynsew, under Shella Bholaganj block in East Khasi Hills,Sitharaman trekked to the iconic Umkar living root bridge, a 300-year-old marvel of sustainable architecture woven from living tree roots. She met Hally War, the architect behind the bridge, and learned how his grandparents' stories inspired his childhood resolve to create a lasting solution for river crossings.
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Business Standard
12-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
FM Sitharaman lauds Meghalaya's inclusive growth, women's empowerment
Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday visited Laitkynsew Village, East Khasi Hills district and interacted with Women SHGs and Lakhpati Didis, and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). During her visit, she expressed her deep appreciation for the Government of Meghalaya's dedicated efforts in implementing Central and State schemes across the state. She emphasised the importance of inclusive development and grassroots empowerment to achieve the vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas." Meghalaya Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Ampareen Lyngdoh, was also present during the visit. Thanking the State Government for its warm hospitality, the Minister said she was leaving with "strong memories of the remarkable efforts underway to take the schemes of both the Government of India and the Government of Meghalaya to every corner of this beautiful state." Reflecting on her visit to the aspirational district of Ri-Bhoi and her engagements in Shillong, she highlighted how Meghalaya's development journey reflects the spirit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. "If we truly believe in Sabka Vikas, development must reach everyone - man and woman, village and city, young and elderly, rich and poor alike," the Minister said, adding that inclusive growth must empower every citizen to pursue their aspirations and secure a dignified livelihood. Union Finance Minister Sitharaman praised the remarkable progress made in the health sector, particularly noting the decline in the Maternal Mortality Rate in Meghalaya as a strong indicator of on-ground transformation. She emphasised the role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in bringing about this change. Since 2014, a concerted push has been made to support women's collectives by improving access to credit, training, branding support, and market linkages. The Finance Minister underscored the significance of the Lakhpati Didi initiative, which aims to ensure that at least five women in every village earn a sustainable income of Rs 1 lakh annually. "Motivation grows when one of your own achieves success. The Prime Minister's Lakhpati Didi initiative has inspired women across the country to dream bigger," she said. The Finance Minister reiterated the Centre's commitment to support Meghalaya in its ambition to build a $30 billion economy by 2030, a goal that aligns with India's broader developmental roadmap. "To reach this target, every village must contribute. If Meghalaya achieves this vision, it will serve as a model and catalyst for the national goal of becoming a developed country by 2047," the Finance Minister noted. She also highlighted the Centre's consistent focus on the Northeast, pointing out that Union Ministers have been visiting the region at least once a month, ensuring that policy support and monitoring continue at the highest level. The Finance Minister concluded with a strong reaffirmation of partnership between the Centre and the State, with Sitharaman stating, "With the strong support of Prime Minister Modi, we are determined to work closely with the Government of Meghalaya to fulfil these aspirations." During the interaction with the Union Minister, a powerful example of grassroots empowerment came from Lahun Mary Blah of Ieng Rasong SHG, who shared how she began with a Rs 4,000 loan to sell clothes and gradually expanded her business. Over time, she availed further credit, including a Rs 10000 Cash Credit loan to start a clothing shop and a Rs 1 lakh Community Investment Fund (CIF) loan from the CLF in 2025, which enabled her to open a tea stall and a flower boutique. Mary noted that her ventures not only boosted her income but also created local employment opportunities. Her annual income has grown from Rs 20000 to Rs 3.4 lakh, with personal savings of over Rs 4,080 in her SHG. More than financial gain, she said the journey had built her confidence, helping her grow from homemaker to businesswoman and changemaker. She expressed gratitude to the MSRLS and others who supported her journey and hoped her story would inspire more women to believe in themselves and take the first step toward success.
India Today
07-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Indian Muslims hostages, not citizens: Owaisi on Kiren Rijiju's minorities remark
A war of words erupted on Monday between All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju over the latter's assertion that minorities in India enjoy more benefits and protection than the majority it "rights, not charity", Owaisi lashed out at Rijiju, accusing him of acting like a monarch and dubbing him the "Minister Against Minorities". Intensifying his attack, Owaisi said that Indian Muslims were no longer citizens of the country but hostages. advertisementRijiju shared an excerpt of his interview with the Indian Express on X, in which he said, "INDIA is the only country where the minorities get more benefits and protections than the majority community." He claimed that the PM Modi-led government had championed the principle of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas', enabling minority communities to be equal participants in India's growth story. Rijiju went further, saying, "The main point we have to understand is that minority communities are receiving more funds and support from the government than the majority community... i.e., the Hindus."Owaisi fired back swiftly, saying, "You are a Minister of the Indian Republic, not a monarch. You hold a constitutional post, not a throne. Minority rights are fundamental rights, not charity."He added that being called names like Pakistani, Bangladeshi, jihadi, or Rohingya every single day is not a "benefit", nor is being lynched or having homes and religious sites bulldozed illegally. "Is it an 'honour' to be the target of hate speeches from no less than the Prime Minister of India?" he retorted that Indian Muslims don't migrate to other countries because of the benefits provided under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's welfare schemes. "How come minorities from our neighbouring countries prefer to come to India & our minorities don't migrate?" he responded sharply, saying, "According to Hon'ble Minister Against Minorities, if we don't migrate it means we are happy. Actually, we are not in the habit of fleeing: we did not run away from the British, we did not run away during partition, and we did not run away because of Jammu, Nellie, Gujarat, Moradabad, Delhi etc massacres."He added, "Our history is proof that we neither collaborate with our oppressors nor do we hide from them. We know how to fight for our democratic rights and we will inshallah."The Hyderabad MP also took aim at the government's changes to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, which allows non-Muslims on Waqf boards."Can Muslims be members of Hindu Endowment Boards? No. But your Waqf Amendment Act forces non-Muslims onto Waqf Boards - and allows them to form a majority," he accused the Modi government of slashing scholarships for Muslim students, pointing out that the Maulana Azad National Fellowship was discontinued, and pre-matric, post-matric, and merit-cum-means scholarships were defunded or limited - all because they benefitted Muslim are now the only group whose numbers have fallen in higher education. Their presence in the informal economy has gone up. They have been among the worst-hit by your economic policies," he said, citing government further claimed that Indian Muslims are no longer treated even as second-class citizens but as hostages. "Indian Muslims are the only group whose children are now worse off than their parents or grandparents. Intergenerational mobility has reversed. Muslim-concentrated areas are the ones most starved of public infrastructure and basic services," he his rebuttal, Owaisi urged Rijiju to stop comparing Indian Muslims to minorities in "failed states" like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, and Sri Lanka."We are not asking to be compared with other minorities of other countries. We are not asking for more than what the majority community gets. We are demanding what the Constitution promises: social, economic, and political justice," he said.- EndsMust Watch
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Mizoram BJP chief urges guv to implement central govt schemes in state
1 2 Aizawl: Newly elected Mizoram BJP state president Dr K. Beichhua MLA sought the state governor's intervention in expediting Mizoram's development during a meeting with General Vijay Kumar Singh at Raj Bhavan in Aizawl on Thursday. Beichhua urged the governor to assist in the effective implementation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's several schemes to accelerate development in the state. He highlighted the urgent need to address Mizoram's socio-economic challenges, emphasising that the state's ongoing development requires focused efforts across various sectors. He also appealed for Singh's help in ensuring the smooth execution of these programmes, which are essential to improving Mizoram's infrastructure and overall welfare. Further stressing the importance of collaboration between the state and central govts, Beichhua added that the successful realisation of these initiatives would be critical in aligning with the central govt's vision of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. Singh responded positively, affirming his commitment to supporting the implementation of central govt initiatives aimed at boosting Mizoram's development. He assured the BJP legislator that necessary measures would be taken to ensure the effective delivery of these programs. The state BJP chief was accompanied by Delson Notlia, a member of the district council (MDC) of the Mara autonomous district council (MADC) and the BJP National Minority Secretary.
