HT Correspondent
ITANAGAR, July 11: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt General K T Parnaik (Retd) on Friday interacted with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from across the state at a special event held at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar, organised in collaboration with the Arunachal State Rural Livelihood Mission under the Department of Rural Development.
According to an official statement, the Governor lauded the contribution of SHGs, especially the ‘Lakhpati Didis’, and called them pillars of a Viksit Arunachal.
Related Posts:
During the event, the Governor and the First Lady of the State, Anagha Parnaik, visited SHG exhibitions showcasing traditional crafts, organic produce, and innovative products.
Expressing appreciation for the entrepreneurship on display, they purchased several items, which will be distributed to underprivileged individuals in the districts, reinforcing the value of every purchase in empowering rural women.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor stressed the need for setting up dedicated SHG Product Marketing Hubs in key towns such as Itanagar, Ziro, Tezu, Pasighat, Namsai, Aalo, Bomdila, and Tawang.
While the Government can provide the infrastructure, he said, the leadership and ownership must come from the SHGs themselves.
He envisioned these hubs as vibrant SHG Bazaars that reflect the strength, creativity, and enterprise of rural women.
Drawing from his experiences during district visits, the Governor urged SHG members to embrace modern technology, digital marketing, and branding while remaining rooted in traditional knowledge.
He encouraged the women to formally register their ventures, build identifiable group brands, and participate in exhibitions to take Arunachal’s products beyond state borders.
The Governor called upon SHGs to coordinate with cooperative societies to identify potential markets, both within and outside Arunachal.
He assured support in terms of providing working offices and market spaces at the district level in coordination with Deputy Commissioners and the administration.
Underscoring the need to build institutional capacities, the Governor urged SHGs to launch a ‘Train the Trainers’ initiative to develop Master Didis who can guide other groups in key areas such as business management, accounting, hygiene, packaging, and customer service.
He also encouraged the documentation of SHG journeys for a proposed ‘Voices of Change’ series to inspire others and celebrate grassroots achievements.
Recognising the pivotal role women play in society, the Governor urged SHG members to actively participate in social causes such as the fight against drug abuse and tuberculosis, promoting sanitation, and ensuring children complete basic education.
He said that their engagement would significantly contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Responding to issues raised by the SHG members, the Governor assured that he would recommend improved transport facilities, greater CSR participation by business houses, and the establishment of SHG product outlets at airports and in metropolitan cities to enhance market access.
The Governor stated that Arunachal’s SHGs exemplify the transformation envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi under the Lakhpati Didi initiative.
He said these groups are demonstrating how women can generate wealth with dignity, reshape the rural economy, and contribute to building a developed Arunachal and India.
He also reiterated that Raj Bhavan will remain a committed partner in their journey, providing support and recognition.
The Governor felicitated three exemplary SHGs—Mete Dene Cluster Level Federation from Papum Pare, Namker Kiyer Mother’s Kitchen Unit from Kurung Kumey, and Engo Koje SHG from Pasighat—for their innovation and impact. Secretary of Rural Development Dr Sonal Swaroop briefed attendees on the Lakhpati Didi initiative, and the programme saw participation from 69 SHGs representing 22 districts.
Commissioner (Agriculture Production) Vivek Pandey, Commissioner to the Governor Pawan Kumar Sain, and CEO of the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission Sangeeta Yirang were also present.
The event concluded with a High Tea hosted by the Governor and the First Lady to celebrate the spirit of women-led development in the state.
