HT Correspondent
ITANAGAR, Jan 17: The Arunachal Pradesh government has set a target of creating 32,000 ‘Lakhpati Didis’ in the state, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Ojing Tasing recently said while inaugurating the 10-day SARAS Mela at the DK Convention Centre, IG Park, here.
The mela was inaugurated in the presence of advisor and Daporijo MLA Tanyia Soki and secretary Dr Sonal Swaroop.
Related Posts:
The minister inspected the stalls and interacted with women Self Help Group (SHG) members from various districts of Arunachal Pradesh and other northeastern states, while also listening to issues related to promotion and upgradation of SHGs.
Speaking to the media, Tasing said the third edition of Arunachal SARAS 2026, organised under the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM), is a vibrant platform for celebrating rural entrepreneurship and women-led SHGs.
A total of 68 stalls have been set up by SHGs with support from the state government, enabling them to showcase and market their products.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to women empowerment and assured SHGs of continued support to strengthen rural livelihoods.
As part of the programme, two women farmer producer companies received financial assistance, with Retusa WFPCL awarded ₹3.57 crore and Kenna WFPCL receiving ₹3.64 crore.
The minister also inaugurated ‘Arunima’, a dedicated retail outlet for SHG products from across the state.
He informed that the first Arunima outlet has been opened at Hollongi Airport, while another has been launched in Itanagar.
Symbolically handing over the keys of the Itanagar outlet, he said it would mark a new milestone in market access for rural entrepreneurs.
Tasing appealed to residents of the Capital Complex to visit the SARAS Mela, which will continue till January 25, 2026.
He said the mela offers a unique platform to experience handmade products, traditional cuisine, cultural heritage and the entrepreneurial spirit of rural women.
This year’s SARAS Mela has participation from women entrepreneurs representing all 25 districts of Arunachal Pradesh, along with SHGs from West Bengal, Nagaland and Manipur.
Catering units supported under ArSRLM, known as Mother Kitchens, are also participating from Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.
Apart from entrepreneurship, the mela features a vibrant cultural programme, including K-pop dance competitions, cosplay contests, traditional dance performances, pet shows and live performances by artists.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by PS Aleng, IRS, Regional Manager; CEO-cum-State Mission Manager, ArSRLM, Sangeeta Yirang, and other senior officers and officials of the RD and Panchayati Raj departments.
