Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha emphasized the state government’s commitment to the economic empowerment of rural women as he inaugurated the 19th Regional SARAS Fair-2024 on Saturday.
Highlighting the success of Self Help Groups (SHGs) across the state, CM Saha said that 4.73 lakh women from 52,000 SHGs have become successful entrepreneurs. “These women are not only sustaining their livelihoods but also significantly contributing to Tripura’s rural economy,” he stated.
To support SHG initiatives, banks have disbursed loans worth Rs 1,414 crore, fostering business growth and quality production among rural entrepreneurs. The state government has also provided Rs 70 crore as a revolving fund and Rs 626 crore as community investment to further strengthen self-reliance among rural communities.
The Chief Minister underscored the importance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign, mentioning that the GI tag recognition for Matabari ‘Peda’, a milk-based delicacy, and the traditional tribal attire ‘Risha’, highlights the craftsmanship and cultural significance of local products.
“SARAS Fair is not just a platform to sell rural products but a showcase of the skill, enterprise, and potential of rural communities,” said Saha. The 13-day fair facilitates interaction among SHG members, artisans, and industry experts to enhance the quality and marketability of locally produced goods.
To ensure security for SHG members, they are covered under various insurance schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that such initiatives would inspire rural entrepreneurs and boost their economic activities.
The SARAS Fair has seen significant growth, with products worth Rs 1.5 crore sold in 2022-23 and Rs 4.5 crore in 2023-24. This year, over 400 stalls have been set up under the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) to promote a wide array of rural products.
