Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha highlighted the crucial role of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in contributing to rural economic growth during the inauguration of the SHG credit linkage and financial inclusion program organized by UCO Bank in Agartala at Sukanta Academy on Tuesday.
Dr. Saha underscored the importance of various banks in empowering SHG members, particularly women (referred to as SHG Didis), aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for women empowerment. He commended the efforts of SHG members, stating that they are setting examples in society by achieving self-reliance.
Specifically addressing the UCO Bank, Agartala branch, the Chief Minister revealed that loans amounting to Rs. 2.11 crore were disbursed to 130 SHGs. This included credit linkage for 95 new SHGs in the first phase and an additional 35 in the second and third phases, respectively.
Dr. Saha applauded UCO Bank for its contribution to improving the livelihoods of rural people through SHG accounts and credit linkage. He emphasized that such schemes play a vital role in developing entrepreneurship skills and encouraged UCO Bank branches in Tripura to continue creating more entrepreneurs.
Providing insight into the growth of SHG groups in the state, the Chief Minister mentioned that over 4.66 lakh rural women are involved in approximately 51,254 SHGs, with 19,964 women from Janajati communities participating.
The event was attended by dignitaries including CEO of TRLM (Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission) Brahrnneet Kaur, Executive Director of UCO Bank Vijaykumar N Kamble, General Manager of Financial Inclusion at UCO Bank Ranjeet Singh, Zonal Manager of Agartala Zone Raju Das, Deputy Zonal Head of Agartala Zone Ashish Sharma, and Chief Manager Saurabh Trivedi, among others.
During the program, the Chief Minister handed over a cheque of Rs. 2 lakh to the Chief Executive Officer of TRLM on behalf of 130 SHG groups in the state. Additionally, he distributed cheques to four SHGs. The Executive Director of UCO Bank praised SHG members for their entrepreneurship skills, acknowledging their significant contribution to the community.
