WOMEN PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN MAKING THE STATE SELF-RELIANT, REDUCING POVERTY: CM
Panaji: July 1, 2025
The ultimate objective of the Goa State Rural Livelihoods Mission (GSRLM) is to eradicate poverty by providing adequate livelihoods and providing people with sustainable opportunities and promoting self-employment and entrepreneurship among them stated Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Swant while addressing the gathering comprising stakeholders of banks and members of SHGs at the inaugural function of the two-days conclave of State Level Bankers in Panaji, today.
The function was organized by the Goa State Rural Livelihoods Mission (GSRLM) with the support of the State Level Banking Committee. The objective of the conclave is to equip participants of Self-Help Groups with the required knowledge and skills to enhance the livelihood and financial well-being of SHG members in rural areas.
The Chief Minister said women have an important role in making the State self-reliant and reducing poverty. There are around 3250 SHG functions in the State. They have been given loans of Rs 340 crores through various banks to start their own business ventures thereby encouraging women entrepreneurship and in doing so the stakeholders of GSRLM play an important role. The bakers have also equally helped in this endeavor the Chief Minister added.
The Chief Minister further said that with the implementation of schemes for livelihood in rural areas, the Goa government has set a target of having at least 11,000 ‘Lakhpati Didis’ in the State in the days to come . He said Women’s SHG in Goa can become a self-sufficient and financially independent group.
The Chief Minister also said the women led programmes launched by the Government are with the intention of empowering women. He said that the members of SHGs are engaged in income-generating activities such as tailoring, handicrafts, food processing, or small-scale farming and are helping to improve the economic well-being of the members of SHGs.
The former Deputy General Manager of State Bank of India and key resource person of the Conclave, Shri Tilak Das highlighted the efforts and commitment towards the empowerment of women in Goa. The various SHGs engaged in various economic activities will help them to become self-reliant, he said adding that GSRLM is a unique project of Goa Government working towards reduction of poverty and enhancing livelihood. SHGs, he said, also have to understand bookkeeping, financial management, loan procedures, and income-generating activities.
Earlier, the Project Director, DRDA (North) and Director, Department of Rural Development, Shri Premraj Shirodkar welcomed the guests whereas the Project Director, DRDA South Smt Dipali Naik proposed the vote of thanks.
DI/NB/DB/AXP/NP/2025/438