Manik Saha on Monday said women-led self-help groups (SHGs) are playing a major role in strengthening Tripura’s economy and contributing significantly to the State’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). The Chief Minister highlighted the growing success of women entrepreneurs and stated that more than one lakh women in the state have already emerged as “lakhpati didis”.
Addressing a programme organised by the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) at Rabindra Bhavan in Agartala, the Chief Minister praised rural women for becoming financially independent through self-help groups and livelihood activities.
He said around 4.95 lakh rural women are currently associated with 55,569 SHGs across the state. According to him, these groups are helping women become self-reliant while also contributing to the socio-economic development of Tripura.
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CM Manik Saha praises women-led SHGs
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Manik Saha said the growing participation of women in livelihood programmes reflects a positive transformation in Tripura’s rural economy. He stated that women-led SHGs have become an important pillar of economic development in the state.
The Chief Minister noted that the success of self-help groups has created new employment opportunities and encouraged women to become financially independent. He also said that the government is committed to supporting women through various welfare and livelihood initiatives.
Saha highlighted that the concept of “lakhpati didis” is helping rural women improve their standard of living. Women associated with SHGs are now earning sustainable incomes through agriculture, handicrafts, food processing, livestock farming, tailoring, and small-scale businesses.
According to the Chief Minister, the rise in women-led entrepreneurship is also helping strengthen families and rural communities. He added that economic empowerment of women remains essential for the overall development of the state.
The programme organised by TRLM witnessed participation from SHG members, officials, and women entrepreneurs from different parts of the state. Several successful SHG members also shared their experiences during the event.
Over one lakh women become ‘lakhpati didis’
Chief Minister Manik Saha said that more than one lakh women in Tripura have already achieved the status of “lakhpati didis”, referring to women who earn annual incomes exceeding Rs 1 lakh through livelihood activities.
The achievement reflects the expanding success of rural livelihood schemes and women empowerment programmes implemented in the state. Officials stated that women are increasingly taking part in income-generating activities with the support of SHGs and government assistance.
The Chief Minister said the government has been focusing on improving access to financial support, training programmes, and market opportunities for women-led groups. As a result, many rural women have successfully transformed small businesses into stable sources of income.
Women associated with SHGs are involved in various sectors including weaving, handicrafts, poultry farming, fisheries, organic farming, and food products. These activities are not only helping families earn livelihoods but are also contributing to local economic growth.
Saha further said the government wants more women to become entrepreneurs and achieve financial independence. He added that empowering women economically also leads to greater social empowerment and confidence.
TRLM playing important role in rural development
The Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission has emerged as one of the key institutions supporting women-led self-help groups in the state. Through financial inclusion, skill development, and livelihood support, the mission has helped thousands of women improve their economic condition.
Officials said SHGs formed under TRLM have become successful models of community participation and rural development. Women members are being trained in entrepreneurship, savings management, and sustainable livelihood practices.
The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of TRLM officials and field workers for encouraging rural women to join self-help groups. He said the mission has played a significant role in connecting women with government schemes and economic opportunities.
Under different livelihood programmes, women are also receiving support in the form of bank linkages, subsidies, training workshops, and product marketing assistance. These measures have helped many SHGs expand their businesses and improve productivity.
Experts believe that SHGs have become an effective tool for reducing poverty and promoting financial inclusion in rural areas. In Tripura, the growing network of women-led groups has strengthened local economies and created community-level support systems.
Women empowerment remains government priority
Chief Minister Manik Saha reiterated that women empowerment remains a major priority for the state government. He said several schemes and welfare initiatives are being implemented to ensure better opportunities for women across Tripura.
The government has focused on promoting education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and skill development among women. Saha said economic empowerment through SHGs has become one of the most successful initiatives in this direction.
He also pointed out that women in Tripura are actively participating in various sectors and contributing to the state’s development journey. Their growing involvement in economic activities is helping improve household incomes and rural living conditions.
The Chief Minister urged women associated with SHGs to continue expanding their businesses and inspire others to join livelihood programmes. He said the government would continue extending support to strengthen self-help groups further.
Many women participants at the event expressed satisfaction over the opportunities created through SHGs. They said the programmes have helped them become financially secure and gain confidence in managing businesses independently.
SHGs strengthening Tripura’s economy
The rapid growth of women-led self-help groups is now being seen as an important contributor to Tripura’s economy. With lakhs of women participating in livelihood activities, SHGs are helping generate income at the grassroots level and improving rural economic stability.
Experts believe that the increasing number of “lakhpati didis” highlights the success of women empowerment programmes in the state. The rise in women entrepreneurship is also expected to strengthen Tripura’s rural economy further in the coming years.
Chief Minister Manik Saha’s remarks at the TRLM programme underlined the government’s focus on inclusive growth and economic participation of women. As self-help groups continue to expand across the state, they are likely to play an even bigger role in Tripura’s development and progress.
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