Union Minister of State for Steel & Rural Development Faggan Singh Kulaste on Tuesday said that Manipur has a huge number of Self Help Groups (SHGs). These SHGs will facilitate in increasing employment in the State. He was speaking during inspection of Overhead Water Tank at Khangabok Water Supply Scheme, Overhead Water Tank at Sangaiyumpham Water Supply Scheme at Khangabok Cluster Thoubal District and upgradation of Health and Wealthness of Tentha GP to Primary Health Centre, Tentha. The robust growth of SHGs is a big achievement for the country, especially for womenfolk, he said . He said that the SHG is a concept to facilitate women in starting a business to improve the financial condition of their families and help them to become financially independent. He continued that any shortcomings will be sorted out through discussion with the State government as well as at the Central level. The Minister of State also commended the SHG members for producing good quality items and said the government will try to ensure that raw materials are locally available. Minister PR, RD Biswajit said that the projects inspected today are taken up under the RURBAN Mission to develop the rural areas. He said that these projects are undertaken from time to time at approved blocks. An additional block has been identified at Ukhrul and work will commence soon, adding that another three blocks will soon get recognition soon. Biswajit said that these development projects are undertaken as part of the Prime Minister’s vision of a New Atma Nirbhar Bharat with special focus on health sector and provision of drinking tap water in every household of the country. He urged the Union Minister to increase budget for MGNREGS and released fund on time. He also instructed the officials to complete all works of NREGA by September. Kulaste also encouraged the officials to promote DDU-GKY Scheme as this scheme will help in providing employment to the youth in the State. Kulaste along with Biswajit also attended an interaction programme with members of various Self Help Groups at Ebudhou Thongju Lakpa Community Hall. The interaction which was also attended by Imphal East DC Smt. Khumanthem Diana and other officials was organised by the Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM), Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Government of Manipur. Kulaste said that the Overhead Water Tanks inspected today at two different water supply schemes were constructed at the costs around Rs.3.crore (approx) each under the Shyama Prasad Mukherji RURBAN Mission.
