Nirmalala Sitharaman interacts with Lakhpati Didis, women SHGs, FPOs at Laitkynsew, EK Hills
Shillong, July 12: Lahun Mary Blah of Laitkynsew village in East Khasi Hills district is among several Lakhpadi Didis who had the rare opportunity to narrate their stories of success to union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday.
Sitharaman, on her third day of visit to Meghalaya, interacted with women SHGs and Lakhpati Didis, and farmer producer organisation (FPOs) in the village.
Expressing her gratitude to Meghalaya State Rural Livelihood Mission (MSRLM) for its assistance in her ventures, Mary said her annual income has grown from Rs 20,000 to Rs 3.4 lakh, with personal savings of Rs 4,080 in her Ieng Rasong SHG.
She started with Rs 4,000 loan to sell clothes and gradually expanded her business with further credit of Rs 10,000 to start a clothing shop and Rs 1 lakh loan from Community Investment Fund (CIF) that enabled her to open a tea stall and a flower boutique.
During the interaction with the finance minister, Mary noted that her ventures not only boosted her income but also created local employment opportunities. More than financial gain, she said, the journey had built her confidence, helping her grow from homemaker to businesswoman and changemaker.
Earlier, Sitharaman underscored the significance of 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.
Meanwhile, she expressed her appreciation for state government’s dedicated efforts in implementing central and state schemes.
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 Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
State minister for agriculture and farmers’ welfare Ampareen Lyngdoh accompanied the union finance minister during the visit.
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 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 union finance minister reiterated the Centre’s commitment to support Meghalaya in its ambition to build a $30 billion economy by 2030.
“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,” she 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.
