Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The ultimate objective of the Goa State Rural Livelihoods Mission (GSRLM) is to eradicate poverty by providing sustainable livelihoods and promoting self-employment and entrepreneurship, particularly in rural areas, said Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant. He was speaking at the inaugural session of a two-day conclave in Panaji today, organized by GSRLM in collaboration with the State Level Banking Committee. The conclave brought together key stakeholders from the banking sector and members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), with the aim of equipping SHG participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance their livelihoods and improve their financial well-being. By focusing on empowering women, GSRLM hopes to drive poverty reduction and foster lasting economic change in Goa’s rural communities.
Dr. Sawant emphasized that women play a crucial role in reducing poverty and making the state self-reliant. Currently, over 3,250 SHGs operate across the state, and through various banks, these groups have collectively received loans amounting to Rs 340 crore, enabling women to start their own businesses. This financial support not only encourages women’s entrepreneurship but also strengthens their economic independence. The Chief Minister acknowledged the vital role played by both the GSRLM stakeholders and the banks in driving this transformation. “These loans are not just financial assistance; they are gateways to self-sufficiency. They provide rural women the opportunity to build businesses, generate income, and lift themselves out of poverty,” Dr. Sawant said.
In line with its mission, the government has set a target to create at least 11,000 “Lakhpati Didis” (Millionaire Sisters), who will become financially independent through the support of SHGs. This initiative reflects the state’s commitment to uplifting women and giving them the tools needed to break the cycle of poverty. Dr. Sawant stated, “Our vision is to create a new generation of women who are self-reliant and economically empowered, and the Lakhpati Didi initiative is one step toward making that a reality.”
SHG members are engaged in various income-generating activities, including tailoring, handicrafts, food processing, and small-scale farming. These enterprises help improve the economic standing of the women involved, allowing them to contribute to their households and communities. Through GSRLM’s efforts, these women are not only improving their own financial situations but also creating jobs and contributing to the broader economic development of their rural areas. The government’s vision is clear: by empowering women, the state can create a sustainable path out of poverty, while encouraging a future where women lead the charge in shaping Goa’s economic landscape.
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